- The first beta weekend began on August 21 for eligible players with early access.
- The Open Beta starts on August 28 and does not require a pre order.
- Nintendo Switch 2 joins the beta during the second weekend.
- Beta progression and cosmetics can carry between the two testing weekends.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta is entering a bigger testing phase as Activision prepares to open the multiplayer beta to players across supported platforms. The first weekend began on August 21 for eligible players with early access, while the second weekend will open the doors to everyone from August 28.
The beta is designed to give players an early look at the multiplayer experience before the full game arrives on October 23, 2026. Rather than offering a limited technical test, Activision is using the beta to showcase several major parts of the multiplayer package, including maps, movement mechanics, game modes and progression.
Players who take part during both weekends will also be able to carry their progress between the two testing periods. That includes progression and cosmetics, giving players more reason to spend time with the beta before launch.
Early Access Beta Is Already Underway
The first Modern Warfare 4 beta weekend started on August 21 at 11 AM PT and is scheduled to run until August 25 at 10 AM PT. Access is available to players who have pre ordered or pre purchased the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Steam and Battle.net.
Players can also gain access through an eligible beta code.
For digital purchases, early access registration is generally handled automatically. Physical editions work slightly differently, with retailers providing beta codes that players can use to gain entry.
There is one notable platform difference during the first weekend. Nintendo Switch 2 players are not included in the initial early access period. The console joins the beta when the second weekend begins, giving Nintendo players their first opportunity to try the multiplayer experience.
The timing also gives Activision a useful opportunity to collect feedback from players before the game reaches its full release. With several multiplayer systems being tested at once, the beta should provide a clearer picture of how the new game performs under a much larger player population.
Open Beta Starts August 28
The second beta weekend is where access expands considerably. Starting August 28 at 10 AM PT, the Open Beta will be available to players on supported platforms without requiring a pre order.
The second testing period is scheduled to continue until September 1 at 10 AM PT. Nintendo Switch 2 will also be supported during this phase, making the Open Beta the first point when players across the wider platform lineup can take part.
Players who already joined the first weekend do not need to start over with another download. The beta is intended to carry progression between the two weekends, allowing players to continue building their profile as the testing period progresses.
That could make the second weekend particularly useful for players who want to explore more of the multiplayer systems without losing the progress they made during early access.
Activision is also using the beta to give players a broader look at the multiplayer experience. Alongside traditional multiplayer content, players can expect to see additional modes and larger scale Ground War content. Kill Block is another mode being highlighted as part of the multiplayer lineup.
The Beta Gets Its Own Download
One of the more practical changes is the introduction of a standalone beta download.
Players no longer need to rely on the main Call of Duty application as the starting point for accessing the Modern Warfare 4 test. On PlayStation 5, the beta can be found separately through the PlayStation Store. PC players can access it through Steam or Battle.net, while Xbox players can find it through the Xbox Store.
That should make the process considerably simpler, particularly for people who have not already installed the broader Call of Duty application.
The standalone approach also makes the beta feel more like a dedicated preview of the upcoming game rather than another component hidden inside a larger launcher. For players who simply want to test Modern Warfare 4, having a separate download removes an unnecessary step.
The beta itself focuses heavily on multiplayer. Activision has shown off new maps, game modes, movement systems and progression features as part of its wider multiplayer presentation. Ground War also returns as part of the testing experience, while Kill Block adds another option for players looking for something different from the standard multiplayer formats.
With the full release still some time away, the beta should also give Activision a chance to identify technical problems and make adjustments based on player feedback. PC players in particular are expected to see technical improvements as the testing process continues.
What Players Can Expect Next
The first weekend is currently underway for eligible players, while the larger Open Beta arrives on August 28. This gives players who skipped the early access period a straightforward way to try Modern Warfare 4 before launch.
The inclusion of Nintendo Switch 2 during the second weekend is also significant. It broadens the audience for the test and gives Activision another platform to evaluate before the October release.
For existing beta players, the ability to carry progression and cosmetics between the two weekends should make the transition easier. Instead of treating each weekend as a completely separate test, Activision is allowing players to build on their earlier progress.
Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch worldwide on October 23, 2026. Until then, the beta offers one of the clearest opportunities for players to see how the new multiplayer experience is shaping up.
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