Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta is your first real chance to test the multiplayer in August 2026 before it launches in October.
This year, it kicks off right after Call of Duty: NEXT. Activision has confirmed two full beta weekends with both Early Access and a true Open Beta for all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2.
Modern Warfare 4 beta dates and schedule
Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer beta runs across two weekends, covering an Early Access phase and a full Open Beta.
| Beta | Start Date | End Date | Platforms | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend 1 (Early Access Beta) | Aug. 21 (right after Call of Duty: NEXT) | Aug. 25 | Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC (Battle.net, Xbox on PC, Steam) | Pre-order required |
| Weekend 2 (Open Beta) | Aug. 28 | Sept. 1 | All supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2 | Open to everyone, no pre-order needed |
On Aug. 21, CoD: NEXT returns as a global showcase for MW4, featuring:
- Live multiplayer matches and gameplay segments
- Deep dives into maps, modes, Operators, and systems
- Developer commentary and feature breakdowns
- A full briefing on what’s in the beta build
Right after the NEXT broadcast, the Early Access beta begins.
How to play the MW4 beta early
If you want in as soon as servers switch on, Weekend One should be your target. The first beta weekend is Early Access only, and you must preorder MW4 to play during this window.
To get Early Access, simply preorder Modern Warfare 4 (Standard or Vault Edition) on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, or PC via Battle.net, Xbox on PC, or Steam. Once your preorder is confirmed, you’re eligible to play the Early Access beta from Aug. 21 to 25. Pre-ordering also gives you the advantage of playing the campaign early.
Nintendo Switch 2 Early Access and Open Beta
Nintendo Switch 2 is slightly different. Preorders for Switch 2 go live on Aug. 26, but Switch 2 players don’t have to preorder to join the Open Beta weekend.
Switch 2 participates in the Open Beta in Weekend Two, from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1. You can simply download the beta client and play during Weekend Two on Switch 2. Nintendo Switch Online is required to play the Modern Warfare 4 beta on the handheld, so make sure your subscription is active before the second weekend starts.
What’s included in the Modern Warfare 4 beta?
The Modern Warfare 4 beta will have multiple multiplayer maps and modes, including classic objective modes, and you can unlock up to 19 different weapons by playing and leveling up. You can also try both small 3v3 battles and larger tactical fights with vehicles like tanks.
Jump into returning staples such as Search & Destroy, along with new experiences like Kill Block and the Training Mobility Course during the beta.
When does MW4 release?
Modern Warfare 4 is set to launch worldwide on Oct. 23, 2026, across Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Infinity Ward is leading development, with support from studios including Beenox, High Moon Studios, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Treyarch, Activision Central Design, Activision Central Tech, and others.
CoD dev details new MW4 DMZ features that distinguish it from the beta version, so make sure to check that.
