- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access begins with early access on August 21, 2026.
- Open Beta access is available to all eligible players from August 28 through September 1, 2026.
- Digital pre-orders automatically register for early access without a separate redemption code.
- Retail pre-orders require a 13-character code redeemed through the official Call of Duty page.
- Beta tokens are delivered by email and may also appear in your Activision account portal.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access schedule
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access is divided into an early access period and a wider open beta weekend. The schedule applies to the platforms listed by the official beta information, although availability can vary by territory, retailer, and platform requirements.
Players who pre-order or pre-purchase the game through a participating retailer can qualify for early access. The first period runs from August 21 at 11:00 AM PT through August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. The open beta begins on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends on September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
| Beta period | Start date and time | End date and time | Who can participate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access Beta | August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT | August 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | Eligible pre-orders and pre-purchases |
| Open Beta Weekend | August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | All eligible players |
| Early Access preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Early Access begins | Players registered for early access |
| Open Beta preload | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Open Beta Weekend begins | Players participating in Weekend 2 |
Convert the listed Pacific Time schedule before planning your download. Preloading earlier can help avoid launch-day wait times, but access still follows the official start time.
The beta is designed to collect player feedback before the full game launches on October 23, 2026. Its content includes multiplayer maps and modes, core 6v6 gameplay, Kill Block, and the single-player Campaign mission “Entrenched.” Weekend 2 also introduces Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone.
Early Access
- Starts August 21, 2026
- Requires a qualifying pre-order or pre-purchase
- Retail orders may require code redemption
Open Beta
- Starts August 28, 2026
- No pre-order is required for Weekend 2
- Available across the listed participating platforms
Beta Content
- Multiplayer maps and modes
- “Entrenched” Campaign mission
- Weekend 2 additions and beta rewards
Platforms and access methods
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta access is listed for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam during the early access registration process. Nintendo Switch 2 players can join the Open Beta Weekend beginning August 28, 2026, and do not need a pre-order for that weekend.
The access method depends mainly on where the purchase was made. Digital purchases use automatic validation, while participating retail purchases normally provide a code that must be registered through Activision.
| Purchase method | Code required? | Access action |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store digital pre-order | No | Sign in with the linked account and download when available |
| PlayStation Store digital pre-order | No | Automatic early access validation |
| Battle.net pre-purchase | No | Automatic registration through the purchasing account |
| Steam pre-purchase | No | Automatic registration through the Steam-linked account |
| Participating retail pre-order | Usually yes | Redeem the 13-character code at the official redemption page |
Choose the exact platform during registration. The official instructions state that the token is issued for the console or PC option selected with the early access code.
Retail codes are commonly printed on a receipt or sent in an online purchase email. If the code is missing, unreadable, or unavailable, contact the retailer that processed the order. Avoid using codes from unofficial sellers or random social media posts because the code may be invalid, restricted to another territory, or already redeemed.
| Platform | Early Access registration | Open Beta Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | S | Supported through qualifying purchase |
| PlayStation 5 | Supported through qualifying purchase | Available if the platform is supported in the player’s territory |
| PC Battle.net | Supported through pre-purchase or eligible code | Available during the open beta period |
| Xbox on PC | Supported through qualifying access | Available during the open beta period |
| PC Steam | Supported through pre-purchase or eligible code | Available during the open beta period |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Not listed for the same early access registration path | Open Beta Weekend begins August 28, 2026 |
The official beta page also notes that an online multiplayer subscription may be required for multiplayer participation, depending on the platform. An internet connection is required, and actual platform availability or launch dates may change.
How to redeem a Modern Warfare 4 Beta code
If you received a code from a participating retailer, redeem it through the official Call of Duty Beta redemption page. You will need an Activision account. Players without one can create a free account and verify the email address used during registration.
Open the official redemption page
Go to callofduty.com/betaredeem. Confirm that the address belongs to the official Call of Duty website before entering any account or code information.
Sign in to Activision
Log in with the Activision account you intend to use for the beta. If you create a new account, complete the verification email step before continuing.
