- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta early access begins August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT.
- Open Beta access starts August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT for all supported players.
- Weekend 1 content includes multiplayer, Kill Block, and the “Entrenched” campaign mission.
- Weekend 2 additions include Combat Outpost, Hijack, and the Zodiac Resurgence map.
- Beta rewards can be unlocked during testing and used in the full game after launch.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Schedule
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access is split into two testing periods in 2026. Weekend 1 is reserved for qualifying pre-orders and pre-purchases, while Weekend 2 opens participation to all players on supported platforms. The official schedule lists different start times for each window, so check the timing carefully before beginning your preload.
Video Highlights:
- The beta schedule and early access structure
- Kill Block map configurations and multiplayer features
- The “Entrenched” campaign mission
- Weekend 2 content, including Combat Outpost and Resurgence
| Beta Window | Start | End | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access, Weekend 1 | August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM PT | August 25, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | Eligible pre-orders and pre-purchases |
| Open Beta, Weekend 2 | August 28, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | September 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PT | All players on supported platforms |
| Early Access preload | August 20, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Weekend 1 begins | Eligible early access participants |
| Open Beta preload | August 26, 2026, 9:00 AM PT | Before Weekend 2 begins | All participating players |
Weekend 1 begins on August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT and ends on August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. Players who digitally pre-order through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Battle.net, or Steam are automatically registered for early access. Retail pre-orders generally require a beta code supplied by the participating retailer.
Weekend 2 begins on August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT, and does not require a pre-order. The open period ends on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. Nintendo Switch 2 players are scheduled to join during this second weekend.
The official beta page lists 11:00 AM PT for Early Access and 10:00 AM PT for the Open Beta. Use those times rather than older schedule discussions or unofficial countdowns.
For the latest availability details, review the official Modern Warfare 4 Beta page. Platform access, territory availability, retailer participation, and online subscription requirements may vary.
Access Requirements and Platform Setup
The beta is planned for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC through Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam during the early access period. The official information also confirms that Nintendo Switch 2 players can participate during Weekend 2. A stable internet connection is required, and an online multiplayer subscription may be necessary on applicable console platforms.
Digital Pre-Order
Digital pre-orders through the Microsoft Store or PlayStation Store automatically validate early access participation. No separate code redemption is required.
PC Pre-Purchase
Battle.net and Steam pre-purchases automatically register eligible accounts for Early Access. The beta can be downloaded when the preload becomes available.
Retail Pre-Order
Participating retailers provide a 13-character beta code on a receipt or through an online order email. Redeem it through the official Call of Duty redemption page.
| Platform or Purchase Type | Weekend 1 Access | Code Required | Weekend 2 Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store digital pre-order | Yes | No | Yes |
| PlayStation Store digital pre-order | Yes | No | Yes |
| Battle.net pre-purchase | Yes | No | Yes |
| Steam pre-purchase | Yes | No | Yes |
| Participating retail pre-order | Yes, after redemption | Usually | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | No listed Weekend 1 access | No | Yes |
If you purchased a physical or retail version, log in with an Activision account and enter the code at callofduty.com/betaredeem. The code is tied to the console or platform selected during registration, so choose carefully before submitting it.
Players who cannot locate a retail code should first check the purchase receipt, order email, or retailer account page. If the code is missing, unreadable, or never arrived, contact the retailer rather than trying random code combinations.
Link your Activision account to the platform you plan to use, verify your email address, and make sure the correct platform is selected before redeeming a retail beta code.
Beta Content, Modes, and Maps
The beta focuses on multiplayer testing while also offering a limited campaign preview. Weekend 1 includes core 6v6 maps and modes, Kill Block, and the single-player campaign mission “Entrenched.” Weekend 2 expands the test with additional multiplayer and Warzone-related content.
| Feature | Weekend 1 | Weekend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Core 6v6 multiplayer | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Block | Yes | Yes |
| “Entrenched” campaign mission | Yes | Availability may continue |
| Ground War: Combat Outpost | Not listed | Yes |
| Hijack | Not listed in official page | Planned addition |
| Zodiac Resurgence map | Not listed | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch 2 access | Not listed | Yes |
Kill Block is the beta’s standout map-design feature. Each layout combines two outer sections, called slabs, with a central combat section. These pieces can form different configurations between matches and may shift during Gunfight rounds. The changing structure can alter sightlines, flank routes, cover positions, and engagement distances.
The official beta information confirms that Kill Block is part of the multiplayer test. Additional preview information describes support for expanded Gunfight formats, including 3v3 and a 10v10 Gunfight mode. Treat these format details as beta content that may be adjusted during testing.
