Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has two separate beta windows. Pre-order early access runs from August 21 to 25 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The free open beta follows from August 28 to September 1, when Nintendo Switch 2 joins the test.
- Early access: August 21–25, preorder required.
- Open beta: August 28–September 1, free for everyone.
- Start time in Spain: Call of Duty: NEXT begins on August 21 at 6pm CEST in mainland Spain and 5pm in the Canary Islands; the beta opens after the show.
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in early access; Nintendo Switch 2 joins the August 28 open beta.
- Full release: October 23, 2026.
Modern Warfare 4 beta dates and start time
Call of Duty: NEXT begins on Friday, August 21 at 9am PT, noon ET and 5pm BST — 6pm CEST in mainland Spain. Activision says early access will open “immediately after” the broadcast, but those times belong to the show, not the servers.
August 21 early access overlaps with Gamescom 2026, although Activision has kept its showcase separate from the trade show.
Activision has not set an exact opening or closing time for August 21–25 early access or the August 28–September 1 open beta. We will update this section when it does; any countdown claiming an exact server time before that announcement is an estimate.
How to get access: digital pre-order, retail code or free open beta
A digital preorder through PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Battle.net or Steam validates your account automatically. Every edition unlocks access on August 21, so there is no reason to buy the Vault Edition just for the beta.
With a physical copy, the retailer should provide a code on the receipt or by email. Redeem it at callofduty.com/betaredeem and choose the correct platform.
The August 28 open beta requires neither a purchase nor a code. Game Pass alone does not get you into the August 21–25 window: you still need a preorder or early-access code. If you are undecided, wait until August 28, play for free and buy only if it earns your money.
Platforms, PC requirements and the Switch 2 release
From August 21 to 25, the beta runs on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Battle.net, Steam and Xbox on PC. There are no PS4 or Xbox One versions. Nintendo Switch 2 joins on August 28 because preorders on the system do not open until August 26.
You need a permanent internet connection and an Activision account. PC also requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Activision says a console multiplayer subscription may be required and confirms Nintendo Switch Online for Switch 2. On PS5, our guide to sharing PS Plus and games with another account explains which user needs Console Sharing enabled.
Activision has not announced a download size or preload date. Older beta figures are a poor guide because this test combines campaign, multiplayer and Warzone.
What is in the beta: campaign, multiplayer and Warzone
From August 21 to 25, players can try Entrenched, a campaign mission set on the Korean front and a first for a Call of Duty beta. Multiplayer includes Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus and Kill Block, with matches ranging from 3v3 to 10v10.
Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search & Destroy and Inflation are joined by a Mobility Course and up to 19 weapons. Kill Block changes between matches and doubles as a training ground. Activision will detail progression and rewards during Call of Duty: NEXT.
What the August 28 open beta adds
From August 28 to September 1, Entrenched stays and Nintendo Switch 2 joins the test. Lithium replaces Lotus, Ground War adds Imjin Farmland and Wolves Stadium, and Hijack, Combat Outpost and Warzone: Resurgence Zodiac arrive. DMZ is not included.
This is the beta we recommend if you are undecided: it costs nothing, offers more content and lets you compare every platform before the full game arrives on October 23.
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