Activision has shared a full setup guide for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta, covering the download schedule, PC requirements, security checks, rewards, and the changes coming to the game’s launch experience. The complete Modern Warfare 4 Beta guide also expands on the modes, movement systems, campaign content, weapons, and progression available during the test. The earlier Modern Warfare 4 beta briefing confirms that preloading will begin on August 20, one day before the first test weekend.
The two-weekend structure matches the previously confirmed beta calendar, while the latest details give players a better idea of what needs to be installed and configured before jumping in.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta dates and preload times
Call of Duty: NEXT is scheduled for 9:00 AM PT on Friday, August 21. The event will feature reveals, developer discussions, live gameplay, and creator broadcasts focused on Modern Warfare 4.
The Beta will begin immediately afterward at 11:00 AM PT on August 21. That is 2:00 PM EDT, 7:00 PM BST, 8:00 PM CEST, 3:00 AM JST, 2:00 AM AWST, and 4:00 AM AEST on Saturday, August 22. Weekend One will run until 10:00 AM PT on Tuesday, August 25, or 1:00 PM EDT, 6:00 PM BST, 7:00 PM CEST, 2:00 AM JST, 1:00 AM AWST, and 3:00 AM AEST on Wednesday, August 26. It will be limited to players with Early Access through a pre-order, pre-purchase, or redeemed Beta Code.
Early Access will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, Steam, and Battle.net. Nintendo Switch 2 players will not be able to participate during Weekend One.
Weekend Two will be an Open Beta for everyone on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, Steam, Battle.net, and Nintendo Switch 2. It will begin at 10:00 AM PT on Friday, August 28, or 1:00 PM EDT, 6:00 PM BST, 7:00 PM CEST, 2:00 AM JST, 1:00 AM AWST, and 3:00 AM AEST on Saturday, August 29, and end at 10:00 AM PT on Tuesday, September 1, at the same local times on Wednesday, September 2. No pre-order or Beta Code will be required.
Digital pre-orders are tied to the relevant platform account automatically, so no separate code is needed for purchases made through a digital store. Physical pre-orders include a 13-digit Beta Code, which must be redeemed through Activision’s official Beta redemption page.
- Early Access preload: 9:00 AM PT on Thursday, August 20, on every platform except Nintendo Switch 2.
- Open Beta preload: 9:00 AM PT on Wednesday, August 26, on all supported platforms.
- Xbox on PC: A small part of the Beta can be downloaded early, while the main download becomes available at 7:00 AM PT on August 21.
The Beta is a separate installation from the main Call of Duty experience, so it will not download automatically through a normal game update. Players joining both weekends only need to install it once; content and progression will carry from Weekend One into Weekend Two.
What the Modern Warfare 4 Beta includes
The Beta goes beyond standard 6v6 matches, with Ground War, Kill Block, and the Entrenched campaign segment. Early Access also includes the Mobility Training Course, Gunfight, and multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Search and Destroy, and Inflation. The five named Early Access maps are Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, and Lotus. The preview includes seven multiplayer maps and an early look at Call of Duty: Warzone content.
Entrenched campaign mission
For the first time in a Call of Duty Beta, players can try a campaign mission before launch. Entrenched places players in a large ground assault to stop enemy forces from destroying a vital nuclear power station. The mission uses the same weapons, movement, and combat systems found throughout the campaign.
The full campaign launches on October 23, 2026. Players who pre-order can begin Campaign Early Access on October 16.
Mobility Course
The Mobility Course at the West Bridge Advanced Military Training Facility is built to teach Modern Warfare 4’s expanded traversal system before players enter multiplayer. Tutorials introduce each movement technique, followed by timed Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert courses. Ratings range from C- to S, and completing the course can unlock the Clockwork Charm Beta reward.
The movement options include Mantle Slide, Mantle Momentum, Mantle Steering, Supine Slide, Pipe Climb, Fast Pipe Slide, Hang Shimmy, Hang Lean, and Climbing Jump. Completing the tutorials first is a good way to learn the inputs before chasing faster times.
Multiplayer modes
Modern Warfare 4’s Beta includes the following multiplayer modes:
- Team Deathmatch: Core 6v6 combat where teams score through eliminations.
- Hijack: Teams fight over a Data Spike, carry or pass it toward the enemy Comm Station, and defend it after planting.
- Inflation: Eliminations award cash, while the richest players become High Value Targets for both teams.
- Domination: Teams capture and defend three objectives, with the first side to reach 200 points winning.
- Hardpoint: Teams fight over a rotating scoring zone, with the first side to reach 250 points taking the match.
- Kill Confirmed: Players collect enemy Dog Tags to score and recover friendly tags to deny points.
- Search and Destroy: Teams alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites in single-life rounds.
- Gunfight on Kill Block: Single-life 3v3 and 10v10 matches use shared randomized loadouts. The map combination and loadout change every two rounds.
Combat Outpost is the Beta’s 24v24 Ground War mode. Teams capture Outposts to earn points and create extra spawn locations, then reinforce those positions to unlock team rewards such as Local UAV coverage, vehicle support, and tanks.