The “Entrenched” mission gives players a chance to sample the campaign before launch. It is an unusual inclusion for a beta because it lets players evaluate the cinematic single-player direction alongside multiplayer systems.
Weekend 2 is especially important for players interested in larger battles and Warzone. Ground War: Combat Outpost adds a broader combat format, while the Zodiac Resurgence map provides new content for the Warzone audience.
Start with core 6v6 matches to learn the weapons and movement, then try Kill Block to understand how shifting layouts affect positioning and rotations.
Step-by-Step Beta Preparation
Use the following process to reduce setup problems and maximize your available testing time. The exact download size is not listed in the supplied official information, so reserve enough storage rather than relying on an unconfirmed estimate.
Confirm Your Access Window
Decide whether you are entering Weekend 1 through an eligible pre-order or waiting for the open access period beginning August 28, 2026. Retail purchases may require a code, while supported digital purchases are automatically validated.
Verify Your Accounts
Sign in to your Activision account and confirm that it is connected to the correct PlayStation, Xbox, Battle.net, Steam, or PC account. Account verification may be required before redemption.
Redeem a Retail Code if Needed
Visit callofduty.com/betaredeem and enter the 13-character code supplied by the participating retailer. Select the intended platform because the code is issued for the platform chosen during registration.
Preload the Beta
Eligible Weekend 1 participants can preload from August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT. All players can preload Weekend 2 from August 26, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.
Play and Submit Useful Feedback
Test several modes, map layouts, weapons, and connection conditions. Focus feedback on issues that affect balance, clarity, performance, matchmaking, or repeat play.
| Preparation Task | Recommended Timing | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Activision account check | Before August 20, 2026 | Prevents login and verification delays |
| Retail code redemption | Before Weekend 1 | Registers the correct platform for early access |
| Weekend 1 preload | August 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM PT | Lets eligible players prepare before August 21 |
| Weekend 2 preload | August 26, 2026, from 9:00 AM PT | Prepares open access before August 28 |
| Platform and network check | Before each weekend | Reduces avoidable connection problems |
If a token is required after retail registration, the official page states that tokens are sent by email before the beta begins and can also be accessed through the redemption page. Keep your inbox and spam folder available for account-related messages.
Rewards, Testing Goals, and Checklist
Playing the beta can unlock in-game rewards. The official information states that rewards become available for use in the beta once unlocked and can be used in Modern Warfare 4 after the full game launches. The supplied materials do not provide a complete reward list, so avoid relying on unofficial claims about specific items or unlock thresholds.
Core 6v6
Best starting point for learning weapon handling, movement, objective timing, and standard matchmaking flow.
Kill Block
Focus on sightlines, cover changes, flank opportunities, and how quickly each configuration changes your route.
Campaign
Play “Entrenched” to assess pacing, presentation, mission flow, and single-player combat feedback.
Weekend 2
Try Combat Outpost and Zodiac Resurgence to compare large-scale and Warzone-focused engagements.
Essential Beta Goals:
- Confirm your Activision and platform accounts before launch
- Complete the Entrenched campaign mission
- Play both standard 6v6 and Kill Block matches
- Test Weekend 2 content if available on your platform
- Check your unlocked beta rewards before the full launch
A strong beta session should include more than chasing eliminations. Try different roles in objective modes, use varied weapon types, and revisit Kill Block layouts to understand how the changing geometry affects repeat matches.
For feedback, record the mode, map configuration, platform, and circumstances surrounding a problem. A clear report is more useful than a general complaint because it gives the developers information they can investigate.
Beta rewards are connected to participation and unlock progress, but the official page does not list every reward or requirement. Verify any detailed reward claim through official Call of Duty channels.
FAQ: Modern Warfare 4 Beta
Q: When does the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta start?
Early Access begins on August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT for eligible pre-orders and pre-purchases. Open Beta access begins on August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT for all players on supported platforms.
Q: Do I need to pre-order Modern Warfare 4 to play the beta?
A qualifying pre-order or pre-purchase is needed for Weekend 1 Early Access unless another official access method applies. No pre-order is required for Weekend 2, which runs from August 28 through September 1, 2026.
Q: Do digital pre-orders require a beta code?
Digital pre-orders through the Microsoft Store and PlayStation Store, plus pre-purchases through Battle.net and Steam, are automatically validated for Early Access. Participating retail purchases generally require a 13-character code.
Q: What content is included in the beta?
The beta includes core 6v6 multiplayer, Kill Block, and the Entrenched campaign mission. Weekend 2 adds Ground War: Combat Outpost and the Zodiac Resurgence map, with Nintendo Switch 2 participation scheduled for that weekend.
Before each beta weekend, confirm the official schedule, platform availability, preload status, and account registration at the Call of Duty Beta page.