Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s first beta is set to go live this weekend, so here’s how you can get access and what’s in store for you.
After Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 lost out to Battlefield 6 last year, Activision has a lot to prove with this year’s Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
Developed by Infinity Ward, the latest entry in the juggernaut franchise serves as a sequel to 2023’s Modern Warfare 3, with a new Korean setting, expanded movement abilities such as hanging off ledges, and overhauled gunplay.
Activision announced two betas for Modern Warfare 4 last week, which will include more modes than ever before – in an obvious attempt to win over lapsed fans who are all playing old Black Ops ports instead.
Ahead of the first beta, we’ve compiled all the details on what you need to jump in, and what’s actually included.
When does the Modern Warfare 4 early access beta start and end?
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The Modern Warfare 4 early access beta kicks off at 7pm BST on Friday, August 21, 2026. This translates to 8pm CEST for Europe and 11am PST for North America.
The beta concludes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6pm BST, or 7pm CEST in Europe and 10am PST in North America.
How can I get a code to the early access beta?
Anyone who has pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC has access to the beta. The only platform not taking part is the Switch 2, as pre-orders for that version are yet to go live.
Alternatively, if you’re an EE customer in the UK, you can text MW4 to 150 to claim a free beta code without pre-ordering the game at all. From there, you’ll receive a code you can put into this website to get your free key.
What’s in the early access beta?
For the first time ever, the beta will include a campaign mission called Entrenched.
On the multiplayer side, there are five maps: Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus, and Kill Block. The latter is tied to a specific mode on a modular map, which reconfigures its layout between matches.
In terms of modes, you’ll have access to Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search & Destroy, Kill Block, 10v10 and 3v3 Gunfight, and Mobility Course.
When is the open beta?
If you’re occupied over the coming days, the open beta kicks off the following weekend from Friday, August 28 to Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This will be accessible to everyone for free across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Along with all the aforementioned maps and modes, the open beta throws in access to a new map called Lithium, Warzone’s new map called Zodiac, and Ground War.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set to launch worldwide on October 23, 2026.
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