Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta Access Starts Today—Here’s How to Join

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4’s early access beta launches today, giving players a chance to jump into the game’s multiplayer before the October 23, 2026 release. Activision is running two separate beta windows, starting with early access this week and an open beta to follow. If you want in, there are three paths: preorder the game, grab a Discord Nitro subscription, or wait for the open beta.

When and How to Access the Betas

Activision is splitting the beta into two phases. The Early Access Beta runs from 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT on August 21 through 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on August 25 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Players can preload starting at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT on August 20. This phase requires either a preorder or Discord Nitro subscription.

Following that, the Open Beta opens to all players from 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on August 28 through 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on September 1, extending to Xbox, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Preloading for the open beta begins at noon ET / 9 a.m. PT on August 26.

Getting Your Early Access Code

There are two main ways to score early access. Preordering on Xbox, PlayStation 5, Battle.net, or Steam grants you an Early Access Beta token sent via email. Physical copies come with a code to redeem online. Alternatively, an active Discord Nitro subscription ($9.99 per month) includes beta access through the Nitro Rewards section; you’ll need to redeem the code at the Call of Duty website.

PC players should verify their system meets the requirements. Minimum specs include Windows 10 64-bit, an AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel Core i5-8400, 12GB RAM, and a compatible GPU like the Radeon RX 470 or GeForce GTX 970. Recommended specs bump that to Windows 11, a Ryzen 5 3600 or i7-8700, 16GB RAM, and more powerful cards like the RTX 3060 Ti or Radeon RX 6700 XT.

Why This Matters

Beta access has become standard practice for major multiplayer shooters, letting developers stress-test servers and gather player feedback before launch. For fans, it’s a rare chance to experience a fresh Call of Duty title months ahead of the full release—meaningful breathing room in a franchise that releases annually or semi-regularly. The two-phase approach also serves both hardcore players willing to preorder and the broader community; the open beta window ensures no one gets left out if they’re interested in trying it.

The inclusion of Nintendo Switch 2 in the open beta signals confidence in the platform’s capabilities and Activision’s commitment to bringing current-generation AAA titles to Nintendo’s hardware.

What’s Next

Players should expect the full game to arrive October 23, 2026. Based on what the beta reveals about performance, balance, and server stability, Activision will likely fine-tune the multiplayer experience before launch.