Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Launches with Early Access Now Live

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta is officially live. Early access for pre-order players began on August 21 and runs through August 25, offering the first opportunity to experience multiplayer, a campaign mission, and other new features ahead of the game’s full launch on October 23, 2026.A second open beta weekend will follow from August 28 to September 1, available to all players with no pre-order required. This marks one of the most substantial beta tests in recent Call of Duty history, including campaign content for the first time alongside multiplayer and Warzone elements.Early Access DetailsThe early access period is restricted to players who pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC (via Steam, Battle.net, or the Xbox app). Eligible players can download the beta from their respective storefronts and jump in during the current window.Content available in the first weekend includes:The single-player campaign mission “Entrenched” Multiple multiplayer maps such as Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus, and Kill Block Core modes including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search and Destroy, and others Specialized modes like Kill Block (10v10 and 3v3) and a Mobility Course for practicing movement systems Players can also unlock beta rewards that carry over into the full game, including operator skins and weapon blueprints, by progressing through levels during the test.Open Beta ExpansionThe open beta starting August 28 expands access to everyone, including players on Nintendo Switch 2. Additional content will arrive for the second weekend, such as:More multiplayer maps Ground War modes A new Warzone Resurgence map called Zodiac Expanded weapons, equipment, and progression up to a higher level cap Progression and unlocks from the early access period will carry over into the open beta, allowing players to continue building on their progress.What’s New in Modern Warfare 4Infinity Ward has overhauled several systems for this entry, including movement, Gunsmith customization, and killstreaks. The beta is designed to gather player feedback on these changes while giving the community an early look at the multiplayer sandbox and campaign storytelling.The inclusion of a full campaign mission in the beta is a notable first for the franchise in recent years. It provides a taste of the single-player narrative before the full game arrives in October.Warzone integration continues as well, with the new Zodiac Resurgence map set to debut during the open beta weekend. This keeps the free-to-play battle royale experience closely tied to the annual Modern Warfare release.How to ParticipatePre-order players can already access the early access beta on supported platforms. For the open beta, no purchase is required—simply download the beta client when it becomes available on August 28.An active online multiplayer subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate / Xbox Live Gold equivalent) may be needed on console. Cross-progression is supported across platforms for players with linked Activision accounts.Why the Beta MattersCall of Duty betas have become a key part of the annual launch cycle, serving both as a stress test for servers and a major marketing moment. With Modern Warfare 4 positioned as a significant evolution of the series, the feedback collected over these two weekends will influence final balance, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements ahead of launch.Early player impressions during the first weekend have already begun circulating, focusing on gunfeel, map design, movement fluidity, and the new systems. Activision and Infinity Ward are expected to issue ongoing patches based on community input while the beta is live.Looking AheadThe early access window closes on August 25, followed by a short break before the open beta begins on August 28. The full game is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.