Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Is Live — Here’s Everything You Need to Know
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta is officially underway, giving players their first real hands-on look at Infinity Ward’s next entry before launch later this year.
The Early Access period runs from August 21 to August 25, while the Open Beta begins August 28 and runs through September 1. Early Access is available to players who pre-ordered or received a beta code, while the second weekend will be open to everyone.
That means if you were waiting to try Modern Warfare 4 before deciding whether to buy it, the second beta weekend is the one to watch.
What’s included in the beta?
Modern Warfare 4’s beta focuses on Multiplayer, with a mix of traditional 6v6 maps and modes alongside newer additions such as Kill Block.
The goal is simple: give players a chance to test the core gunplay, movement and map design while Infinity Ward gathers feedback ahead of launch.
The beta also includes a range of default loadouts covering assault rifles, SMGs, LMGs and sniper rifles, giving players enough variety to get a feel for different playstyles without having to grind for hours first.
Infinity Ward is already making changes
One of the most interesting parts of this beta is how quickly Infinity Ward has started reacting to feedback.
After the first day of Early Access, the studio rolled out adjustments based on player comments, including lower footstep volume and changes to weapon lethality after concerns around the game’s time-to-kill.
That is exactly what a beta should be used for.
Modern Call of Duty games move quickly, and even small changes to movement speed, audio or weapon balance can completely change how Multiplayer feels.
If Infinity Ward continues making meaningful adjustments between now and launch, the beta could end up having a noticeable impact on the final game.
Which platforms can play?
The Early Access beta is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam, Battle.net and Xbox on PC.
The Open Beta weekend will also include Nintendo Switch 2, giving Nintendo players their first chance to see how Modern Warfare 4 performs on the new hardware.
That is especially interesting because Modern Warfare 4 is being developed natively for Switch 2 in partnership with Digital Legends, rather than simply receiving a late port.
Do you need to pre-order?
Only for Early Access.
If you want to play between August 21 and August 25, you need either a pre-order or an eligible beta code.
From August 28, the beta opens to everyone and no pre-order is required.
So unless you are desperate to get in early, there is no real reason to buy the game just to test it.
Waiting a few days gets you access for free.
What happens to your progress?
Players joining both weekends only need to install the beta once.
Activision says updates and progression will carry over from the Early Access weekend into the Open Beta weekend. Players should also make sure they are signed into their Activision account if they want eligible beta rewards tied to their profile for launch.
Modern Warfare 4 launches in October
The full game launches on October 23, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
Infinity Ward is once again leading development, with Beenox handling major parts of the PC experience and Digital Legends working on the Switch 2 version.
The beta is only a small part of the full package, but it should give players a much clearer idea of whether the Multiplayer changes are moving the series in the right direction.
The most encouraging thing about the Modern Warfare 4 beta so far is not a map, weapon or new mechanic.
It is the fact that Infinity Ward is already changing things.
Call of Duty betas often feel more like marketing events than real tests, so seeing immediate balance adjustments is a good sign.
The bigger question is whether the studio keeps listening once the beta ends.
For now, though, the Open Beta gives everyone a chance to judge the game for themselves.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta — August 28 to September 1.
LUDAVIO — The Player’s Perspective.