Activision and Infinity Ward have announced the beta dates for Modern Warfare 4, with two weekends scheduled in August 2026 ahead of the full game release on October 23, 2026. The beta offers players an early opportunity to experience the latest Call of Duty title before its official launch.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Dates
The first beta, Early Access, runs from August 21 to August 25. This period is exclusive to players who have pre-ordered a copy of Modern Warfare 4 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Activision confirmed that the Early Access beta will begin immediately after the COD NEXT event, which will provide a comprehensive overview of the game's new content.
The second beta, Open Beta, takes place from August 28 to September 1. This beta is open to all players, regardless of pre-order status, and will be available on all previously mentioned platforms plus the Nintendo Switch 2. This marks the first time a Call of Duty beta has been available on a Nintendo console.
Beta Content and Features
While Activision has not yet released a full list of maps and modes, the company has provided some details about what players can expect. The beta will feature 19 different weapons across various modes, including Search & Destroy and the new Killblock mode. Series staples like Team Deathmatch and Domination are also likely to appear. Additionally, a new Training Mobility Course will be available to help players familiarize themselves with the new mantling system introduced in Modern Warfare 4.
According to Activision, the beta is designed to give players a taste of the game before committing to a purchase, which is priced at £70 for the standard edition. The beta weekends are expected to attract significant interest from the Call of Duty community.
Platform Availability and Pre-Order Incentives
The Early Access beta is limited to those who pre-order the game, offering an incentive for early adoption. The Open Beta, however, removes that barrier, allowing all players to participate. The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the Open Beta is a notable expansion for the franchise, which has traditionally been exclusive to Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Modern Warfare 4 is developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. The full game is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026, across all major platforms.
