Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta and Release Schedule
The countdown to the October 23, 2026 worldwide release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 features a structured rollout across August, according to Activision. The publisher outlined exact dates for upcoming events, early access periods, and platform availability.
The promotional calendar begins on August 21, 2026, with the global Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast. This livestreamed event will provide the first deep dive into the game’s multiplayer suites and new modes, according to studio disclosures.
Platform Rollout and Nintendo Switch 2 Integration
Beta testing will occur across two distinct weekends in late August, giving players staggered access depending on their platform and preorder status. According to Activision, the testing schedule breaks down as follows:
- August 21–25: Beta Weekend 1 (Early Access) begins immediately following the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast for players who preordered the title on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- August 28 – September 1: Beta Weekend 2 opens up as an open beta for all players across all supported hardware platforms, including the newly confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 edition.
Activision confirmed that preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Modern Warfare 4 will officially open on August 26, 2026. Players purchasing the Nintendo Switch 2 edition will automatically gain access to the open beta starting two days later on August 28 without needing a separate preorder verification.
Did You Know?
According to Activision, the first 100,000 players who complete a specific challenge in Black Ops 7 receive a numbered “Gilded Ruin” weapon camouflage with a unique serial number between 1 and 100,000 etched directly onto the weapon skin, which carries over into Modern Warfare 4 at launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the official release date for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4?
According to Activision, Modern Warfare 4 will launch worldwide on October 23, 2026.
How can players access the first beta weekend?
Beta Weekend 1 requires an early access preorder on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC, starting on August 21, 2026, right after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast.
Will Nintendo Switch 2 owners be able to play the open beta?
Yes. According to publisher schedules, the open beta running from August 28 to September 1, 2026, includes the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.
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