The two Ground War maps are Imjin Farmlands, an open rural battlefield with farms, waterways, roads, and a large mill, and Wolves Stadium, a dense urban area featuring buildings, transit lines, tunnels, rooftops, and surrounding hillsides.
Weekend Two adds Call of Duty: Warzone Resurgence on the new Zodiac map. The 44-player map is centered on the DRC Advanced Systems drone assembly headquarters, with offices, manufacturing areas, rooftops, tunnels, train lines, shipping docks, and a shoreline. Players can redeploy while teammates remain alive, while eliminations and Contracts reduce the return timer. The Open Beta also adds additional multiplayer weapons and a higher multiplayer progression cap.
Activision is using the Beta to test its revised matchmaking approach alongside an Open Matchmaking option. The system considers connection quality, location, time of day, playlist, party composition, platform, cross-play settings, and the active player pool; the planned test is covered in our Modern Warfare 4 matchmaking coverage.
Progression, loadouts, and weapons
Every multiplayer match grants XP toward Player Level. Weekend One has a level cap of 20, while Weekend Two raises the cap to 30. Create a Class unlocks at Level 4, after which players can build up to 12 custom loadouts with their own Operators, weapons, equipment, Perks, Field Upgrades, and Killstreaks.
The Beta uses a Pick 3 Perk system with one Perk slot for each of the three categories. Players can also equip up to three Killstreaks, which are earned through consecutive eliminations rather than score. Available Killstreak requirements range from three to 11 kills.
Up to 22 weapons can be used during the Beta from the 33 weapons planned for launch. The selection covers Assault Rifles, SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, Marksman Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Pistols, a Launcher, and a Melee Weapon.
Supported weapons can be customized through Gunsmith and the new Apex Attachment system. Apex Attachments unlock after fully leveling a weapon, do not use a standard attachment slot, and can change a weapon’s role or behavior rather than simply adjusting its statistics. Gunny is also available as an optional build recommender that creates weapon setups from the attachments already unlocked.
How to download the separate Beta install
Players need to sign in with an Activision Account before launching. The account carries progression between supported platforms, stores eligible Beta rewards, and connects those rewards to the full game. A new account can be created through Activision’s account signup page.
Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC
- Open the Store on the console or in the Xbox PC app.
- Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta.
- Select the Beta and choose Install.
- Once the Beta is live, open My Games & Apps, select the Beta, and choose Play.
PlayStation 5
- Open the PlayStation Store.
- Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta.
- Select the Beta and choose Download.
- Once the window opens, select it from the Home screen or Game Library and press Play.
Steam
- Open Steam and search the Store for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
- Open the store page. Steam will add the Beta to the Library and begin the download.
- Select the Beta from the Library and click Play once the test is live.
Battle.net
- Open Battle.net and go to the Call of Duty page.
- Select Call of Duty: MW4 Beta from the Game Version menu.
- Choose Install.
- After installation, select the same Beta version and click Play when the window begins.
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders for the full game and Beta preloading will begin at 9:00 AM PT on Wednesday, August 26. A pre-order is not required to play the Open Beta.
- Open the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta.
- Select the Beta and choose Download.
- Once the Open Beta is live, select it from the HOME Menu and press Start.
If the Beta does not appear, check that the current window is live for the platform and region, restart the storefront, and search again. A failed launch can also be addressed by checking for updates, restarting the system, confirming that the Beta window has started, and relaunching the application.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta PC requirements
PC players will need a 64-bit Windows system, an SSD, broadband internet, a DirectX 12-compatible system, and a DirectX-compatible sound card. The minimum and recommended configurations are as follows.
Minimum specifications
- OS: Windows 10 64 Bit, latest update
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400
- RAM: 12GB
- Video Card – AMD: Radeon RX 470
- Video Card – NVIDIA: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / 1060
- Video Card – Intel: Intel Arc A580
- Video Memory: 3 GB
- Storage Space: SSD required
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
Recommended specifications
- OS: Windows 11 64 Bit, latest update
- CPU – AMD: AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- CPU – Intel: Intel Core i7-8700
- RAM: 16 GB
- Video Card – AMD: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT
- Video Card – NVIDIA: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
- Video Card – Intel: Intel Arc B580
- Video Memory: 8 GB
- Storage Space: SSD required
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
Recommended graphics drivers
- NVIDIA: 610.47
- AMD: 26.7.1
- Intel: 32.0.101.8861
These specifications apply to the Beta and may differ from the requirements for the full game when it launches.
TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are required on PC
PC players must have TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled to play the Beta online. Activision says the Windows security features provide a trusted foundation for RICOCHET Anti-Cheat™ and make system-level tampering more difficult.
Players who need help checking these settings can use the Call of Duty Secure Attestation Wizard. Activision also has a TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support page with further instructions. If either feature is disabled, the Beta will not be playable online.
Shader Preloading should reduce PC startup waits
Shader Preloading will be available in the Modern Warfare 4 Beta. The feature prepares the small graphics programs used for lighting, shadows, surfaces, and visual effects before they are needed during a match. On PC, that preparation can help reduce stutters and other performance interruptions.
