Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date: 2026 Schedule - Dates

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date: 2026 Schedule

Check the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date, early access window, open beta schedule, preload times, platforms, and code rules.

2026-08-20
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Wiki Team
Quick Guide
  • Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date: Early access runs August 21–25, 2026.
  • Open Beta window: All players can join from August 28 through September 1, 2026.
  • Early access time: Beta Weekend 1 begins August 21 at 11:00 AM PT.
  • Open access time: Beta Weekend 2 begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT.
  • Preload timing: Early access preload starts August 20; open access preload starts August 26.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Date and Schedule

The Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date is divided into two scheduled participation windows in 2026. Beta Weekend 1 is reserved for qualifying pre-orders and pre-purchases, while Beta Weekend 2 opens access to all players on supported platforms without requiring a pre-order.

The official schedule lists the early access period from August 21 at 11:00 AM PT through August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. The open access period begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends September 1 at 10:00 AM PT. The beta is a limited-time test, so plan around the published windows rather than assuming access will remain available after the closing time.

Beta periodStart date and timeEnd date and timeAccess requirement
Early Access, Weekend 1August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PTAugust 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PTQualifying pre-order or pre-purchase
Open Beta, Weekend 2August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PTSeptember 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PTNo pre-order required
Early Access preloadAugust 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PTBefore Weekend 1 beginsEligible early access players
Open Beta preloadAugust 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PTBefore Weekend 2 beginsPlayers preparing for Weekend 2

Weekend 1

  • Early access
  • August 21–25, 2026
  • Requires an eligible pre-order or pre-purchase

Weekend 2

  • Open access
  • August 28–September 1, 2026
  • No pre-order is required

Full Launch

  • Launch date
  • October 23, 2026
  • Beta rewards can be used in the full game after launch
Schedule Tip

Convert the PT times to your local time before the beta begins. The start and end times are specific, and access may vary by territory or retailer.

The full game is scheduled to launch on October 23, 2026. Rewards earned during the beta are intended to become playable in Modern Warfare 4 when the full game launches, while rewards unlocked during the test are immediately available for use within the beta.

For the latest schedule wording and participation notes, use the official Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta page.

Platforms and Eligibility

The beta supports multiple platforms across both weekends, but the access rules are not identical. Early access codes are listed for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam. Weekend 2 expands participation to all listed platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2.

A digital pre-order or pre-purchase through a participating first-party or PC storefront automatically validates early access in most cases. Retail purchases generally use a 13-character beta code that must be redeemed through the official Call of Duty redemption page.

Platform or storefrontWeekend 1 early accessWeekend 2 open accessCode or validation note
Xbox Series X|SAvailable with qualifying purchaseAvailableDigital purchases are automatically validated
PlayStation 5Available with qualifying purchaseAvailableDigital purchases are automatically validated
PC Battle.netAvailable with qualifying purchaseAvailableDigital pre-purchases are automatically validated
Xbox on PCAvailable with qualifying purchaseAvailableEarly access eligibility applies
PC SteamAvailable with qualifying purchaseAvailableDigital pre-purchases are automatically validated
Nintendo Switch 2Not listed for Weekend 1 codesAvailable August 28, 2026No pre-order required for Weekend 2
Platform Check

An early access code is issued for the console selected during registration. Choose the correct platform before redeeming a retailer code.

Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are scheduled to begin on August 26, 2026. Switch 2 players can enter the open beta during Weekend 2 beginning August 28, 2026, and the official information states that no pre-order is required for that weekend.

Participation can also depend on territory, retailer availability, internet access, and an online multiplayer subscription where applicable. These conditions may vary by platform and region, so review the current official terms before making a purchase decision.

How to Get Early Access

Early access is primarily tied to a qualifying pre-order or pre-purchase. Digital purchases through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam Store generally register the account automatically. Retail purchases from participating sellers usually provide a code on the receipt or through an email receipt.

Follow these steps to prepare for Beta Weekend 1:

1

Choose a Supported Platform

Select Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, PC Battle.net, or PC Steam if you want the listed early access options. Confirm that the purchase is tied to the platform you plan to use.

2

Complete a Qualifying Purchase

Pre-order or pre-purchase Modern Warfare 4 through a participating retailer or supported digital storefront. Digital purchases generally provide automatic validation without a separate code.

