Activision locks in Modern Warfare 4 beta dates for August, here's how to play — Gaming

Modern Warfare 4 key art — Via Activision

Activision announced the next Call of Duty game by Infinity Ward to be Modern Warfare 4 back in May, and with its release only a few months away, the highly anticipated multiplayer beta has received its first details. The annual Call of Duty NEXT showcase is returning later this year too, and as expected, it will put a big focus on Modern Warfare 4.

The beta will be available across two weekends to test out the game's major multiplayer changes. The first will be the early access event, which begins on August 21 and runs until August 25. Fans can enter this one by pre-ordering the game across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.

The next weekend begins the open beta. This will be available starting on August 28 and ending on September 1. This is open for anyone to download and play regardless of whether they have pre-purchased the game or not.

Modern Warfare 4 preorders will finally be opening up for Nintendo Switch 2 players on August 26 as well. This means those players will also be able to play in the second beta weekend alongside PC, Xbox, and PlayStation players.

As for what fans can expect to see inside the beta, Activision revealed that maps ranging from 3v3 small-scale arenas to grand battlefields with tanks and more will be present for trying out.

"Test your mettle across new and returning modes, from Search & Destroy to the brand-new Kill Block, plus the Training Mobility Course," said the company. "Experience fluid movement and best-in-class ballistics, building your own loadouts with the optional help of Gunny, leveling up as you unlock a wide variety of weapons, Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, Perks, and Killstreaks."

Ahead of the beta, Activision will kick off this year's Call of Duty: NEXT event on August 21 as well. This will give fans a first look at the multiplayer side of Modern Warfare 4, developer insights, as well as "new reveals" that are kept under wraps for now.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is releasing on October 23, 2026, across PC (Steam, Xbox, Battle.net), Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and the Nintendo Switch 2.