Activision and Infinity Ward have locked in the playtest schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, with early access rolling out later this month for players who pre-ordered on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S.
The early beta window runs August 21 through 25, kicking off immediately after the Call of Duty Next presentation wraps on August 21. That event will feature live gameplay, developer commentary on multiplayer content, and fresh reveals timed to the beta launch.
Nintendo Switch 2 players will get their turn during the open beta phase, running August 28 through September 1. Switch 2 pre-orders officially open August 26, marking the first time Call of Duty returns to Nintendo hardware in years.
While the full roster of beta weapons, Operators, and maps remains under wraps, Activision and Infinity Ward teased what's on tap. The beta will include 19 weapons to unlock, modes ranging from 3v3 skirmishes to larger tactical engagements with tanks, and new gameplay features like Kill Block. Classic modes such as Search & Destroy return alongside a new Training Mobility Course to practice with the overhauled Gunny loadout system.
Players who pre-order the Vault Edition unlock exclusive Operators during the beta, including Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix. The standard pre-order also grants early access to the playtest.
The full game launches October 23, 2026 across PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. Additional details on beta specifics are expected to arrive shortly.
Author Emily Chen: "The simultaneous push across five platforms and the Switch 2 inclusion signals Activision's bet that this cycle needs reach over exclusivity, but the real test is whether the new Gunny system and Kill Block mode can actually move the needle in a franchise that's been coasting on muscle memory."
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