- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta early access begins August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT.
- Weekend 1 is reserved for eligible pre-orders and runs through August 25, 2026.
- Weekend 2 opens to all players on supported platforms from August 28 through September 1.
- Preload timing starts August 20 for early access and August 26 for the open weekend.
- Beta content includes multiplayer maps, Kill Block, the Entrenched Campaign mission, Ground War, and Zodiac Resurgence.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Schedule
The Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta uses two access windows in 2026. The first weekend rewards eligible pre-orders with early access, while the second weekend expands participation to all players on supported platforms. The most important launch moment is August 21, when early access begins immediately after the Call of Duty Next broadcast.
Call of Duty Next is scheduled for August 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT, 11:00 AM CT, and 12:00 PM ET. The Early Access Beta begins at 11:00 AM PT. Because the first weekend follows the broadcast, players should finish account checks and installation preparations before the event begins.
| Event | Start | End | Who Can Join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Weekend 1 | Eligible pre-orders |
| Weekend 1 Early Access | August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT | August 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | Eligible pre-orders |
| Open Beta preload | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Weekend 2 | All participating platforms |
| Weekend 2 Open Beta | August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | All players on supported platforms |
| Full game launch | October 23, 2026 | — | Players with access to the full game |
The official schedule uses Pacific Time. Convert the start and end times for your region, and remember that platform or territory availability may vary.
Weekend 1
Early access for eligible pre-orders begins August 21 at 11:00 AM PT and ends August 25 at 10:00 AM PT.
Weekend 2
Open access begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and does not require a pre-order for participating players.
Call of Duty Next
The August 21 broadcast provides gameplay, developer details, and additional information before Early Access begins.
How to Get Early Access
Early access depends on where you pre-ordered or pre-purchased Modern Warfare 4. Digital purchases through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam automatically validate participation on the selected platform. Retail purchases may require a 13-character Beta code.
The official Modern Warfare 4 Beta page remains the best place to verify current eligibility and schedule details. If you received a retail code, redeem it through the official Call of Duty Beta redemption page.
| Purchase Method | Code Required? | Early Access Action |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store digital pre-order | No | Sign in on the pre-ordered platform and download the Beta when available |
| PlayStation Store digital pre-order | No | Digital validation registers the eligible account automatically |
| Battle.net pre-purchase | No | Use the same Activision-linked account to access the Beta |
| Steam pre-purchase | No | Access the Beta through the eligible Steam account |
| Participating retailer | Usually yes | Redeem the 13-character code and select the intended platform |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | No for Weekend 2 | Join Weekend 2 when access begins; pre-orders begin August 26 |
Confirm Your Platform
Select the platform connected to your purchase or retail code. Early Access codes are issued for the console or PC option chosen during registration, so verify this selection before redeeming.
Link or Create an Activision Account
Sign in with an Activision account. If you do not have one, create an account and complete the verification email process before the Beta starts.
Redeem a Retail Code
Visit the official Beta redemption page and enter the 13-character code from a participating retailer. Digital pre-orders generally do not require this extra step.
Watch for the Beta Token
Eligible registered players receive an Early Access token by email around the preload period. The token is also expected to appear through the official redemption page after distribution begins.
Preload and Launch
Begin the Early Access preload on August 20 at 9:00 AM PT, then launch the Beta after the August 21 start time. Weekend 2 players can preload beginning August 26 at 9:00 AM PT.
If a retail code is missing, unreadable, or never arrived, contact the retailer. Do not rely on unofficial code sellers or unverified code generators.
Platforms and Access Requirements
The Beta supports Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC through Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and Steam. Weekend 2 also includes Nintendo Switch 2 players. The official participation notice states that online multiplayer subscription requirements may apply, and an internet connection is required.
Access is tied to the eligible purchase or the open Weekend 2 window. A player who uses a digital pre-order should sign in with the account associated with that purchase. Retail participants should redeem the code for the correct platform before attempting to download.
| Platform | Weekend 1 Early Access | Weekend 2 Open Access | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X|S | Yes | Yes | Eligible pre-order for Weekend 1 |
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | Yes | Eligible pre-order for Weekend 1 |
| PC Battle.net | Yes | Yes | Eligible pre-purchase for Weekend 1 |
| Xbox on PC | Yes | Yes | Eligible pre-purchase for Weekend 1 |
| PC Steam | Yes | Yes | Eligible pre-purchase for Weekend 1 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Not listed for Weekend 1 | Yes | No pre-order required for Weekend 2 |
Digital Purchase
Digital pre-orders and pre-purchases on listed storefronts are automatically validated for Early Access.
