Modern Warfare 4 has two beta windows, and the date you can play depends on your preorder status and platform. Early Access runs from August 21 through August 25 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The Open Beta starts August 28 and runs through September 1 for everyone, including Nintendo Switch 2 players.

The split is simple: preorder players and code holders get the first five-day window, while the second window is free to join without a preorder. You do not need to find a code for the Open Beta.

Modern Warfare 4 beta schedule

  • Early Access: August 21–25 — preorder or Early Access code required; PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, and Battle.net.
  • Open Beta: August 28–September 1 — no preorder or code required; PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Activision describes these as two beta weekends, although the first window lasts five days. Availability can vary by territory and platform, and the publisher says the schedule can change. Console players may also need the platform’s online multiplayer subscription.

Early Access starts after Call of Duty: NEXT

The Early Access Beta begins on August 21 after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast. Activision describes the beta as going live immediately after the show, so players should watch for the download and launch notice rather than treating midnight as the start time.

Early Access registration works differently depending on the purchase. Digital platform-store preorders register automatically, while physical preorders, some retailer orders, and giveaway winners may need to redeem a code first. Our Modern Warfare 4 beta code guide explains the platform and region choices.

What you can play in Early Access

Weekend One includes multiple Multiplayer maps and modes, the Kill Block experience, Search & Destroy, 3v3 skirmishes, 10v10 Gunfight matches, the Training Mobility Course, and beta weapon progression. Reporting from Windows Central also identifies the “Entrenched” campaign mission in this first window.

Our Modern Warfare 4 beta hub lists the wider schedule and separates the first weekend from the content announced for the second.

What changes in the Open Beta

The Open Beta begins August 28 and ends September 1. No preorder is required, and Nintendo Switch 2 joins this window rather than the August 21–25 Early Access test. Switch 2 players can enter without buying a preorder first.

Weekend Two is more than a repeat of the first test. Windows Central reports that it adds Warzone content, the Zodiac Resurgence map, and additional Ground War maps. The exact rotation can change while the beta is running, so the in-game notices remain the best source for the live playlist.

The dates are confirmed; every detail is not

Activision has confirmed the two date ranges, the Early Access platforms, the Open Beta platform list, and the no-preorder rule for Weekend Two. It has not locked every playlist rotation or the exact minute when each platform will finish its rollout.

PC players should check the separate TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements before the beta begins. Those security settings can affect access to online modes even when the dates and account registration are correct.

For the broader map, mode, platform, and requirement details, use the Modern Warfare 4 beta hub. The Modern Warfare 4 game page keeps the confirmed platform and release information in one place.