The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta begins on August 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CEST. The first weekend is Early Access for eligible pre-order players, while the completely free Open Beta starts August 28.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Access
Release Date: August 21, 2026
Genres: Shooter
Early Access: August 21 at 11:00 AM PT to August 25 at 10:00 AM PT
Open Beta: August 28 at 10:00 AM PT to September 1 at 10:00 AM PT
Early Access preload: August 20 at 9:00 AM PT
Open Beta preload: August 26 at 9:00 AM PT
Open Beta cost: Free, no pre-order required
Activision has published the full schedule for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta, and players will get their first chance to jump in immediately after the Call of Duty: NEXT showcase on August 21.
The beta is split into two distinct stages. The first is a four-day Pre-Order Early Access period. After a short break, the second weekend opens the servers to everyone, including Nintendo Switch 2 players.
There is more than multiplayer to test this year, too. Activision has confirmed a playable Campaign mission, new multiplayer systems, Kill Block, up to 19 unlockable weapons, and additional content arriving during Weekend 2.
When Does the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start?
The Modern Warfare 4 Beta officially begins on August 21 at 11:00 AM PT.
That first stage is the Pre-Order Early Access Beta and runs until August 25 at 10:00 AM PT.
For players in Central Europe, including Poland, that means the servers are scheduled to open on August 21 at 8:00 PM CEST and close on August 25 at 7:00 PM CEST.
The Early Access period will be available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
- PC via Battle.net
- Xbox on PC
Nintendo Switch 2 is not included in the first beta weekend.
We previously covered the broader beta announcement in our Modern Warfare 4 Early Access and Open Beta Dates guide, but Activision has now published the exact start times and preload schedule.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start Times Around the World
Call of Duty: NEXT Takes Place Before the Beta
The first beta session does not simply appear out of nowhere on August 21.
Call of Duty: NEXT starts at 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CEST on the same day. Activision says the presentation will feature the multiplayer reveal, live gameplay, developer commentary, and additional information about Modern Warfare 4.
The Early Access Beta then begins at 11:00 AM PT, immediately after the broadcast.
That gives players a chance to see Infinity Ward explain the multiplayer systems before testing them for themselves.
Who Can Play the Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Beta?
The August 21 to August 25 period is primarily available to players who pre-order or pre-purchase Modern Warfare 4 on an eligible platform.
Both the Standard Edition and Vault Edition include Beta Early Access.
Players who pre-order digitally through the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Steam, or Battle.net do not need a separate beta code. Their accounts are automatically registered for Early Access.
Physical pre-orders from participating retailers work differently. These players should receive a 13-character Early Access Beta code on their receipt or through an email from the retailer.
When Does the Free Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Start?
The free Open Beta begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CEST.
It runs until September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
This second weekend is available to everyone on supported platforms regardless of pre-order status.
The platform list expands to:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Steam
- Battle.net
- Xbox on PC
- Nintendo Switch 2
If you simply want to try Modern Warfare 4 before deciding whether to buy it, August 28 is the important date.
When Can You Preload the Modern Warfare 4 Beta?
Activision is allowing players to download the beta before the servers go live.
The August 20 preload is for players who qualify for Early Access. The August 26 preload opens to everyone ahead of Weekend 2.
Players using retail Early Access codes should also begin receiving their final beta tokens shortly after the August 20 preload becomes available.
What Is Included in the Modern Warfare 4 Beta?
This year’s test is broader than a standard multiplayer-only beta.
Activision currently confirms:
- Core 6v6 multiplayer maps and modes
- Kill Block
- Search & Destroy
- Small-scale 3v3 combat
- Training Mobility Course
- Up to 19 unlockable weapons
- Custom loadouts
- Tacticals and Lethals
- Field Upgrades
- Perks
- Killstreaks
- Multiple Operators
- The single-player Campaign mission Entrenched
Players will also get to test Modern Warfare 4’s updated movement, aiming, ballistics, weapon handling, and progression systems.
Weekend 2 Adds Even More Content
Activision has already confirmed two major additions for the Open Beta weekend.
Ground War: Combat Outpost joins the test, bringing larger-scale combat into the mix.
