- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta when: Early Access runs August 21–25, 2026.
- Open Beta: All players can join August 28–September 1, 2026.
- Preload times: Early Access preload begins August 20 at 9:00 AM PT.
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 access are planned.
- Game content: Multiplayer, the “Entrenched” Campaign mission, and selected Warzone content are included.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta When: 2026 Schedule
The Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta schedule is split into two participation windows. The first is a preorder Early Access period, while the second is an Open Beta weekend available to all players who meet the platform and connection requirements.
| Beta period | Start | End | Who can join |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access | August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT | August 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | Eligible preorder or pre-purchase players |
| Open Beta | August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | All players, no preorder required |
| Early Access preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Early Access begins | Players who meet Early Access criteria |
| Open Beta preload | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Open Beta access | Players on supported platforms |
Preload the beta as soon as your access window becomes available. This gives you time to install updates, sign in to your Activision account, and resolve platform issues before the start time.
The official Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta page lists the participation windows, preload schedule, platform information, and access instructions. Times can vary by territory, so check the official page if your local launch time differs from the PT schedule.
Early Access and Open Beta Access Rules
Early Access is tied to a qualifying preorder or pre-purchase. Players who buy digitally through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam are automatically validated for Early Access on the selected platform. Retail purchases generally provide a 13-character beta code that must be redeemed through the official Call of Duty redemption page.
Digital Purchase
Digital preorders through Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam are automatically registered for Early Access.
Retail Purchase
Participating retailers provide a 13-character Early Access code, usually on a receipt or in an email confirmation.
Open Beta
No preorder is required for the August 28–September 1 Open Beta window.
| Access method | Code needed? | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store preorder | No | Sign in on the purchasing account and download when available |
| PlayStation Store preorder | No | Use the purchasing PSN account for automatic validation |
| Battle.net pre-purchase | No | Launch through the linked Battle.net account |
| Steam pre-purchase | No | Use the Steam account connected to Activision |
| Participating retailer | Usually yes | Redeem the code at callofduty.com/betaredeem |
A retail beta code is assigned to the console or platform selected during registration. If a code is lost or unreadable, contact the retailer rather than attempting random code combinations.
To redeem a retail code, sign in with an Activision account, open the official redemption page, enter the 13-character code, and confirm the intended platform. Registered players receive an Early Access token by email before the beta begins. Tokens are also expected to appear through the redemption page after distribution starts.
What You Can Play in the MW4 Beta
The beta focuses on hands-on multiplayer testing across multiple maps and modes. Core 6v6 gameplay forms the main experience, while additional content expands the second beta weekend. The “Entrenched” single-player Campaign mission is also included for players who want to test the campaign experience.
| Content | Availability | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Core 6v6 multiplayer | Beta periods | Standard team-based maps and modes |
| Kill Block | Beta periods | Additional multiplayer mode listed for the beta |
| “Entrenched” Campaign mission | Beta periods | A playable single-player mission |
| Ground War: Combat Outpost | Weekend 2 | Larger-scale combat content introduced during Open Beta |
| Zodiac Resurgence | Weekend 2 | New Warzone map content scheduled for the second weekend |
The Open Beta weekend adds Ground War: Combat Outpost and the Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone. Plan to update the beta client before August 28, 2026.
Players can earn in-game rewards during the beta. Rewards unlock for use in the test environment and are scheduled to become playable in Modern Warfare 4 when the full game launches on October 23, 2026. Progression and reward availability may depend on the final beta implementation and platform conditions.
A multiplayer subscription may be required on some consoles. An internet connection is required, and actual platform availability or launch dates can change. Treat the official beta page as the final authority for regional eligibility and service requirements.
Step-by-Step Beta Setup Guide
Use this process to prepare for either Early Access or the Open Beta. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you purchased digitally or received a retail code.
Confirm Your Platform
Select the platform you will use for the beta. Early Access codes are issued for the chosen platform, so confirm your Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, or other supported platform before registering.
Check Your Access Type
Confirm whether you have a qualifying digital preorder, a retail preorder code, or access to the Open Beta. Open Beta Weekend 2 does not require a preorder.
Redeem a Retail Code
If required, sign in at callofduty.com/betaredeem with your Activision account and enter the 13-character code. Digital purchases generally skip this step.
Preload the Client
Start the Early Access preload on August 20 at 9:00 AM PT or the Open Beta preload on August 26 at 9:00 AM PT, depending on your access window.
Launch During Your Window
Open the beta at the correct start time, sign in with the registered account, and install any required updates before entering multiplayer or campaign content.
Beta Preparation Checklist
- Confirm the selected platform and regional availability
- Link or verify an Activision account
- Redeem a retail Early Access code if required
- Preload the beta client on the correct date
- Check online subscription and internet requirements
Complete the account and preload checks before the scheduled window. This method reduces avoidable delays when servers become available.
If you are joining through Nintendo Switch 2, note that the listed Open Beta access begins during Weekend 2 on August 28, 2026, and no preorder is required for that weekend. The official page also states that Nintendo Switch 2 preorders begin August 26, 2026.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta FAQ
The key answers below summarize the published schedule and access requirements for the 2026 test periods.
Q: When does the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta start?
Early Access starts August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT. The Open Beta for all players starts August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT.
Q: Do I need to preorder for the Open Beta?
No. The Open Beta window from August 28 through September 1, 2026, is available to all players on supported platforms, subject to regional and service requirements.
Q: Do digital preorders need a beta code?
Digital purchases through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam are automatically validated for Early Access. Retail purchases generally require a 13-character code.
Q: Which platforms can access the beta?
The listed platforms include Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC through Battle.net, Xbox on PC, PC through Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2 for the Open Beta Weekend 2 period.
For the latest regional timing, platform availability, and service requirements, use the official Call of Duty beta page before downloading or redeeming access.