Open Beta Dates Announced for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is gearing up for its first major playtests next month. This latest entry in the franchise—distinct from the 2007 classic, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare—will host an open beta on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. Players who pre-order the game will enjoy an extra weekend of beta access.

The playtest promises a “wide selection of brand-new Operators,” which are the unique characters players can choose from. Gamers can also look forward to 19 unlockable weapons and a variety of gameplay modes, including 3v3 skirmishes and tactical battles featuring tanks and more. The beloved Search & Destroy mode, a Training Mobility Course, and the new addition, Kill Block, will also be part of the experience.

“Kill Block is a modular Multiplayer battleground that reconfigures every match, challenging players to rethink routes, sightlines, and combat spaces on the fly,” according to the official blog. Essentially, it’s a dynamic map that changes between rounds, utilizing various pre-made components that can be arranged in “more than 500 configurations.”

The pre-order exclusive early access for the beta runs from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25, while the open beta period is set for Aug. 28 to Sept. 1. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will not have an early access phase. Although the beta is free for everyone during its second test, a “multiplayer subscription may be required.” Given that PlayStation Network and Xbox typically allow free multiplayer gaming without a subscription, this likely pertains to the Nintendo Switch 2 version, as past betas have required Switch Online.

Announced earlier this year, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for release on Oct. 23. Those who digitally pre-order will gain access to the single-player mode a week early. The campaign is set in Korea and revolves around a new conflict between North and South. In addition to standard PvP multiplayer, the game will feature the extraction shooter mode DMZ, which first appeared in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022).

In recent years, the Modern Warfare subseries has faced significant criticism. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received some of the lowest reviews in the series due to its underwhelming single-player experience. Additionally, many fans expressed dissatisfaction with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) for its slower-paced movement. Ongoing complaints about the “clowny” multiplayer skins have also been prevalent. Infinity Ward has committed to addressing these issues, but we’ll have to wait until October to see if Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 can help restore the franchise’s reputation.

Movement is expected to feel significantly improved in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.