- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta open beta date: August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
- Early access: Starts August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT for eligible pre-orders.
- Open Beta end: September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
- Preload windows: Early Access begins August 20; Open Beta preload begins August 26.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Joins during Weekend 2 without a pre-order requirement.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Dates and Times
The Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta open beta date is August 28, 2026. Open access begins at 10:00 AM Pacific Time and remains available through September 1 at 10:00 AM PT. Players who qualify for Early Access can start on August 21 at 11:00 AM PT.
| Beta phase | Start date and time | End date and time | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access Weekend | August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT | August 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | Eligible pre-orders and redeemed codes |
| Open Beta Weekend 2 | August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | All participating players |
| Early Access preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before launch | Eligible players |
| Open Beta preload | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Weekend 2 | Players on all supported platforms |
Times can vary by territory, and the official participation notice states that platform availability may change. Convert the Pacific Time schedule locally before planning a session.
Weekend 1
Early access runs from August 21 through August 25. A qualifying pre-order or retailer code is required.
Weekend 2
Open access begins August 28. No pre-order is required for this phase.
Launch
The full game is scheduled to launch on October 23, 2026, according to the official Beta page.
Use the official Pacific Time schedule as the reference point. Avoid relying on local countdowns from third-party pages, which may not account for regional changes.
Early Access Requirements and Platforms
Early Access is available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam. Digital pre-orders on the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam automatically validate participation. Retail pre-orders generally provide a 13-character code that must be redeemed through Activision.
| Platform | Early Access | Open Beta | Code requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Series X | S | Yes | Digital pre-order validates automatically; retailer orders may need a code |
| PlayStation 5 | Yes | Yes | Digital pre-order validates automatically; retailer orders may need a code |
| PC Battle.net | Yes | Yes | Digital pre-purchase validates automatically |
| Xbox on PC | Yes | Yes | Digital pre-purchase validates automatically |
| PC Steam | Yes | Yes | Digital pre-purchase validates automatically |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | No Weekend 1 access | Yes, Weekend 2 | No pre-order required for Open Beta |
For a physical or participating retail order, redeem the code at Call of Duty Beta code redemption. Sign in with an Activision account, enter the code, select the intended platform, and watch for the Early Access token.
Do not share a retailer code publicly. Codes are tied to the platform selected during registration, and a missing or unreadable code should be handled through the retailer.
Confirm Your Order
Check whether your digital pre-order or pre-purchase qualifies automatically. Retail purchases usually require the code shown on the receipt or sent by email.
Redeem a Retail Code
Visit callofduty.com/betaredeem, sign in to Activision, enter the 13-character code, and select your platform.
Watch for the Token
Registered players receive an Early Access token shortly after the preload period begins. The token may also appear on the redemption page.
Install the Beta
Download the Beta application from your platform store when the applicable preload window opens.
Preload and Launch Checklist
Early Access preload begins August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT for eligible players. The Open Beta preload begins August 26 at 9:00 AM PT on all supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2. Installing ahead of time helps reduce waiting when each weekend opens.
| Preload window | Eligible players | Platforms | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 9:00 AM PT | Early Access participants | Xbox, PlayStation, PC | Install the Beta and check for updates |
| August 26, 9:00 AM PT | Open Beta participants | All supported platforms | Install before August 28 |
| Launch window | Players with an installed Beta | Relevant platform | Start the application after the scheduled time |
Before the Beta Opens:
- Confirm the Activision account linked to your platform
- Redeem a retailer code if your order requires one
- Install the Beta during the correct preload window
- Check available storage and complete pending updates
- Convert 10:00 AM PT to your local start time
Digital pre-orders and pre-purchases are the simplest route because they automatically validate Early Access on supported storefronts. Retail orders need an additional redemption step.
Beta Content and Weekend Differences
The Beta focuses on multiplayer across core 6v6 maps and modes, plus Kill Block. It also includes the single-player Campaign mission “Entrenched.” Weekend 2 expands the selection with Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone.
| Content | Early Access Weekend | Open Beta Weekend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Core 6v6 maps and modes | Available | Available |
| Kill Block | Available | Available |
| “Entrenched” Campaign mission | Available | Available |
| Ground War: Combat Outpost | Not listed for Weekend 1 | Introduced in Weekend 2 |
| Zodiac Resurgence | Not listed for Weekend 1 | Introduced in Weekend 2 |
| Nintendo Switch 2 access | Not available | Available |
Playing the Beta can unlock in-game rewards. The official Beta information states that earned rewards can be used in the Beta and become playable in Modern Warfare 4 after the full game launches.
Weekend 2 is not only the unrestricted access period. It also introduces additional modes and Warzone content, making it the broader test window for players.
FAQ: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Open Access
The official Modern Warfare 4 Beta information page remains the best place to verify dates, platform eligibility, and participation changes before each weekend.
Q: What is the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta open beta date?
The Open Beta begins on August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT and ends on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
Q: Do I need to pre-order Modern Warfare 4 for the Open Beta?
No. Open Beta Weekend 2 is available to all players on supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, without a pre-order.
Q: When does Early Access begin?
Early Access begins August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT and ends August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. A qualifying digital purchase or redeemed retailer code is required.
Q: When can I preload the Modern Warfare 4 Beta?
Eligible Early Access players can preload from August 20 at 9:00 AM PT. The Open Beta preload begins August 26 at 9:00 AM PT on all supported platforms.
Recheck the official schedule before launch day because territory, retailer, platform availability, and online multiplayer subscription requirements may affect participation.