Activision and Infinity Ward have officially confirmed the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta testing dates. The shooter will reach players before release—first, those who pre-ordered, then everyone else. Early access to the beta will run from August 21st to 25th on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. Immediately following, open testing will begin from August 28th to September 1st on the same platforms plus Nintendo Switch 2. The release is October 23rd.
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Shooter Testing Schedule for August
The MW4 beta is divided into two phases. The first weekend is early access for those who have already pre-ordered the game. It begins on August 21st, immediately after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast, and runs until August 25th. The second weekend is open beta from August 28th to September 1st. Anyone can participate, regardless of pre-order status, including Nintendo Switch 2 owners.
Call of Duty: NEXT will take place on August 21st. During the event, the developers will show live gameplay, reveal details about the multiplayer, and make additional announcements. The stream is a mandatory part of the program: the beta will begin immediately afterward, for the first time in the franchise’s history, without a break between the presentation and the test.
How to Participate in the Beta Test on All Platforms
Early access (August 21st–25th) requires a pre-order for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC. Digital copies grant access automatically—no code is required; the game will automatically confirm eligibility. Physical copies are a bit more complicated: a code will be included on your receipt or inside the box and must be redeemed in the platform’s store.
Pre-order is not required for the open beta (August 28th–September 1st). Simply download the client from your platform’s store—PS Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, Battle.net, or eShop on Switch 2. However, multiplayer requires a subscription—PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass Core, or Nintendo Switch Online.
A special life hack: viewers of the Call of Duty League Championship 2026 Finals on Twitch can get a free early access beta code. To enter the giveaway, just watch the stream for at least 60 minutes.
Important for Switch 2 owners: pre-orders for the hybrid console start on August 26th. This means you can access the open beta starting August 28th without pre-ordering, but early access does not apply to Switch 2—the console only joins the second weekend.
Available Content Maps and Multiplayer Modes
The developers have prepared a wide range of content for the test period. The beta will feature:
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19 weapons, from assault rifles to snipers
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12 new multiplayer maps
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8 Vault Edition operators – four from the Hostile Alliance pack and four from Special Forces
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Gunny System – class build tips
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Tactical and lethal loadouts, field upgrades, perks, and killstreaks
The beta’s modes are firmly established:
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Search & Destroy – a classic returning to MW4
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Kill Block – a new 10v10 close-quarters mode that debuted at Fanatics Fest in New York in July
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Training Mobility Course – a training ground for movement practice
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Skirmishes from 3v3 to large-scale tactical battles with vehicles
Interestingly, Fanatics Fest attendees have already tried Kill Block, and players praised its dynamics and tempo. Now it’s everyone else’s turn.
Preorder Rewards and Ingame Progress Transfer
The main proof that MW4 took rewards seriously is the serialized weapon camouflage. This is a first in Call of Duty history: every player who fulfills the pre-order requirements will receive a unique number linked to the camouflage. No more duplicate skins—it’s now a personalized set.
Pre-order the Vault Edition and receive Operator Packs:
In addition, the Vault Edition gives access to the Signature Weapon Collection — five “base + blueprint” sets with unique attachments:
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Kastov 762 + “Voltspine”
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ISO Nightshade + “La Sombra Venenosa”
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Rezi 12 + “Shattered Code”
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Oris 8.6 + “Volt-Edge”
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Combat Knife + “Sombra Besada”
All rewards for participating in the beta carry over to the full game, meaning your time won’t be wasted. The developers also promised to reveal information about exclusive rewards and other surprises in the coming weeks.
When Is Modern Warfare 4 Released on PC and Consoles
Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026. The game will be released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Battle.net), and Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders are now open on all platforms except Switch 2, which launches on August 26.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Game Testing
Do I Need to Preorder the Game to Participate in the Beta
For early access – yes. For open beta – no.
Will There Be a Beta on Switch 2
Yes, from August 28 to September 1. Early access is not available on Switch 2.
Do Progress and Rewards From the Beta Carry Over to the Full Game
Yes, all rewards earned for participating will carry over to the final version.
How Long Is the Beta
Early access is 5 days (August 21–25), open beta is 5 days (August 28–September 1).
