Call of Duty fans, mark your calendars. Infinity Ward and Activision have officially confirmed the content and schedule for the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta tests, giving players their first real look at the franchise’s next chapter. These tests will run over the following weekends and will offer a comprehensive sneak peek at multiplayer modes, the Warzone experience, and a brand-new single-player campaign mission.
Whether you are looking to test your aim before the full release or want to experience the new Warzone mechanics early, these beta windows provide the perfect opportunity. Here is everything you need to know about the dates, platforms, and exclusive content coming to the beta.
#1 Early Access Beta: August 21–25, 2026
The first beta test will begin on August 21, 2026, coinciding with the start of Activision’s Call of Duty Next event. This initial window is reserved for players who pre-ordered the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, Steam, and Battle.net.
During this early access phase, participants will get to play an exclusive single-player campaign mission titled “Entrenched”. This mission is unique to the beta and will not be available in the public test, making it a must-play for early adopters.
In addition to the campaign content, the early access beta will feature a robust selection of multiplayer maps and modes. Players can expect to jump into Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search & Destroy, 10v10, 3v3, and a Mobility Course. This gives you a solid foundation to test the core gunplay and map designs before the full launch.
For those who cannot secure a pre-order, there is still a path to participation. The Call of Duty Next event on August 21 will showcase gameplay highlights, including 6v6 PvP, the first look at the Zodiac map, and Kill Block gameplay. Activision will also be giving away free beta codes to viewers who tune in, so keeping an eye on the event stream is a smart move.
#2 Public Beta: August 28 – September 1, 2026
The second beta test opens the doors to the general public from August 28 to September 1, 2026. This window is significant because it expands platform support to include the Nintendo Switch 2, alongside Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, Steam, and Battle.net.
The public beta retains all the content from the first test, including the multiplayer modes and maps. However, the major addition is the inclusion of the Warzone game mode. Players will get to experience a new Warzone map and several new Ground War maps, offering a taste of the larger-scale combat that defines the franchise’s free-to-play offering.
This expansion is particularly notable for Switch 2 owners, as it marks the first time the Call of Duty ecosystem is officially supporting the new hybrid console. If you are planning to play on the Switch 2, this beta is your chance to see how the game performs on the new hardware before committing to the full purchase.
#3 Full Release and Platform Availability
All of this beta content serves as a precursor to the full release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which is scheduled for October 23, 2026. The game will launch across all the platforms mentioned above, ensuring broad accessibility for both console and PC gamers.
The inclusion of the Nintendo Switch 2 in the beta lineup suggests that Infinity Ward has optimized the game for the new hardware’s capabilities. Given the Switch 2’s enhanced specs compared to its predecessor, players can expect a more stable and visually impressive experience, particularly in the Warzone and Ground War modes which typically demand more from system resources.
What This Means for You
For everyday players, the beta schedule offers a clear path to test the waters. If you are a die-hard fan, the early access beta gives you a head start and the chance to secure the exclusive “Entrenched” mission. For casual players, the public beta is a low-risk way to see if the new mechanics and maps suit your playstyle before the October launch.
The inclusion of Warzone in the public beta is a strategic move by Activision. It allows the studio to gather feedback on the new map and modes while driving engagement for the free-to-play component of the franchise. This also means that even if you do not pre-order, you can still participate in the beta and influence the final product through your feedback.
How to Get Early Access
To secure your spot in the first beta, you will need to pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on one of the supported platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Xbox on PC, Steam, or Battle.net. Keep an eye on your retailer of choice for pre-order bonuses and early access codes.
If you miss the early access window, do not worry. The public beta from August 28 to September 1 is open to everyone, and the Call of Duty Next event on August 21 will provide additional opportunities to grab free beta codes. Make sure to follow official Call of Duty channels for updates on code distributions and event schedules.
Source: Latest from Windows Central
Over to you: Are you pre-ordering for early beta access, or will you wait for the public test to jump in?
