When is the Modern Warfare 4 open beta?

Activision has confirmed an open beta but has not announced exact dates. Based on the franchise's usual pattern and the October 23 launch, it is expected in late August to mid September 2026, with a minimum two-day duration.

How do you get early access to the MW4 beta?

Pre-ordering Modern Warfare 4 grants early access to the open beta, letting you play before it opens to everyone. The open weekend is then free for all players on supported platforms.

Open Beta

The MW4 open beta - what is confirmed and when to expect it

Activision has confirmed an open beta and early access for pre-orders. Exact dates are not official yet - here is the realistic window, how to get in early, and what we are still waiting on.

Confirmed

There is an open beta

Activision has officially confirmed an open beta for Modern Warfare 4, with early access for players who pre-order.

Expected window

Late Aug - mid Sept 2026

No official dates yet. The franchise typically runs its beta about 5-6 weeks before launch, pointing at a late-August to mid-September window.

Not confirmed

Exact dates & content

Start date, maps, modes and platform-specific timing have not been announced. We will not publish a date from a leak.

How to get into the beta early

01Pre-order any edition. Pre-ordering Modern Warfare 4 grants early access to the open beta - you play before it opens to everyone.
02Open weekend for all. After the early-access window, the beta opens free to all players on supported platforms for the remaining days.
03Minimum two days. The open portion is expected to run at least a couple of days, typically across a weekend.

Pre-order early access is the most reliable way in. For what each edition includes and which bonuses come with pre-ordering, see the editions and pre-order guide.

What we are waiting on

The big missing piece is the exact start date. Activision usually reveals beta dates a few weeks out, often tied to a major showcase. When the official date drops, this page updates first and the home page countdown reflects it.

We are also tracking which platforms get access first, whether there is a cross-play beta, and the map and mode list. Until those are official, treat any specific claim as a rumor rather than a plan.