Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta launches with early access for pre-orders from August 21–25 and an open beta from August 28–September 1 ahead of the October 23 release.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta launches with early access and open weekends

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta launches this week, giving players their first hands-on taste of the upcoming shooter ahead of its full release on October 23, 2026. The beta is split into two phases: an Early Access weekend for pre-order customers, followed by an Open Beta that anyone can join on supported platforms.

The testing period is designed to stress-test multiplayer systems, gather feedback on weapons and maps, and fine-tune balance before launch. For fans, it’s also a chance to see how Infinity Ward’s latest entry feels in terms of movement, gunplay, and overall performance on current-gen consoles and PC.

Beta schedule and access

The Modern Warfare 4 beta runs across two weekends in late August and early September:

Weekend 1 – Early Access (pre-order required)

Start: August 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET

End: August 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT

Platforms:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• PC via Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox on PC

Access:

• Automatic for digital pre-orders.
• Physical pre-orders usually require a beta code from the retailer.
• Some promotions (e.g., Xfinity) also offer early access codes.
• Nintendo Switch 2 is not included in Weekend 1.

Weekend 2 – Open Beta (no pre-order required)

Start: August 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET

End: September 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM PT

Platforms:

All of the above, plus Nintendo Switch 2.

Access: Open to everyone on supported platforms; no purchase necessary.

If you play in both weekends, you only need to download the beta once; your progression carries over between the two phases.

What’s in the beta

The beta focuses on multiplayer and includes:

• A selection of maps, with updates already adding new locations such as Cachette and a mode called Inflation in the first patch.
• A subset of weapons and attachments, with early balance changes already being tested (for example, nerfs to the ISO Nightshade and Oris 8.6, and adjustments to footstep audio).
• Core movement and gunplay systems, allowing players to evaluate the new Modern Warfare 4 feel before launch.
  

Activision has described the beta as a chance to showcase “remarkable advancements” in the new multiplayer experience, though the full map roster, modes, and progression systems will only be revealed closer to launch.

Beta progression and rewards

Players are asking whether their beta progress will carry over to the final game:

• Between weekends: Progression from Weekend 1 carries into Weekend 2, so you don’t lose levels or unlocks between phases.
• To launch: Some progression and, importantly, all beta rewards earned during the two weekends will carry over to the full game at launch on October 23.
• Level cap: During the beta, players can progress up to a certain level (reports indicate up to around level 30 across both weekends), after which further XP still contributes to rewards but not to additional levels.

This means time spent in the beta can translate into exclusive cosmetics and other bonuses in the final version, even if not all levels transfer directly.

Technical highlights: DLSS 4.5 discovery

On PC, the Modern Warfare 4 beta has already attracted attention for more than just gameplay. Users digging into the game files have reportedly found:

• A new DLSS version.
• Files related to DLSS 4.5 Ray Reconstruction, potentially marking the first implementation of this technology in a shipped or beta game.

  If confirmed, this could mean NVIDIA’s latest upscaling and ray-tracing enhancements arrive alongside or shortly after the beta, with possible benefits for texture quality and image reconstruction in Modern Warfare 4 and other titles.

How to join the beta

To participate:

1. Pre-order Modern Warfare 4 (for Early Access) or simply wait for the Open Beta.
2. On PlayStation 5, search for “Modern Warfare 4 Beta” in the PlayStation Store and download it as a standalone app.
3. On PC, find the beta on Steam or Battle.net as a separate download; it no longer requires launching through the main Call of Duty app.
4. On Xbox, locate the beta via the Xbox Store under Modern Warfare 4.
5. If you have a beta code, redeem it according to the platform’s instructions to unlock Early Access.

Make sure your console or PC meets the storage and system requirements, and that you have a stable internet connection for the best experience.

Summary: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta launches with Early Access from August 21–25 for pre-orders and an Open Beta from August 28–September 1 for all players on supported platforms. Progression and rewards carry between weekends and into the full game, while PC players have already spotted potential DLSS 4.5 files in the beta build.