Activision Sets Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta for August 21 Early Access and August 28 Open Weekend

Activision has announced the beta schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Early access for players who preorder will run from August 21 to August 25. The open beta, available on all platforms including the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time, will take place from August 28 to September 1.

The open beta does not require a preorder or access code. The game is set to launch on October 23. According to the official Call of Duty blog and reports from Windows Central, Activision has not yet specified a start time for the early access weekend, only noting that it begins immediately after this year's Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast.

How to Get Early Access to the Modern Warfare 4 Beta and When the Open Weekend Runs

The early access period from August 21 to August 25 is available only to players who preorder any edition of Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, or PC via Steam, Battle.net, or Xbox on PC. According to Windows Central, preorder-based early access does not apply to the Nintendo Switch 2, which is limited to the open beta weekend.

Some early access codes have also been sent to viewers of Call of Duty live stream events, including the Fanatics Fest showcase. Activision has not announced how the beta client will be distributed. Previous Call of Duty betas, such as those for Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7, were delivered via updates through the Call of Duty HQ launcher.

The open beta is free and available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. No preorder or code is required to access it. Players can get in through the Call of Duty HQ launcher, which needs to be installed before the beta begins.

This marks the first time a Call of Duty beta includes the Nintendo Switch 2.

What to Expect From the Modern Warfare 4 Beta and How to Prepare

Call of Duty beta periods usually feature limited playlists with only core modes available, rather than the full rotation of maps and modes planned for launch. Windows Central reports that hardcore playlists are unlikely to be included during either beta weekend. Instead, the beta mainly serves to evaluate gunplay, movement, and map design before the game’s official release.

Activision has not released the list of maps or modes for either weekend. Based on an earlier alpha build, Windows Central notes that movement feels slower than in Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7.

They also mention that weapon sight adjustments address gunplay issues seen in previous Modern Warfare titles. The new Kill Block map appears in promotional materials for the beta.

Feedback collected during beta periods has influenced the final game. For example, Treyarch adjusted door placement in Black Ops 6 following player input.

Players wanting early access on the first weekend should confirm the following before August 21: pre-order the standard or Vault edition on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, or PC via Steam, Battle.net, or Xbox. Switch 2 preorders do not include early access.

Install the Call of Duty HQ launcher ahead of time, since the beta client will likely be delivered as an update through HQ rather than as a standalone download.

Redeem any early access code received through a Call of Duty live stream event on the platform where the beta will be played, as codes are platform-specific. Make sure to reserve enough storage space before downloading, as past beta clients have required tens of gigabytes.

Check that your online subscription is active if needed, as multiplayer access on consoles often depends on PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core. Players who do not pre-order only need to install Call of Duty HQ before August 28.

Modern Warfare 4 Launch Date, Editions, and Preorder Bonuses

Modern Warfare 4 is developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. It is scheduled to launch on October 23 for Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC through Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox on PC. The standard edition is priced at $69.99, while the Vault Edition costs $99.99.

Digital preorders will grant early access to the campaign starting October 16, one week before the full release. The Vault Edition includes the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack, Special Forces Operator Pack, Signature Weapon Collection, one season of BlackCell, and a DMZ Deployment Bonus.

Activision has not yet confirmed the exact start time for the early access on August 21, nor has it revealed the download size for either beta client, or which maps and modes will be available during each weekend.

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