Activision has officially confirmed the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer beta schedule. The beta runs across two weekends in late August: Early Access from August 21–25 for pre-order players, followed by a full Open Beta from August 28–September 1 that is open to everyone — including Nintendo Switch 2.
The Early Access window kicks off immediately after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast on August 21, marking the first time a Modern Warfare beta has started right after the annual showcase.
MW4 Beta Schedule
| Weekend | Dates | Who can play |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend One — Early Access | August 21 – August 25, 2026 | Pre-order players on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 & PC |
| Weekend Two — Open Beta | August 28 – September 1, 2026 | All players on all platforms (no pre-order required), including Nintendo Switch 2 |
Exact clock times have not been published yet and remain subject to change. Activision points players to callofduty.com/beta for the latest official details as the windows approach.
How to Get Early Access
Pre-order any edition of Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, or PC (Battle.net, Xbox on PC, or Steam) to lock in Weekend One Early Access.
- Digital pre-orders on platform stores or through the Call of Duty in-game store are automatically registered — no beta code required.
- Physical pre-orders (or digital codes from participating retailers) include a 13-character Early Access code. Redeem it at callofduty.com/betaredeem while logged into your Activision account.
Before Early Access begins, players who redeemed a code will receive an Early Access Beta token via email for the platform they selected at redemption.
Open Beta Without a Pre-Order
You do not need to pre-order to try Modern Warfare 4 before launch. Weekend Two (August 28–September 1) is open to all players on all supported platforms, regardless of pre-order status.
That includes Nintendo Switch 2. Switch 2 pre-orders begin on August 26, and Switch 2 players can jump into the Open Beta weekend starting August 28. Nintendo Switch Online is required for Switch 2 beta play.
What's in the Beta?
Activision's overview promises a substantial Multiplayer test: multiple maps and modes, a wide selection of brand-new Operators, and unlocking as many as 19 different weapons. Expect everything from small-scale 3v3 skirmishes to larger tactical battles featuring tanks and more.
Confirmed highlights include:
- Kill Block — the adaptive live-fire map set in the West Bridge Advanced Military Training Facility, which made its public debut in 10v10 Gunfight at Fanatics Fest NYC
- Search & Destroy and other new and returning modes
- The Training Mobility Course
- Loadout building with weapons, Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, Perks, and Killstreaks — with optional help from Gunny
More gameplay intel, exclusive beta rewards, and additional surprises are expected in the weeks ahead.
Vault Edition Content in the Beta
Players who pre-order the Vault Edition get extra firepower during the Multiplayer beta:
- Hostile Alliance Operator Pack: Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix (Price and Valeria can be masked or unmasked via the emote system)
- Special Forces Operator Pack: COM SFT (France), KSK Amphibious (Germany), SK Special Forces (South Korea), and SAS (United Kingdom)
- Signature Weapons Collection: base weapon + Blueprint (with Apex Attachment) for Kastov 762 / Voltspine, ISO Nightshade / La Sombra Venenosa, Rezi 12 / Shattered Code, Oris 8.6 / Volt-Edge, and Combat Knife / Sombra Besada
Call of Duty: NEXT — August 21
Before Early Access goes live, tune into Call of Duty: NEXT on August 21 for a global event featuring live gameplay, an in-depth briefing on Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer content, developer insights, and new reveals ahead of the beta.
What's Next
Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23, 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. For a living rundown of dates, platforms, codes, and FAQs, bookmark our MW4 Beta hub.
We'll keep covering every official update as Activision confirms preload windows, exact start times, and more beta rewards.
Source: Modern Warfare 4: Open Beta Dates, Call of Duty: NEXT, Fanatics Fest Recap, and Serialized Weapon Camo Pre-Order Bonus — Call of Duty Blog, July 2026. Summary by Chandler Bellgrave.
Source: official Call of Duty / Activision information, cross-checked against the MW4 archive. This page is an independent reference.