Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4's first beta goes live this weekend, with early access starting Friday, August 21, 2026, at 7pm BST. The beta runs until Tuesday, August 25, at 6pm BST.
Developed by Infinity Ward, the game is a sequel to 2023's Modern Warfare 3 and introduces a Korean setting, expanded movement like hanging off ledges, and overhauled gunplay. Activision announced two betas last week, promising more modes than ever before, aiming to attract players who have shifted to older Black Ops titles.
How to get early access
Anyone who pre-orders Modern Warfare 4 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC can access the beta. The Switch 2 is excluded because pre-orders for that version are not yet live.
Alternatively, UK EE customers can text MW4 to 150 to claim a free beta code without pre-ordering. The code can then be redeemed on a specified website.
What's in the beta
The early access beta includes a campaign mission called Entrenched for the first time. Multiplayer features five maps: Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus, and Kill Block. Kill Block is tied to a modular map that reconfigures between matches.
Available modes include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search & Destroy, Kill Block, 10v10, 3v3 Gunfight, and Mobility Course.
Open beta details
The open beta runs from Friday, August 28, to Tuesday, September 1, 2026, accessible for free on all platforms including Switch 2. It adds a new map called Lithium, Warzone's new map Zodiac, and Ground War.
Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23, 2026.
