Activision launches the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 beta on August 21, 2026, and provides early access specifically for players who preordered the game on personal computers, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. The development studios run the open beta phase from August 28 through September 1 while including Nintendo Switch 2 players to properly test the multiplayer experience before the official October release date.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Schedule
The initial testing phase starts on Friday, August 21, and runs continuously until Tuesday, August 25, for those specific gamers who secured a preorder across supported platforms. The second testing phase opens on Friday, August 28, and continues directly until Tuesday, September 1, to give all players complete access while finally introducing the Nintendo Switch 2 community into the active testing environment.
Nintendo Switch 2 owners gain the ability to officially preorder Modern Warfare 4 starting on August 26 since this upcoming release marks the return of the franchise to Nintendo platforms after developers ignored the hardware ecosystem for several consecutive years.
Call of Duty NEXT Will Start The Beta
The first early access weekend begins immediately after organizers conclude the Call of Duty NEXT live presentation on August 21 because this broadcast features extended live gameplay segments and provides a detailed look at the upcoming multiplayer content alongside developer insights.
Activision and Infinity Ward completely withhold the exact list of weapons, operators, maps, and game modes appearing during these upcoming multiplayer tests even though the development team shared multiple important details regarding the specific content players experience once the testing servers open.
New and Returning Multiplayer Content
The beta will include multiple Multiplayer maps and modes, with players able to choose from a selection of new Operators and unlock up to 19 different weapons. The confirmed content includes 3v3 skirmishes, large tactical battles featuring tanks, the returning Search & Destroy mode, the new Kill Block mode, and the Training Mobility Course.
Players will experience different types of combat during the beta, from small-scale 3v3 matches to larger battles featuring tanks. The developers also confirmed that players will be able to build their loadouts using the new Gunny system. Activision and Infinity Ward have not yet provided further details about how the system works, but more information about the beta will be revealed soon.
Vault Edition Operators
Players who pre-order the Vault Edition will receive additional content during the beta. They will have access to Operators including Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix, alongside other Vault Edition Operators.
The beta will therefore give Vault Edition owners access to additional characters before the full game launches. Activision and Infinity Ward have yet to reveal the full lineup of Operators and other content that will be available during the tests.
The beta will give players their first major opportunity to test the game's Multiplayer before release. Early Access starts on August 21, while the Open Beta begins on August 28 and expands availability to all players, including those on Nintendo Switch 2. More details about the beta's maps, modes, weapons, Operators, and the Gunny system will follow ahead of the August 21 start date.
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