Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Dates and Early Access Details

Activision and Infinity Ward have announced the official start times and access details for the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta, set to roll out in two phases throughout August 2026. The beta offers players a substantial preview of the new title, featuring multiplayer modes, maps, and even a mission from the single-player campaign, promising more content than any previous beta in the franchise's history.

The beta period is divided into an Early Access phase for those who pre-order the game and an Open Beta phase available to all players. The Early Access phase begins on Friday, August 21, 2026. In North America, this translates to 11 AM PDT / 2 PM EDT. European players can jump in at 8 PM CEST. This phase concludes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with North American times ending at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT and European times at 7 PM CEST.

Following the Early Access period, the Open Beta commences on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10 AM PDT / 1 PM EDT in North America and 7 PM CEST in Europe. This all-access period extends until Tuesday, September 1, 2026, ending at the same times on its final day. Players looking to participate in the Early Access phase must pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on their chosen platform. Digital pre-orders are automatically registered, while physical copies require redeeming a 13-digit code on the official Call of Duty website.

Beta Content and Rewards

The content available during the beta period is extensive. The Early Access beta includes the campaign mission 'Entrenched,' a mobility training course, and several core multiplayer modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, and Search and Destroy. Players will also get to experience new multiplayer maps such as Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 21, Cachette, and Lotus, alongside the Gunfight mode.

The Open Beta expands on this offering by including Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence, additional multiplayer weapons, and a higher multiplayer progression cap. This provides a more comprehensive look at the full game's offerings before its official launch. Participation in the beta is not just for practice; players can earn exclusive in-game rewards for their efforts. Reaching Level 20 during the Early Access phase unlocks five cosmetic rewards, including a unique Operator Skin. Those who manage to reach Level 30 during the Open Beta will receive an additional three cosmetic rewards, featuring a coveted Weapon Blueprint. These items are confirmed to carry over to the full game, incentivizing players to engage deeply with the beta content.

For PlayStation 5 owners, a PS Plus subscription is required to access at least the Early Access phase of the beta. The beta will be playable across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam or Battle.net. Notably, the Open Beta will also feature support for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, marking a new expansion for the franchise's beta testing reach.

This beta represents a significant opportunity for players to influence the final game by providing valuable feedback on mechanics, balance, and content. Developers often use beta periods to identify and fix bugs, tune gameplay, and gauge player reception to new features. The extensive content planned for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta suggests a strong commitment from Infinity Ward to deliver a polished and engaging experience upon the game's full release later in 2026. Players are encouraged to note the specific dates and times for their region to make the most of this extensive testing window.