GAME TOPIC
Modern Warfare 4 — Beta, Release, Platforms, and Editions
Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23, 2026; the August 28 open beta is the current playable window for its named maps, modes, rewards, campaign sample, and PC checks.
EXPLORE THIS GAME
Overview and every live, source-checked section.
Introduction, guides, reviews, updates, and support appear here only when the topic has real content for them.
GAME INTRODUCTION
What to know before you play
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23, 2026. Its next playable window is the open beta from August 28 at 10 a.m. PT through September 1 at 10 a.m. PT. No preorder or beta code is required for that window, and Nintendo Switch 2 joins the other announced platforms.
Go straight to the answer
- Check open beta time, preload, and download for US time-zone conversions, platform steps, and free-access rules.
- Fix a retailer or physical-order problem with the beta code and token guide.
- See beta maps and modes for the official rotation and weekend boundaries.
- Read beta rewards and carry-over before grinding levels for the wrong reason.
- Compare your PC with the official beta system requirements.
- Separate the beta mission from October 16 Campaign Early Access.
- Confirm the release date and platforms, including the lack of PS4 and Xbox One versions.
- Use PC TPM and Secure Boot help if the beta stops at a security check.
- Compare editions and preorder bonuses before buying or attempting a Vault Edition upgrade.
What is playable now
The early-access beta ended August 25 at 10 a.m. PT. Preload for the open beta starts August 26 at 9 a.m. PT, and open access begins August 28 at 10 a.m. PT on PS5, Xbox Series, Steam, Battle.net, Xbox PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Weekend one caps player level at 20; weekend two raises the cap to 30. Activision has published named maps, playlists, and progression rewards, but it is also shipping beta patch notes. That makes the beta useful evidence for access and current systems, not proof that a weapon, spawn route, or time-to-kill will remain best on October 23.
What is confirmed for launch
The announced platforms are PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC through Steam, Battle.net, and Xbox PC, plus Nintendo Switch 2. The game is not announced for PS4, Xbox One, or the original Switch. Activision also says it is not planned for Game Pass at launch.
Three purchase paths are documented: Digital Standard, Digital Vault, and Physical Standard. Digital preorders include beta early access and the Hunter Killer skin. Vault adds its named digital extras, and an eligible same-platform loyalty discount may apply to a direct Vault purchase through October 23. Physical copies cannot use the digital Vault upgrade path.
What the beta can answer
The beta can answer whether your account can enter, which modes are scheduled, which rewards are tied to levels, whether your PC meets the published test specification, and whether TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is blocking launch. It cannot establish a final weapon tier list, retail campaign walkthrough, or launch performance verdict because the October build is not yet available.
Sources
OFFICIAL SCREENSHOTS
See the loop—not another copy of the cover.
Each image comes from the official Steam media set and is selected to explain a different part of the game.
The current playable evidence comes from the two August beta weekends, not the unreleased retail campaign.Official source ↗
The August beta is the current playable build; its maps, modes, level caps, and balance can change before launch.Official source ↗
Beta progress unlocks eight stated participation rewards, but ordinary account level does not carry into the full game.Official source ↗
RELEASE & AVAILABILITY
Explore release & availability
The free MW4 open beta starts August 28 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern, with preload beginning August 26.
→Campaign access · Aug 25, 2026Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access and Entrenched Beta MissionEntrenched is playable during the beta, while eligible digital buyers receive the full campaign one week before the October 23 launch.
→Release and platforms · Aug 24, 2026Modern Warfare 4 Release Date and PlatformsMW4 is a current-generation release across console and PC storefronts, but Activision does not plan a Game Pass launch.
→SYSTEMS & REFERENCE
Explore systems & reference
Eight level rewards and the stated Twitch Drops can be earned during the open beta; ordinary player and weapon progression do not give the retail account a head start.
→Beta maps and modes · Aug 25, 2026Modern Warfare 4 Beta Maps, Modes, and Weekend RotationThe beta exposes a documented but changing subset of multiplayer maps and modes; it is not the final launch playlist.
→Editions and preorder · Aug 24, 2026Modern Warfare 4 Editions and Preorder BonusesDigital Standard, Digital Vault, and Physical Standard have different bonus and upgrade rules; physical copies cannot use the digital Vault upgrade.
→PERFORMANCE & SUPPORT
Explore performance & support
Physical and retailer codes register an Activision account first; digital platform preorders are automatically registered and need no beta code.
→Beta PC requirements · Aug 25, 2026Modern Warfare 4 Beta PC Requirements and Recommended SpecsThe beta requires an SSD, DirectX 12, broadband internet, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot; launch requirements may change.
→PC support · Aug 24, 2026Modern Warfare 4 TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot CheckActivision requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC; verify their Windows status before making firmware changes.
→OFFICIAL YOUTUBE
Watch the release trailer from Call of Duty.
The embedded video is published by the developer. It shows presentation and advertised features; it is not independent review footage.
Open on YouTube ↗YOUTUBE & COMMUNITY
Go to the source when the answer is still moving.
Official channels establish announcements. Forum threads show current player problems and reports—not developer-confirmed mechanics.
HELP MAINTAIN THIS TOPIC
Ask for coverage—or report something outdated.
Send the game, platform, version, and exact question. Reader feedback guides the next verified page; it is not counted as a player review.