The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta dates are locked in. The schedule finally answers the two questions every squad has been asking since Call of Duty NEXT 2026 got teased: when do we get in, and what do we actually get to play?
Activision confirmed the full window on the official Call of Duty blog. They broke them down into two distinct weekends rather than one long test.
If you’re still weighing which edition to buy before committing, our guide to All You Need To Know About Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 covers the bigger picture beyond just the beta.
Quick Summary: MW4 Beta Dates & Platform Schedule
Here’s the schedule at a glance before we get into the details.
| Phase | Dates | Who Can Play |
| Weekend 1 – Early Access | August 21–25 | Pre-order owners on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC |
| Weekend 2 – Open Beta | August 28–September 1 | Everyone, all platforms, no pre-order needed |
The MW4 Beta platforms cover PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. MW4 is the first time a mainline Call of Duty beta will land on a Nintendo console, with Switch 2 owners joining during Weekend 2.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Schedule: Early Access vs. Open Beta
Weekend 1: Early Access Phase (August 21 – August 25)
Early Access isn’t tied to a subscription tier or a lucky code drop. Purchasing the Standard or Vault Edition on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC unlocks your access the moment the game detects your purchase.
Early Access goes live directly after the Call of Duty NEXT 2026 showcase wraps. Expect a scramble in the first few hours as everyone who pre-ordered piles in at once. Network and connection issues may hinder access during this time.
Weekend 2: Open Beta Phase (August 28 – September 1)
Weekend 2 drops the pre-order requirement entirely. Anyone on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, or Switch 2 can download and play with no purchase needed. This is the version most players will actually experience, since it’s free and doesn’t lock content behind a wallet.
Switch 2 players will also get their own entry point: pre-orders for the console open on August 26. Two days before the Open Beta begins. If you’re planning to test on the Switch 2, get that pre-order sorted early so you’re not troubleshooting login issues on launch morning.
How to Get MW4 Beta Codes and Pre-Load
Pre-loading avoids a slow first-minute download when servers open. Here’s the fastest route on each platform:
- PlayStation Store: Pre-order the game, then find it in your Library. The pre-load option should appear once Activision flips it on. Typically a day or two before each phase.
- Xbox Store: Pre-order and then toggle the “Manage Install” button from the game’s store page. This will queue the download ahead of time.
- Battle.net / Steam: Log in, locate Modern Warfare 4 in your library, and hit install as soon as the pre-load button activates.
- Nintendo eShop: Pre-order before August 26, then download through your Switch 2 library once the beta client is available.
Beta codes from retailer purchases (physical pre-orders, bundled hardware, and so on) typically arrive by email or through your account dashboard. They can be redeemed under “Redeem Code” in your platform’s storefront.
One thing to check before launch day: MW4 Beta Early Access requires an active online subscription on console.
That means PS Plus (any tier) on PlayStation and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold on Xbox. PC players and Switch 2 users need Nintendo Switch Online, but PC players don’t require a paid subscription layer beyond their platform account.
MW4 Beta Content Preview: Maps, Weapons, & Modes
The beta isn’t a stripped demo. Confirmed modes include Search & Destroy, smaller 3v3 skirmishes, and larger tactical battles that bring vehicles into the mix.
The standout addition is the brand-new Modern Warfare 4 Kill Block mode. It is a fast-paced objective mode that had its first hands-on showing at Fanatics Fest ahead of the beta.
It leans into shorter rounds and aggressive map control rather than the slower pacing of traditional objective modes, so expect it to reward players who push rather than camp.
On the arsenal side, players get access to 19 base weapons along with several signature blueprints tied to specific operators. That’s enough of a spread to test multiple playstyles like close-quarters builds, mid-range rifles, and support weapons. All without waiting for the full unlock grind at launch.
Whether you plan to grind ranked yourself or use Call of Duty BO7 Ranked Boosting later on, this beta offers a great head start on the upcoming meta.
Final Thoughts
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta dates boil down to a simple choice: pay to get in on August 21, or wait a week and play free starting August 28. Neither path is wrong. It just depends on which entry point you prefer.
Whichever weekend you land on, beta weekends are an affordable way to figure out if the new maps, Kill Block, and the reworked gunplay actually suit your squad before the October 23 launch.
For a wider look at what else is shifting across the Call of Duty ecosystem this season, our Warzone Season 5 Update Details breakdown is a good next stop.
If you’re also stocking up on Call of Duty Points, our CP Points For Sale is worth a look.
Check out some of our most popular Boosting services:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does MW4 Beta progression carry over to the full launch?
No. Beta stats, ranks, and unlocks reset before launch. The beta exists purely for testing, not permanent progress.
Do I need Xbox Game Pass or PS Plus to play the MW4 Beta?
Yes, on console. PS Plus (any tier) covers PlayStation, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Live Gold covers Xbox. Switch 2 needs Nintendo Switch Online, and PC needs no paid online tier at all.
Will Modern Warfare 4 be available on PS4 or Xbox One?
No. Modern Warfare 4, including the beta, is current-gen only. Those are the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