Call of Duty: Warzone will also participate with the new Zodiac Resurgence map.
For a deeper overview of Infinity Ward’s multiplayer, campaign, DMZ, and new weapon technology, check our Everything You Need to Know About Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Can You Play the Modern Warfare 4 Beta on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, but only during Weekend 2.
Nintendo Switch 2 players cannot participate in the August 21 Early Access period. They can join the Open Beta starting August 28 at 10:00 AM PT.
Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 begin on August 26, but a pre-order is not required to participate in the Open Beta.
Activision specifically states that Nintendo Switch Online is required for Switch 2 players participating in the beta.
How to Redeem a Modern Warfare 4 Beta Code
If you bought a digital edition through an official platform storefront, there is nothing to redeem. Your account should already be eligible.
If you received a beta code from a participating retailer:
- Sign in to your Activision account.
- Go to the official Call of Duty beta redemption page.
- Enter the 13-character code provided by the retailer.
- Select the platform you want to use.
- Wait for your Early Access Beta token to be issued.
Activision says Early Access tokens will be sent to the email address attached to your Activision account and will also become available through the beta redemption page.
If your retailer was supposed to provide a code and you cannot find it, Activision recommends contacting the retailer directly.
Will Modern Warfare 4 Beta Rewards Carry Over?
Yes. Activision confirms that the beta will include in-game rewards.
Once unlocked, these rewards can be used immediately during the beta and will become available again in Modern Warfare 4 when the full game launches on October 23, 2026.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Access
Release Date: August 21, 2026
Genres: Shooter
As of August 19, Activision’s current beta page does not list the complete reward track, levels, or individual reward requirements, so those details should not be treated as confirmed yet.
Vault Edition owners do get additional toys to test during the multiplayer beta, including the Hostile Alliance and Special Forces Operators and the base weapons and Blueprints from the Signature Weapon Collection.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta and Pre-Order Offers on G2A.COM
If you want access before the free Open Beta begins, there is currently a dedicated Early Access Beta listing on G2A Marketplace alongside active Modern Warfare 4 pre-order offers.
Looking for a better marketplace deal?
G2A Plus Premium can provide better prices on eligible offers, Plus Points, gaming rewards, a monthly free game, and additional member benefits.
More Modern Warfare 4 on G2A News
- Modern Warfare 4 Early Access and Open Beta Dates Revealed
- Everything You Need to Know About Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
- Modern Warfare 4 Goes All-In on Next-Gen
- How to Get a Modern Warfare 4 Beta Code
Modern Warfare 4 Beta FAQ
What Time Does the Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start?
The Early Access Beta starts August 21 at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CEST.
When Is the Free Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta?
The free Open Beta starts August 28 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CEST and ends September 1 at the same time.
Do You Need to Pre-Order Modern Warfare 4 to Play the Beta?
Only for the August 21-25 Early Access period. The August 28-September 1 Open Beta is free and does not require a pre-order.
When Can I Preload the Modern Warfare 4 Beta?
Early Access players can preload from August 20 at 9:00 AM PT. Everyone can preload Weekend 2 from August 26 at 9:00 AM PT.
Is the Modern Warfare 4 Beta on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes. Nintendo Switch 2 joins the free Open Beta on August 28. It is not included in the first Early Access weekend.
Does the Modern Warfare 4 Beta Include Campaign Gameplay?
Yes. Activision confirms that the beta includes the single-player mission Entrenched alongside multiplayer content.
What Is Added During Weekend 2?
The Open Beta weekend introduces Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Zodiac Resurgence map in Call of Duty: Warzone.
August 21 Is Deployment Day
The Modern Warfare 4 beta schedule is now straightforward.
Pre-order players deploy first on August 21. Everyone else can join for free on August 28. PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S get both stages, while Nintendo Switch 2 joins during the second weekend.
And with Call of Duty: NEXT starting just two hours before Early Access goes live, August 21 should give us both Infinity Ward’s full multiplayer presentation and the first opportunity to test those systems ourselves.
If you want to be ready the second the servers open, preload is the date to remember first: August 20 for Early Access and August 26 for everyone else.