Activision and Infinity Ward have officially announced the beta schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, confirming early access and open beta dates across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 platforms
Activision and Infinity Ward have confirmed the beta test schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, outlining when players on each major platform will be able to access the upcoming first-person shooter ahead of its full release. The announcement, published via the official Call of Duty website, details both early access and open beta periods, as well as the platforms involved and the content players can expect to sample during the test.
Beta Access and Timing
Players who pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on PC, PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S will receive early access to the beta, running from 21 August to 25 August 2026. The open beta, which does not require a pre-order, will follow from 28 August to 1 September 2026 and will, for the first time in years, include Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the other platforms. The beta is scheduled to begin immediately after the conclusion of the Call of Duty Next presentation on 21 August, which is expected to provide further details on multiplayer content and developer insights.
Switch 2 users will be able to pre-order the game from 26 August, coinciding with the open beta window. This marks the franchise's return to Nintendo hardware after a significant absence, expanding the series' reach to a broader audience.
Beta Content and Features
While the full list of weapons, maps and modes available in the beta has not yet been published, Activision and Infinity Ward have confirmed that players will be able to try out a selection of new and returning multiplayer experiences. The launch version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to include 19 weapons, small-scale 3v3 skirmishes, tanks, the new Kill Block mode, and a range of Operators. Beta participants will have the opportunity to unlock and use a variety of these weapons and Operators, including all Vault Edition Operators for those who pre-order that edition.
The beta will also introduce the new Gunny system for loadout customisation, though further details on its mechanics remain to be clarified. Players can expect to test both classic modes such as Search & Destroy and new additions like Kill Block, as well as a Training Mobility Course. The exact content available during the beta may differ from the final release, and further information is expected closer to the test period.
Edition Bonuses and Platform Details
Players who pre-order the Vault Edition will gain access to additional Operators during the beta, including Price, Valeria, Ghost and Blix. These bonuses are intended to give early purchasers a broader range of character options during the test. The inclusion of Nintendo Switch 2 in the open beta and at launch is notable, as it signals renewed support for Nintendo's platform after several years of absence.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch on 23 October 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2. All platforms are currently set to receive the game simultaneously, though any changes to this plan will be communicated by Activision if necessary.
What Remains Unconfirmed
At the time of writing, Activision and Infinity Ward have not released a full breakdown of the maps, weapons, modes or technical features that will be available in the beta. Details on cross-play, cross-progression, performance targets and platform-specific features have not been specified. Players interested in the technical aspects, such as frame rate, resolution or network performance, will need to wait for further updates or independent testing closer to launch.
More information on the beta's content, access requirements and technical details is expected to be published in the weeks leading up to the test. Until then, players should treat the current schedule and feature list as subject to change, particularly as development continues and feedback from the beta is incorporated.
Beta tests are a standard part of the release cycle for major multiplayer games, allowing developers to stress-test servers, gather player feedback and identify technical issues before launch. Participation in a beta does not guarantee that all features or content will be representative of the final release, as builds are often unfinished and subject to change based on player input and ongoing development.
