- Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Early Access runs August 21–25, 2026.
- Open Beta access begins August 28 and remains available through September 1, 2026.
- Digital pre-orders automatically validate Early Access on supported storefronts.
- Retail codes require Activision account redemption before token delivery.
- Weekend 2 content adds Ground War, Combat Outpost, and Zodiac Resurgence.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Schedule
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta access is divided into an Early Access period and a broader Open Beta period in 2026. Planning around the preload windows is important because each weekend has a separate access start and download schedule.
The official schedule lists Early Access from August 21 at 11:00 AM PT through August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. Open Beta access for all players begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
| Beta Period | Access Window | Who Can Join | Preload Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Access | Aug. 21, 11:00 AM PT–Aug. 25, 10:00 AM PT, 2026 | Eligible pre-order or pre-purchase players | Aug. 20, 9:00 AM PT |
| Open Beta | Aug. 28, 10:00 AM PT–Sept. 1, 10:00 AM PT, 2026 | All players on supported platforms | Aug. 26, 9:00 AM PT |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Weekend 2 | Begins Aug. 28, 10:00 AM PT, 2026 | All players; no pre-order required | Aug. 26, 9:00 AM PT |
The listed times are Pacific Time. Territory, retailer, platform availability, and online multiplayer subscription requirements may affect participation.
The Early Access period is designed for players who pre-order or pre-purchase through an eligible channel. The second weekend expands access to all players, and Nintendo Switch 2 players can join Weekend 2 without a pre-order.
Platforms and Access Requirements
The beta supports Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam for Early Access eligibility. The official announcement also confirms that all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, can participate in the Open Beta Weekend 2 when access begins on August 28, 2026.
Digital purchases and retail purchases use different validation methods. Digital pre-orders from the Microsoft Store or PlayStation Store, along with digital pre-purchases through Battle.net or Steam, do not require manual code redemption. Eligible accounts are automatically registered for Early Access.
| Purchase Method | Early Access Requirement | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Store digital pre-order | Automatic validation | Sign in on the selected platform and preload |
| PlayStation Store digital pre-order | Automatic validation | Use the same PlayStation account for beta access |
| Battle.net digital pre-purchase | Automatic validation | Launch the beta from the linked Battle.net account |
| Steam digital pre-purchase | Automatic validation | Check the Steam library when preload opens |
| Participating retailer | 13-character beta code | Redeem the code through the official redemption page |
Digital Storefront
Digital pre-orders and pre-purchases are automatically validated for Early Access on supported storefronts.
Retail Purchase
Retail customers should check the receipt or online confirmation email for the 13-character code.
Activision Account
Retail code redemption requires an Activision account and account verification.
Nintendo Switch 2
Weekend 2 access begins August 28, 2026, without a pre-order requirement.
When redeeming a retail code, choose the console or platform carefully. The issued code is tied to the platform selected during registration.
For retail codes, visit the official Call of Duty Beta redemption page, sign in with an Activision account, and enter the 13-character code. Registered players receive an Early Access token by email before the beta begins. Tokens are scheduled to become available shortly after the Early Access preload starts on August 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM PT.
If a code is missing, unreadable, or never arrives from a participating retailer, contact that retailer for recovery assistance. Do not attempt to use a code intended for another platform.
Step-by-Step Beta Access Setup
Use the following process to prepare for the beta. The correct path depends on whether the purchase was digital or made through a participating retailer.
Confirm the Platform
Select the platform you intend to use before registering. Supported Early Access platforms include Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and PC Steam. Nintendo Switch 2 participation begins during Weekend 2.
Verify the Purchase Type
Determine whether your order was digital or retail. Digital purchases from supported storefronts use automatic validation, while participating retailers provide a 13-character Early Access code.
Redeem a Retail Code
Go to the official Call of Duty beta redemption page, sign in with your Activision account, and enter the code exactly as provided. Select the intended platform during registration.
Watch for the Token
Check the email address connected to your Activision account after registration. Early Access tokens are scheduled to arrive shortly after the August 20, 2026 preload begins.
Preload the Beta
Eligible players can preload Early Access starting August 20 at 9:00 AM PT. All players can preload Weekend 2 beginning August 26 at 9:00 AM PT.
| Setup Stage | Date and Time in 2026 | Player Action |
|---|---|---|
| Early Access preload | Aug. 20, 9:00 AM PT | Download the beta if eligibility is confirmed |
| Early Access launch | Aug. 21, 11:00 AM PT | Start playing supported beta content |
| Weekend 2 preload | Aug. 26, 9:00 AM PT | Download the Open Beta build |
| Open Beta launch | Aug. 28, 10:00 AM PT | Join without a pre-order on supported platforms |
| Open Beta close | Sept. 1, 10:00 AM PT | Finish challenges and review earned rewards |
Preloading reduces launch-day delays and gives you time to resolve account, storage, or update issues before the access window opens.
