If you have a Modern Warfare 4 Early Access code, the first weekend gives you a defined slice of the game. From August 21 through August 25, you can play the beta on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC through Xbox on PC, Steam, or Battle.net. A digital preorder includes the same Early Access registration without a separate code.

For the wider schedule, platforms, and requirements, see our Modern Warfare 4 beta hub.

The code covers the test, not the full release. It does not unlock the full game, the Vault Edition bonuses, or permanent access to the campaign or other post-beta content. For the access options, use our guide to getting into the Modern Warfare 4 beta early.

The campaign mission is called “Entrenched”

The most unusual part of the beta is a piece of the single-player campaign. “Entrenched” is a standalone playable mission, not an early version of the entire story. It takes place during the conflict that begins when North Korea invades South Korea, the central crisis in Modern Warfare 4’s campaign.

PC Gamer reports that the mission follows South Korean Marines during an uphill attack and includes trenches, armored vehicles, and close-quarters combat. It gives players a look at the campaign’s setting and tone without opening the full sequence of missions before launch. Our earlier Entrenched breakdown covers the campaign angle in more detail.

The “Campaign” label in the beta promotion needs that context. You can play campaign content, but this is one selected mission rather than the opening hours of the story.

Multiplayer has returning modes and new tests

Activision has confirmed multiple Multiplayer maps, but it has not published a complete named map list for Weekend One. The announcement identifies Kill Block as a modular map-and-mode experience built around changing sections and close fights.

The announced Early Access lineup includes:

  • Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, and Search & Destroy.
  • Inflation, a new mode listed in the beta content announcement.
  • Kill Block, the modular map-and-mode experience.
  • 3v3 skirmishes and 10v10 Gunfight matches.
  • The Training Mobility Course for movement practice.

The Training Mobility Course is a practice area, not a competitive map. Activision also describes larger battles with tanks and infantry, while Windows Central places the new Ground War maps in the second beta weekend. A map missing from Early Access has not been cut from the finished game; the playlist is only a portion of the launch lineup.

Up to 19 weapons and the main loadout tools

Activision says the beta progression includes up to 19 weapons. It has not published a separate Weekend One count, so treat 19 as the ceiling for the beta build rather than a promise that every weapon is available on the first day. Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, Perks, and Killstreaks are also part of the test.

Players can build their own loadouts or use Gunny, an optional system that recommends close-, mid-, or long-range weapon setups before allowing further changes. That gives new players a starting point without locking them into one class.

Vault Edition owners have extra items to test: the Signature Weapon Collection includes the Kastov 762 with the “Voltspine” Blueprint, ISO Nightshade with “La Sombra Venenosa,” Rezi 12 with “Shattered Code,” Oris 8.6 with “Volt-Edge,” and the Combat Knife with “Sombra Besada.” The edition also includes Operator packs for Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix. A standard giveaway code does not include those bonuses.

What waits for Weekend Two?

The Open Beta starts August 28 and runs through September 1. It is open to everyone on the supported platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2 players, and does not require a preorder. Windows Central reports that Weekend Two adds Warzone content, the Zodiac Resurgence map, and several Ground War maps.

That means an Early Access code gives you the campaign mission and the first Multiplayer test, not the complete beta package. Nintendo Switch 2 also joins in Weekend Two, not on August 21. DMZ is not listed in Activision’s Early Access announcement, so do not treat it as confirmed for this test.