3

Redeem a Retailer Code

If your retailer provides a 13-character early access beta code, sign in with an Activision account and enter it at the official beta redemption page.

4

Confirm Registration

After successful redemption, your account is registered for early access. An early access token is scheduled to arrive by email before the beta begins and can also be checked through the redemption page.

5

Preload the Beta

Eligible players can begin the Early Access preload on August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT. Weekend 2 preload begins August 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.

Purchase methodSeparate code needed?Recommended action
Microsoft Store digital pre-orderUsually noSign in with the purchasing account and check beta availability
PlayStation Store digital pre-orderUsually noUse the same PlayStation account connected to participation
Battle.net digital pre-purchaseUsually noConfirm the beta appears on the associated Battle.net account
Steam digital pre-purchaseUsually noCheck the Steam account used for the purchase
Participating retail purchaseUsually yesFind the receipt or email code and redeem it officially
Registration Reminder

If a retail code is missing, unreadable, or lost, contact the retailer that issued it. Do not rely on unofficial code-sharing pages.

A free Activision account is required for code redemption. New accounts must complete email verification before the redemption process can be finished. Tokens are scheduled to be distributed shortly after the early access preload starts on August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.

Beta Content, Modes, and Weekend Differences

The Modern Warfare 4 Beta focuses on multiplayer content, with additional campaign and Warzone material planned across the test period. The announced multiplayer lineup includes core 6v6 maps and modes, plus Kill Block. Weekend 2 adds Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone.

The single-player Campaign mission “Entrenched” is also included in the beta. Because content is distributed across the weekends, players who enter during Weekend 2 may see a broader selection than players who only join early access.

Content areaWeekend 1 availabilityWeekend 2 addition or status
Core multiplayerCore 6v6 maps and modesContinues during open access
Kill BlockIncluded in the announced beta lineupContinues during open access
Campaign“Entrenched” mission includedRemains part of the beta offering
Ground WarNot announced for Weekend 1Ground War: Combat Outpost introduced
WarzoneNot announced for Weekend 1Zodiac Resurgence map introduced
Beta rewardsEarned and usable in the betaEarned rewards remain part of the test progression
Content Planning

Weekend 2 is the key window for players interested in Ground War: Combat Outpost or the Zodiac Resurgence map, because both are specifically announced for that weekend.

To make the most of the available test period, start with the core 6v6 modes and use the first matches to check controller, mouse, audio, and network settings. If you are joining during Weekend 2, reserve time for the newly introduced Ground War and Warzone content rather than spending the entire session in one mode.

The beta also provides an opportunity to earn in-game rewards. Those rewards are immediately usable during the beta and are planned for use in Modern Warfare 4 after the October 23, 2026 launch.

Pre-Beta Checklist and FAQ

Use the checklist below to verify your account and installation before the relevant access window opens.

Pre-Beta Preparation:

  • Confirm your selected platform and supported storefront
  • Complete a qualifying pre-order or pre-purchase for Weekend 1 access
  • Redeem a retailer code through the official Call of Duty page if required
  • Verify your Activision account email before token distribution
  • Start the correct preload on August 20 or August 26, 2026
DatePreparation targetWho should act
August 20, 2026Start Early Access preload at 9:00 AM PTEligible Weekend 1 players
August 21, 2026Join Early Access at 11:00 AM PTQualifying pre-order players
August 26, 2026Start Open Beta preload at 9:00 AM PTPlayers preparing for Weekend 2
August 28, 2026Join Open Beta at 10:00 AM PTAll eligible players
September 1, 2026Open Beta ends at 10:00 AM PTAll beta participants
Final Preparation Tip

Install early when possible, verify the correct account, and keep your redemption information available until the beta token is confirmed.

Q: What is the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta date?

Early Access runs from August 21 at 11:00 AM PT through August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. Open Beta access runs from August 28 at 10:00 AM PT through September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.

Q: Do I need to pre-order for the open beta?

No. The official schedule states that all players can access Weekend 2 from August 28, 2026, and no pre-order is required for that weekend.

Q: Do digital pre-orders require an early access code?

Digital purchases through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, and Steam Store are generally automatically validated. Retail purchases may provide a 13-character code that must be redeemed.

Q: Which platforms are listed for the Modern Warfare 4 Beta?

The announced platforms include Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, PC Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2 for Weekend 2 open access.