Enter the 13-character code
Type the early access code exactly as shown on the receipt or retailer email. Check each character carefully, especially letters and numbers that can look similar.
Select your platform and location
Choose the platform you will use for the beta and confirm your territory. This selection determines where the early access token is assigned.
Check for your token
After successful registration, wait for the early access token. Tokens are expected shortly after the early access preload begins on August 20, 2026, and may also appear on the official redemption page after email delivery begins.
| Redemption stage | What to verify | Expected result |
|---|---|---|
| Account login | Correct Activision account | Registration is attached to the intended profile |
| Code entry | 13 characters, copied accurately | Code is accepted or an error is displayed |
| Platform choice | Correct console or PC option | Token is assigned to the selected platform |
| Confirmation | Success message after submission | Early access registration is completed |
| Token delivery | Email inbox and official account page | Download access becomes available when the beta opens |
A confirmation message means the early access code has been registered. It does not necessarily mean the beta client is immediately playable; wait for the assigned token and the published access window.
Digital pre-orders from the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam Store follow a different process. These purchases are automatically validated, so a separate early access code is not required. When early access begins, the beta download should become available through the relevant platform account.
Preload, tokens, and access troubleshooting
Preloading is the best way to prepare for the beta before each access window. Players who meet the early access criteria can preload Beta Weekend 1 starting August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT. All players can preload the Open Beta for Weekend 2 beginning August 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT, on supported platforms.
Use the following checklist before the beta begins:
Access Preparation Checklist:
- Confirm the Activision account linked to your intended platform
- Check whether your purchase was digital or through a participating retailer
- Redeem a retail early access code at callofduty.com/betaredeem
- Select the correct platform and territory during registration
- Check email and the official redemption page for the beta token
- Start the appropriate preload when it becomes available
Keep the purchase receipt or retailer email until the beta access is confirmed. It is the most useful proof if a code is missing or the retailer needs to recover it.
| Problem | Likely cause | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| No code after a retail purchase | Receipt or online email has not arrived | Check spam and contact the retailer |
| Code rejected | Typing error, expired promotion, or prior redemption | Re-enter carefully and ask the retailer to verify the code |
| Wrong platform appears | Platform was selected incorrectly | Review the registration details before token delivery |
| No token email | Delivery delay or different account email | Check the official redemption page and Activision account |
| Download unavailable | Preload or access window has not opened | Check the August 20, August 26, and beta start times |
| Multiplayer unavailable | Platform subscription requirement | Confirm the relevant online multiplayer requirement |
Beta rewards earned during testing are intended to be available in the beta after unlocking and playable in Modern Warfare 4 when the full game launches. Treat the beta as a limited-time test environment: progress, features, platform availability, and reward conditions may be subject to change.
Players should also verify regional restrictions. The official information states that Open Beta availability can vary by territory and retailer. If your account, purchase, or code originates in a different region, support may need to confirm whether it can participate.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta access FAQ
Q: When does Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access begin?
Early access begins on August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT and runs until August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. Open Beta access begins on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends on September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
Q: Do digital pre-orders need a beta code?
No. Digital pre-orders through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam Store are automatically validated for early access. A separate redemption code is generally required only for qualifying retail pre-orders.
Q: Where can I redeem a retail early access code?
Use the official Call of Duty redemption page at callofduty.com/betaredeem. Sign in with an Activision account, enter the 13-character code, select the correct platform and location, and confirm registration.
Q: What should I do if my beta code is missing?
Check the physical receipt, online receipt, and email inbox, including spam folders. If the code cannot be found or read, contact the retailer that provided the pre-order code for recovery assistance.
Use the official Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta page for the current schedule, platform availability, preload details, and participation terms.
The safest access route is to match your purchase type to the correct registration process. Digital buyers should monitor their platform library, while retail buyers should redeem the supplied code and retain their purchase records. For all players, the August 2026 preload windows are the key dates to watch before the beta periods open.