Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Starts August 28: Campaign, 10 Maps, All Modes Confirmed

The Open Beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 opens to everyone on August 28, marking the second and final testing window before the game launches on October 23. For the first time in franchise history, the beta includes a playable Campaign mission alongside full Multiplayer, Ground War, and Resurgence modes. The Early Access Beta already ran for preorderers from August 21 to 25, and the Open Beta phase continues through September 1 at 10:00 AM PT across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Beta Schedule and Access

The beta runs on two distinct weekends. Weekend One was the Early Access Beta, available to players who preordered the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. It ran from August 21 through August 25 at 10:00 AM PT. Weekend Two, the Open Beta, is free for all players and requires no preorder. It begins August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and runs through September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.

Physical preorders include a beta access code, typically printed on the retail receipt or emailed to buyers. Digital preorderers get automatic access. Players who missed the Early Access window can still participate fully during the Open Beta, and progress from both weekends carries forward to launch rewards.

Campaign Mission in Beta for the First Time

Activision has confirmed that a full Campaign mission is included in the Open Beta, a first for any Call of Duty beta. The mission lets players experience the story, characters, and world of Modern Warfare 4 before launch. Infinity Ward has not disclosed which specific mission is available or how long it runs, but the inclusion signals a stronger emphasis on the single-player experience this generation.

This is a notable shift for a franchise that typically keeps Campaign content locked until release. The decision likely reflects Infinity Ward's goal of letting players experience the narrative tone before launch day, building on the momentum from the multiplayer preview.

Multiplayer: Movement, Gunplay, Maps, and Modes

Modern Warfare 4's Multiplayer focuses on refined movement systems and precision gunplay. The beta gives players early access to over ten maps across multiple formats. The confirmed multiplayer map roster includes Station, Shipment, Arsenal, Summit, and several others. The maps span both traditional 6v6 formats and larger-scale modes.

Ground War returns as the large-scale offering, supporting 64-player matches on expansive maps. Resurgence mode brings back the fast-paced, respawn-based gameplay on the Zodiac map in a 12-player format. Kill Block, a new competitive mode, pits two teams against each other in head-to-head 1v1 and 2v2 matches.

The weapon roster available in the beta includes the MCW assault rifle, Holger 55 LMG, and a selection of sniper rifles, SMGs, and shotguns. Players can test the new attachment system and progression mechanics that Infinity Ward has been refining since the early access period.

Beta Rewards and Progression

Activision has confirmed that rewards earned during the Early Access Beta carry over to the Open Beta and eventually to the full launch version. Beta-specific cosmetics, weapon blueprints, and calling cards will be available to unlock during both weekends. These rewards will not be obtainable after the beta concludes, which incentivizes participation from players who missed the first weekend.

Twitch Drops will also be available during the Open Beta period. Players can link their Activision accounts to Twitch and earn additional cosmetics by watching official Call of Duty streams during the beta window.

PC Specifications and Performance

Official PC requirements for Modern Warfare 4 have been published alongside the beta announcement. The beta supports performance profiles aimed at both high-refresh-rate displays and lower-end configurations. Infinity Ward has stated that the Early Access Beta period was used to gather player feedback on performance tuning, with patch notes updated to address community-reported issues.

The beta also serves as a preload opportunity for players who want to have the full game ready on launch day. Preloading begins as soon as the Open Beta concludes, giving players advance access to the final build.

What Happens Next

The Open Beta runs through September 1. Following the beta, preloading begins for the full game. Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide on October 23 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2. The beta is the last public testing window before launch, and the data gathered from both weekends will inform final tuning.

Players who participate in the beta are encouraged to report bugs and provide feedback through the official channels. The call for community input is part of Infinity Ward's development process, and beta feedback has historically influenced post-launch patches and balance changes.

For a complete breakdown of maps, modes, weapons, and beta rewards, see the official Call of Duty beta page. Detailed patch notes from the Early Access Beta are available on the official patch notes page.