Activision and developer Infinity Ward have officially detailed the upcoming beta schedule for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, which is set for a global release on October 23, 2026. The testing phase will be split into two distinct periods, beginning with an early access beta for those who have pre-ordered the game, followed by an open beta available to the general public.
The early access beta is scheduled to run from August 21 through August 25, 2026, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Following this, the open beta will take place from August 28 through September 1, 2026. This second phase will expand availability to include the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first time a Call of Duty entry has appeared on a Nintendo console in several years.
The beta content will feature 19 weapons and a variety of map sizes, ranging from 3v3 skirmishes to large-scale tactical battles that incorporate vehicles. Confirmed game modes include Search & Destroy and a new mode titled Kill Block. Additionally, players will have access to a Training Mobility Course, which is intended to help users familiarize themselves with new movement mechanics, FOV and depth-of-field adjustments, and the removal of hipfire bloom.
The beta launch coincides with the return of Call of Duty: Next, an online global event scheduled for August 21, 2026. This broadcast will feature a developer briefing and live gameplay demonstrations from content creators. According to Eurogamer, the beta will become playable immediately following the conclusion of this event.
While the beta provides a first look at the game's mechanics, recent gameplay demonstrations at Fanatics Fest NYC have already sparked discussion among the community. Reports indicate that players have expressed mixed reactions regarding the game's high movement speed and the overall pace of combat.