Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 open beta dates have been confirmed, giving players their first major chance to try the next entry in the blockbuster shooter series before launch. The early access beta begins on August 21 and runs through August 25, while the full open beta will be available from August 28 to September 1. The game is scheduled to release worldwide on October 23, 2026.
The beta will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and Nintendo Switch 2. Players who pre-order the game on supported platforms will get access to the first beta period, although reports note that the Switch 2 version will only join during the open beta weekend. During the second test period, the beta will be free for all players, though a multiplayer subscription may still be required on some platforms.
The playtest will include a wide selection of new Operators, 19 unlockable weapons and several multiplayer modes. The new Operators also make the Modern Warfare 4 cast more important, especially as Activision uses recognizable characters to shape the game’s multiplayer identity. Players can expect smaller 3v3 skirmishes, tactical battles with tanks and other large-scale combat options, along with the return of fan-favorite Search and Destroy. A Training Mobility Course will also be included, giving players a chance to learn the movement system before jumping into live matches.
The biggest new feature is Kill Block, a modular multiplayer battleground that changes between rounds. According to Call of Duty’s official blog, Kill Block can reconfigure routes, sightlines and combat spaces during matches, forcing players to adapt instead of relying on fixed map knowledge. The mode is built from pre-made sections that can create more than 500 possible layouts.
Modern Warfare 4 was announced earlier this year and is being developed by Infinity Ward. The campaign direction also connects to how Modern Warfare 4 returns to regular soldiers, moving the focus back toward grounded military storytelling. The campaign is set in Korea and follows a new conflict between North and South Korea. Players who pre-order digitally will also be able to access the single-player campaign one week early, starting October 16.
The game also brings back DMZ, the extraction-style mode first introduced in Modern Warfare 2. Its return may appeal to players who enjoyed Call of Duty’s more tactical, loot-focused side alongside standard competitive multiplayer.
Infinity Ward has plenty to prove with this release. Recent Modern Warfare entries received criticism for weak campaign design, slower movement and unpopular cosmetic skins. The studio has promised changes, and the beta will be the first real test of whether Modern Warfare 4 can win back skeptical fans before its October launch.