Retail Purchase
Participating retailer purchases may provide a 13-character code for official redemption.
Account Setup
An Activision account and verified email address help prevent registration delays.
Network Check
An internet connection is required, and online multiplayer subscription rules may apply by platform.
Choose the correct platform during code registration. The official information indicates that players receive a code for the console or PC option selected during registration.
Beta Maps, Modes, and Featured Content
The Beta focuses on multiplayer while adding selected Campaign and Warzone experiences. Core multiplayer includes 6v6 maps and modes, with Kill Block serving as a featured new mode. Weekend 2 expands the test with Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone.
The Beta also includes the single-player Campaign mission Entrenched. This gives players more than a standard multiplayer test and provides an early look at movement, combat feel, and large-scale battle systems.
| Content Area | Confirmed Beta Content |
|---|---|
| Multiplayer | Core 6v6 maps and modes, Kill Block |
| Campaign | Entrenched mission |
| Ground War | Combat Outpost in Weekend 2 |
| Warzone | Zodiac Resurgence map in Weekend 2 |
| Progression | Weapons, equipment, perks, field upgrades, killstreaks, and loadout testing |
| Rewards | In-game Beta rewards that can be used in the Beta and later in Modern Warfare 4 after launch |
The broader content preview also identifies multiple multiplayer maps and modes for testing. These include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search and Destroy, 10v10, 3v3 Gunfight, and additional Beta-specific experiences. Because the official page notes that platform availability and dates may change, check the live listing before planning around any individual playlist.
| Mode or Feature | Recommended Focus |
|---|---|
| Team Deathmatch | Practice gunfights and movement fundamentals |
| Domination | Learn objective rotations and defensive positioning |
| Hardpoint | Improve timing, lane control, and coordinated pushes |
| Search and Destroy | Practice patience, information gathering, and round planning |
| Kill Block | Test the new featured mode and learn its objective flow |
| 3v3 Gunfight | Refine close-quarters teamwork and weapon handling |
| 10v10 | Adjust to larger team fights and wider combat lanes |
| Entrenched | Explore the featured Campaign mission and combat systems |
Play the Beta with rewards in mind. Official information states that earned in-game rewards are available during the Beta and can be used in Modern Warfare 4 after the full game launches.
Preparation Checklist and FAQ
A short preparation routine can make the opening minutes of each weekend smoother. Install during the preload window, verify the account connected to your purchase, and keep the official schedule available for regional timing. During the Beta, use the first matches to test movement, weapons, equipment, and objective modes rather than immediately focusing on a single loadout.
Before You Queue:
- Confirm the correct platform and Activision account
- Redeem a retail Early Access code if required
- Start the preload during the official window
- Check the Beta start time in your local time zone
- Play multiple modes and track available Beta rewards
| Preparation Task | Early Access Window | Open Weekend Window |
|---|---|---|
| Start preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT |
| Confirm account | Before August 21 | Before August 28 |
| Verify access | Before 11:00 AM PT on August 21 | Before 10:00 AM PT on August 28 |
| Check content | After launch and during Weekend 1 | After Weekend 2 begins |
Beta dates, platform availability, and minimum duration can be subject to change. Recheck the official page before each weekend, especially if your access depends on territory or retailer participation.
Q: When does Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Early Access begin?
Early Access begins on August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT and runs until August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
Q: Do digital pre-orders need an Early Access code?
No. Digital pre-orders or pre-purchases through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, and Steam are automatically validated for eligible Early Access.
Q: Can players join the Beta without a pre-order?
Yes. Weekend 2 is open to all players on participating platforms from August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT, with no pre-order required for that weekend.
Q: Is Nintendo Switch 2 included in the Beta?
Nintendo Switch 2 players are listed for Weekend 2, which begins August 28, 2026. The official information does not list the platform for Weekend 1 Early Access.