If you pre-ordered digitally and do not see an access option immediately, verify that you are using the purchasing account and the correct platform application. Retail players should confirm both the redemption status and the email address connected to their Activision account.
Beta Modes, Maps, and Weekend 2 Content
The beta focuses on Multiplayer gameplay across multiple maps and modes, with additional content arriving during Weekend 2. The available lineup includes core 6v6 maps and modes, Kill Block, and a single-player Campaign mission called Entrenched.
Weekend 2 expands the experience with Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone. Treat the two weekends as separate opportunities: Early Access gives eligible players an earlier look, while Weekend 2 offers the broadest access and additional content.
| Content Area | Beta Content | Best Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Core Multiplayer | 6v6 maps and modes | Practice positioning, communication, and objective control |
| Kill Block | Featured beta mode | Learn engagement ranges and team movement |
| Campaign preview | “Entrenched” mission | Adjust settings and familiarize yourself with controls |
| Ground War | Combat Outpost during Weekend 2 | Prepare for larger battles and wider sightlines |
| Warzone | Zodiac Resurgence map during Weekend 2 | Expect faster rotations and map-aware movement |
The beta is intended to provide hands-on experience and useful feedback before the October 23, 2026 launch. Test different modes instead of focusing on only one match type.
A strong first session should include at least one core 6v6 match, one additional Multiplayer mode, and the Entrenched Campaign mission. During Weekend 2, reserve time for Ground War and Zodiac Resurgence so you can compare their pacing with the smaller core maps.
Core 6v6
Focus on routes, sightlines, spawn awareness, and objective timing in compact Multiplayer spaces.
Entrenched
Use the Campaign mission to check sensitivity, audio, aiming, and control settings in a structured scenario.
Weekend 2
Explore Ground War: Combat Outpost and Zodiac Resurgence when the expanded beta content becomes available.
Rewards and Beta Preparation Checklist
Playing the beta can unlock in-game rewards. Rewards become available for use in the beta after they are unlocked and are also playable in Modern Warfare 4 when the full game launches on October 23, 2026.
Because beta details and availability can vary by territory or platform, record your progress through the in-game reward interface rather than relying on unverified lists. Focus on playing naturally across the available modes and completing the objectives shown in the beta.
Before You Start:
- Confirm the correct platform and purchasing account
- Create or verify an Activision account if using a retail code
- Redeem a 13-character code through the official beta redemption page
- Preload the correct beta period before its launch time
- Play multiple modes and review unlocked in-game rewards
| Preparation Goal | Why It Matters | Suggested Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Account verification | Required for retail code registration | Before Aug. 20, 2026 |
| Platform selection | Codes are issued for the selected platform | Before redemption |
| Early Access preload | Prevents avoidable launch-day downloads | Aug. 20, 2026 |
| Mode testing | Helps evaluate different beta experiences | Both weekends |
| Reward review | Confirms unlocked items and future availability | After each play session |
Use the Entrenched mission or a low-pressure Multiplayer match to tune sensitivity, audio, display options, and controller preferences before competitive sessions.
The most useful beta routine is simple:
- Start with a short settings check.
- Play a core 6v6 match to establish movement and aiming comfort.
- Try another Multiplayer mode or Kill Block.
- Complete Entrenched if you want a Campaign-focused test.
- During Weekend 2, compare Ground War and Zodiac Resurgence.
- Review rewards after unlocking them and note which items are marked for use at launch.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta FAQ
Q: When does Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta Early Access start?
Early Access begins August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM PT and ends August 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT. It is available to eligible players who pre-order or pre-purchase through supported channels.
Q: Do I need a beta code for a digital pre-order?
No. Digital pre-orders through the Microsoft Store or PlayStation Store, and digital pre-purchases through Battle.net or Steam, are automatically validated for Early Access.
Q: Can I join the Open Beta without pre-ordering?
Yes. Open Beta access begins August 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT for all players on supported platforms. Nintendo Switch 2 players can also join Weekend 2 without a pre-order.
Q: What content arrives during Weekend 2?
Weekend 2 adds Ground War: Combat Outpost and the Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone, alongside the beta's Multiplayer content.
Beta dates, platform availability, retailer participation, and subscription requirements may change. Check the official Modern Warfare 4 Beta page before downloading or traveling for an event.