Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will hold its open beta in two phases starting August 21, 2026. Pre-order players gain exclusive early access from August 21 to 25 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The open beta opens to all players August 28 through September 1, including on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S [1, 2, 3, 4].
Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 version begin August 26, just after the pre-order beta window ends [2, 3]. The beta introduces 19 unlockable weapons and a variety of multiplayer modes, ranging from 3v3 skirmishes to large-scale tactical battles involving tanks [1, 2, 3, 4].
A notable new feature is the "Kill Block" mode, a modular multiplayer map that changes layout between rounds, offering more than 500 possible configurations. Activision described it as "a modular Multiplayer battleground that reconfigures every match, challenging players to rethink routes, sightlines, and combat spaces on the fly" [1, 4].
Additional modes include Search & Destroy and the Training Mobility Course, designed to help players master new movement mechanics [2]. The beta also uses a new "Gunny" system for weapon loadouts [3].
Pre-ordering the Vault Edition grants early access to Operators such as Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix during the beta [3, 4]. Some platforms, likely the Nintendo Switch 2, will require a multiplayer subscription to participate in the beta [1].
The game's campaign is set in Korea and focuses on conflict between North and South Korea [1, 4]. Despite previous entries being available on subscription services, Modern Warfare 4 will not be on Xbox Game Pass at launch [4].
Activision will host the Call of Duty: Next online event on August 21, the same day the pre-order beta access begins. The event will feature developer briefings and live gameplay reveals [2, 3].
The official launch for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for October 23, 2026, on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2 [1, 2, 3, 4].
