Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Dates, Schedule, and How to Play Early

Nintendo Switch 2 players can only access the Open Beta weekend (August 28–September 1), not the Early Access period . Note that specific daily start/end times have not yet been published by Activision — the official beta page still states "Specific timing will be announced" closer to the start date .

The Early Access window kicks off immediately after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast on August 21, making this the first Modern Warfare beta to start right after the annual showcase .

How to Access the MW4 Beta

Getting into the beta is straightforward, but the process differs slightly depending on how you pre-order:

• Digital pre-orders: Beta access is automatically granted to your account — no code needed . Simply pre-order any edition of Modern Warfare 4 on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Battle.net, or Steam to be registered automatically.
• Physical edition pre-orders: A beta code is printed on your retail receipt or sent via email on an online receipt. You redeem that code on the platform's store (Xbox, PlayStation, or PC) to register for Early Access . If you can't locate your code, contact your retailer .
• Pre-ordering any edition of the game qualifies you for Early Access, including the Standard Edition .

Game Launch Date

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches globally on October 23, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Battle.net, Xbox on PC), and Nintendo Switch 2 . It is not releasing on PS4 or Xbox One .

Players who digitally pre-order or pre-purchase the game also get Campaign Early Access starting October 16, 2026 — a full week before the official launch .

Will Modern Warfare 4 Be on Xbox Game Pass at Launch?

No — Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.

This marks a significant reversal from 2024–2025, when Call of Duty titles launched day-one on Game Pass following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard . Here's the evidence:

• Microsoft's own Xbox store page explicitly states: "Modern Warfare® 4 not available with Game Pass at Launch" .
• Microsoft has sent notifications to Game Pass subscribers reminding them they must purchase the game to play on day one .
• Activision is running ads for the game that carry the line "Not on Xbox Game Pass this year" .
• According to multiple reports, new Call of Duty titles are expected to arrive on Game Pass roughly a year after release — meaning MW4 might not show up on the service until late 2027 .

The decision is tied to Microsoft's April 2026 policy change, where Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a price cut to Game Pass with the caveat that future Call of Duty titles would no longer be available at launch .