When is the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 open beta on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, and PC?

Publisher Activision and primary developer Infinity Ward have officially detailed the beta testing schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, setting up the franchise for its launch on October 23, 2026. The highly anticipated first-person shooter will release across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and Battle.net. Before full deployment, players can test multiplayer features across two distinct beta weekends in late August, kicking off alongside the live Call of Duty: NEXT reveal showcase on August 21, 2026.

Key Game & Event Information

• Game Title: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
• Developer: Infinity Ward
• Publisher: Activision Publishing
• Genre: First-Person Shooter (FPS), Action, Multiplayer
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC via Steam and Battle.net
• Full Game Release Date: October 23, 2026
• Official Website: Call of Duty Official Portal
• Official Developer Portal: Infinity Ward Official Website
• Official Social Media Directory: Follow announcements on the Official Call of Duty X Account and Infinity Ward Official X Account.

What Are the Early Access and Open Beta Dates for Modern Warfare 4?

Testing for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be split across two consecutive weekends to test server capacity, weapon balance, and cross-platform matchmaking.

Early Access Beta Weekend

• Dates: August 21 to August 25, 2026
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam / Battle.net)
• Access Requirement: Reserved exclusively for players who digitally pre-order any edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

All-Platform Open Beta Weekend

• Dates: August 28 to September 1, 2026
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC
• Access Requirement: Free and open to all players across all supported platforms without requiring a pre-order.

What Will Be Revealed During the Call of Duty: NEXT Broadcast?

On August 21, 2026, Activision will host its premier direct stream event, Call of Duty: NEXT. Broadcasting live ahead of the Early Access beta launch, the event will offer players their first deep dive into the upcoming installment.

Key highlights promised for the broadcast include:

• Live Multiplayer Gameplay: Streamed matches featuring professional content creators and developers showcasing core 6v6 gunplay.
• Map & Loadout Deep Dives: Detailed breakdowns of new multiplayer maps, field upgrades, perk packages, and weapon Gunsmith customization systems.
• Modes and Features: Official reveals covering game modes, killstreaks, and updates regarding broader franchise integration.

How Do Pre-Orders Work Across Platforms and Nintendo Switch 2?

Digital pre-orders for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are open across most platforms, granting instant access to the Early Access beta window along with cosmetic pre-order bonuses.

Pre-order availability dates differ by platform:

• PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC: Pre-orders are live now on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and Battle.net.
• Nintendo Switch 2: Pre-orders for the Switch 2 edition will open on August 26, 2026, directly following the conclusion of the first beta weekend and leading into the Open Beta on August 28.