Activision just dropped a massive announcement for the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 (MW4) Beta. The publisher just confirmed the complete lineup for its two testing periods. Fans can definitely expect standard multiplayer modes. However, they will also get a surprising first look at the game’s campaign and a brand-new “Warzone” integration.
For the first time ever: Multiplayer. Campaign. Call of Duty: Warzone. All in one Beta.
Be there to see it first at NEXT. Be there to play it first, pre-order Modern Warfare 4 for Beta Early Access: https://t.co/oyl7FeW4X9 pic.twitter.com/HznqgGElMI
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) August 14, 2026
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 serves as a direct sequel to 2023’s Modern Warfare 3. This time, the storyline centers on a fierce war breaking out between North and South Korea. The full game officially launches on October 23. Fortunately, eager players can test the waters for free starting next week.
Before the first Beta begins, Activision will host its annual Call of Duty NEXT showcase. This event will feature over 1,000 creators broadcasting globally. Consequently, they will give fans a detailed first look at everything MW4 has to offer right before the servers go live.
Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Beta Details
The Early Access Beta kicks off on August 21 and runs through August 25. This exclusive weekend is available immediately after the Call of Duty NEXT showcase. However, you must pre-order the game on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X/S to participate.
During this period, players will experience nine distinct multiplayer modes. These include franchise staples like Team Deathmatch and Domination, alongside a brand-new mode called ‘Kill Block‘. Furthermore, the Early Access Beta features six multiplayer maps. Five of these maps are entirely new to the franchise, while the sixth is titled ‘Lotus’.
Most importantly, Activision is doing something completely unprecedented. For the first time in Call of Duty history, Beta players will get hands-on access to the campaign. You will be able to play a single-player mission titled ‘Entrenched’ throughout both Beta weekends.
Open Beta & Nintendo Switch 2 Support
The second testing phase is the Open Beta. It begins on August 28 and concludes on September 1. Unlike the first weekend, this phase is completely open to everyone. Furthermore, it adds an exciting new platform to the mix: the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2.
Players on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Switch 2 will retain almost all content from the Early Access period. Naturally, the ‘Entrenched’ campaign mission carries over. However, developers will swap out the ‘Lotus’ multiplayer map for a new map named ‘Lithium’.
Additionally, the Open Beta introduces two more multiplayer modes, namely ‘Hijack’ and ‘Combat Outpost’. Finally, battle royale fans have a massive reason to log in. Activision will debut a brand-new Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence map named ‘Zodiac’ exclusively during this second Beta weekend.
