Everyone’s invited to this year’s Call of Duty party
Call of Duty fans won’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on Modern Warfare 4, as Activision has announced the free open beta dates. What’s more, Nintendo Switch 2 players can finally join the action for the first time. The first beta week runs from August 21 to August 25 and, as usual, is limited to players who preordered Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox Series X, PS5, and PC.
For those who skipped the preorder, the second week is the one to watch. The free open beta begins on August 28 and runs through September 1 for everyone — which also includes Nintendo Switch 2 owners. Activision also confirmed that Modern Warfare 4 preorders on the Switch 2 will open on August 26, two days before the free open beta starts.
The publisher adds that it’ll share more details about the Switch 2 version closer to launch.
As for what’s included in the open beta, it is shaping up to be a pretty meaty slice of Modern Warfare 4 experience. You’ll be able to try new Operators and 19 different weapons, and fight across 3v3 skirmishes to large-scale battles featuring tanks and more.’ Returning fan-favorite modes like Search & Destroy will be joined by the brand-new, dynamically transforming map Kill Block mode. There’s also a Training Mobility Course that gives newcomers and veterans a chance to master the game’s revamped movement mechanics.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is set for release on October 23, 2026, across all current platforms. The campaign is set during North Korea’s invasion of South Korea, with players stepping into the boots of rookie Private Park. As the conflict spreads all over the globe, however, Task Force 141’s Captain Price is forced to go rogue. While pursuing a personal vendetta, he also has to hunt a weapon capable of reshaping the global balance of power.
More details on the full game will likely be showcased at the upcoming Call of Duty: NEXT event, slated for August 21. Activision promises live gameplay, an ‘in-depth briefing’ on Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer content, developer insights, and reveals ahead of the Beta.
