The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is now underway, with the first weekend available to players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC who digitally pre-ordered the game. Nintendo Switch 2 players will have their chance to join the beta during its second weekend.
The beta follows the conclusion of Call of Duty: NEXT, where Activision provided a deeper look at Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer systems. The presentation covered changes to movement, gunplay, Create-a-Class, equipment, Prestige progression, game modes and maps.
Movement has received several additions designed to give players greater control when chaining actions together. New mechanics include Mantle Slide, Mantle Momentum, Mantle Steering, Supine Slide, Pipe Climb, Hang Shimmy and Hang Lean.
The gunplay system has also been adjusted. Hipfire no longer uses Bloom, while weapons and the environment now share a unified field of view. Recoil and weapon handling have been refined, alongside changes to visual effects and depth of field intended to make combat information easier to read.
Modern Warfare 4 is also changing how loadouts work. Operators and Killstreaks are now integrated directly into each loadout, while Gunny returns to provide recommendations for optimised builds. Apex Attachments are another addition, unlocking special weapon behaviours once a weapon reaches its maximum level without taking up one of the standard attachment slots.
The beta will also give players access to new equipment, including Trip Wire, Smoke Wall and Razor Wire. The Riot Shield returns as a Field Upgrade, while the Bomb Glider introduces a new player-controlled aerial Killstreak.
Prestige will offer 2 progression options at launch. Classic Prestige follows the traditional approach of resetting progression and rebuilding unlocks, while Regular Prestige allows players to retain their unlocks while returning to Level 1.
Activision has also highlighted several multiplayer modes and maps coming with Modern Warfare 4. Kill Block will feature more than 500 possible combinations, while the new Inflation mode joins the multiplayer offering alongside 12 Core 6v6 maps at launch.
The Call of Duty Endowment will also partner with U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Carpenter for the Call of Duty Endowment: Valor Pack. The pack is scheduled to arrive on October 23, the game’s launch day.
Activision has published an additional guide covering the Modern Warfare 4 Beta, including details on what players can expect during the test. The first weekend is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, while Switch 2 players will be able to participate during Weekend 2.
