Activision has announced the Modern Warfare 4 beta dates, confirming that the first public playtest will begin immediately after the Call of Duty NEXT showcase on August 21. The publisher also revealed details on the game’s Nintendo Switch 2 release, pre-order bonuses and a new serialized weapon camo challenge.
Call of Duty NEXT will take place on August 21 and will feature live gameplay, developer presentations and a closer look at Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer offering ahead of the beta. For the first time, the Early Access Beta will launch immediately after the broadcast.
The beta will be split across two weekends. Weekend One runs from August 21 to August 25 and is available to players who have pre-ordered the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC. Weekend Two begins on August 28 and ends on September 1, opening access to all players across every platform, including Nintendo Switch 2, with no pre-order required.
During the beta, players will be able to try multiple multiplayer maps and modes, including the new Kill Block mode, alongside returning favourites such as Search & Destroy. Activision also confirmed support for matches ranging from 3v3 skirmishes to larger battles featuring vehicles, while players can experiment with up to 19 weapons, new Operators and a variety of loadouts, perks and killstreaks.
Players who pre-order the Vault Edition will receive immediate beta access to 8 exclusive Operators from the Hostile Alliance and Special Forces packs, as well as 5 Signature Weapon Collection blueprints and their associated Apex Attachments. Activision says additional beta rewards will be revealed closer to launch.
The publisher also confirmed that Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will open on August 26. Switch 2 players will be able to join the second beta weekend from August 28, although an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription will be required to participate.
Alongside the beta announcement, Activision unveiled a new pre-order incentive tied to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5. Players who digitally pre-order either the Standard or Vault Edition of Modern Warfare 4 before July 23 will instantly unlock the Moonlit Pearl Universal Weapon Camo. They can then complete a limited-time challenge in Black Ops 7 to earn the Gilded Ruin Universal Camo, with the first 100,000 players to finish receiving a uniquely serialized version engraved with their own number. Both camos will also be available in Modern Warfare 4 at launch.
Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.