After the Beta is installed or updated, a Windows system-tray notification may say that “Shader Pre-Loading Will Start.” That notification is expected. The process runs in the background and uses some system resources, but players can continue using their computers while it works.
- Battle.net: Shader Preloading will be enabled when the Beta is first installed.
- Steam: The first launch still requires a one-time shader compilation. Shader Preloading will take effect after later updates.
Steam players who participate in Weekend One will be able to use Shader Preloading for the Weekend Two update. After launch, the feature will support the regular seasonal update schedule, with players only needing to compile shaders once.
Shader Preloading can be disabled in the settings. Players can also interrupt the process by right-clicking it; it will resume after entering the game. Infinity Ward and Beenox are bringing the feature to the Beta so it can be tested across the wide range of PC hardware and configurations used by the community.
Data patches will cause fewer restarts
Modern Warfare 4 will reduce the number of times a data patch forces players to restart the game. Playlist updates, store updates, and other smaller background updates already work without a restart in many cases, and the Beta will expand that approach to data patches.
There are still exceptions. If a data patch goes live while the game is running, a restart may be required. The Beta behavior also differs by platform:
- PC, Xbox on PC, Battle.net, and Steam: Data patches will usually not require a restart, except when a patch arrives while the game is running.
- Xbox Series X|S: Data patches will require a restart during the Beta. The plan is to reduce those situations at launch.
- PlayStation 5: Data patches will usually avoid a restart, though one may be needed if a patch arrives while the game is running or suspended.
- Nintendo Switch 2: Data patches will require a restart during the Beta and at launch.
Beta rewards and Twitch Drops
Beta progression will reset after the test ends. Player level, weapon unlocks, and other in-Beta progression will not carry into the full game, but eligible cosmetic rewards will remain tied to the Activision Account and become available when Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026.
Weekend One raises the level cap to 20 and includes the first five rewards, ending with the “Dread Tiger” Operator Skin – Reece. Weekend Two raises the cap to 30 and includes all eight rewards, ending with the “Beta Forged” ISO Nightshade Weapon Blueprint.
- Level 4: “Through the Paces” Legendary Emblem
- Level 8: “First Served” Weapon Charm
- Level 12: “Meonjeo” Legendary Weapon Sticker
- Level 16: “Last Charge” Legendary Calling Card
- Level 20: “Dread Tiger” Operator Skin – Reece
- Level 23: “Field Tested” Epic Spray
- Level 26: “Beta Rights” Epic Loading Screen
- Level 30: “Beta Forged” ISO Nightshade Weapon Blueprint
Other cosmetic rewards include three Emblems, three Calling Cards, one Spray, and three Loading Screens available immediately. Combat Record rewards and challenge rewards include additional classified items, including a Charm, Weapon Blueprint, Emblem, and another undisclosed reward.
Early Access participants can also earn progress toward the Black Ops 7 Season 05 Battle Pass. Players with an existing Battle Pass can receive 10 Tier Skips instead of the Season 05 Battle Pass.
Players can link their Activision and Twitch accounts to earn cosmetic content by watching Call of Duty: NEXT and participating in Modern Warfare 4 Beta streams. These rewards will be delivered in-game when the full game launches. Instructions are available through Activision’s account-linking support page.
Call of Duty: NEXT Twitch Drops
- 15 minutes: “Gas Ready” Emblem
- 30 minutes: “Rapple Repel” Calling Card
- 45 minutes: “Ghost Helmet” Charm
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Twitch Drops
- 15 minutes: “Get Tactical” Emblem
- 30 minutes: “Clearing House” Calling Card
- 45 minutes: “Action Ready” Charm
These rewards can only be earned during the Beta. Once either Beta weekend concludes, the progression window closes, but anything earned for the full game stays attached to the account.
Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch globally on Friday, October 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC through Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and Steam. The game is also being developed natively for Nintendo Switch 2.
Infinity Ward is leading development, with Beenox working on the PC version and Digital Legends partnering on the Nintendo Switch 2 version. At launch, the full game will remain connected to Call of Duty: Warzone, allowing players to switch between the titles in the same session when the Season 1 update arrives. An updated Call of Duty interface is also planned before Campaign Early Access begins.
Activision notes that Beta dates, times, and platform availability may change. The Open Beta is scheduled to run for at least two days, and an internet connection is required.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
Developed by Infinity Ward
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is a first-person shooter and the follow-up to Modern Warfare III (2023), continuing the rebooted Modern Warfare storyline. The campaign is set during a North Korean invasion of South Korea and features dual perspectives: a young South Korean soldier named Private Park facing his first combat deployment, and Captain Price operating outside official channels on a personal mission. The game also includes multiplayer with 6v6 core maps, large-scale vehicle combat maps, and a dynamic map system called Kill Block that reshapes layouts between rounds. A DMZ extraction mode is also featured. The game is released exclusively on current-generation platforms and PC.
- Genre Shooter
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5
- Perspective First person
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
- Release October 23, 2026
- Publisher Activision
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Age Rating
