Activision and Infinity Ward have confirmed an open beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that will run from August 28, 2026, through September 1, 2026, and will be available across all platforms, explicitly including Nintendo's Switch 2.
The publisher also announced that the beta will offer access to a slice of the single-player campaign, marking a notable change to how Call of Duty betas have typically been presented.
What the beta includes
The open beta window will allow players to sample both multiplayer modes and a campaign mission titled "Entrenched." Activision confirmed that beta participants will be able to play the Entrenched mission, which has been featured in the game's preview material.
According to the announcement, this is the first time a Call of Duty open beta will include a playable campaign mission, giving players an early look at the franchise's blockbuster single-player presentation on consoles and Nintendo's new hybrid hardware.
Platform details and Early Access
The open beta is scheduled to begin on August 28, 2026, and conclude on September 1, 2026.
While Switch 2 is invited to participate in the open beta, Activision also outlined a separate "Early Access" beta window that does not include Switch 2 users.
Details about eligibility for Early Access—typically tied to pre-orders, platform partners, or special editions—were referenced in accompanying materials; players on Switch 2 will still be able to join the open beta during the announced public dates.
Where to watch and what to expect
Additional first-look campaign trailers and mission previews for Modern Warfare 4 are available on the official Call of Duty YouTube channel.
As the beta approaches, players can expect performance and matchmaking data to emerge across platforms; the open beta will be an early indicator of how Modern Warfare 4 handles cross-platform play and performance on systems including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2.
Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, Modern Warfare 4's beta period will be a high-profile opportunity for fans and press to evaluate both multiplayer balance and the game's single-player tone ahead of full release.
The August 28–September 1 beta run is the confirmed public testing window provided by the publisher.
The publisher also announced that the beta will offer access to a slice of the single-player campaign, marking a notable change to how Call of Duty betas have typically been presented.
What the beta includes
The open beta window will allow players to sample both multiplayer modes and a campaign mission titled "Entrenched." Activision confirmed that beta participants will be able to play the Entrenched mission, which has been featured in the game's preview material.
According to the announcement, this is the first time a Call of Duty open beta will include a playable campaign mission, giving players an early look at the franchise's blockbuster single-player presentation on consoles and Nintendo's new hybrid hardware.
Platform details and Early Access
The open beta is scheduled to begin on August 28, 2026, and conclude on September 1, 2026.
While Switch 2 is invited to participate in the open beta, Activision also outlined a separate "Early Access" beta window that does not include Switch 2 users.
Details about eligibility for Early Access—typically tied to pre-orders, platform partners, or special editions—were referenced in accompanying materials; players on Switch 2 will still be able to join the open beta during the announced public dates.
Where to watch and what to expect
Additional first-look campaign trailers and mission previews for Modern Warfare 4 are available on the official Call of Duty YouTube channel.
As the beta approaches, players can expect performance and matchmaking data to emerge across platforms; the open beta will be an early indicator of how Modern Warfare 4 handles cross-platform play and performance on systems including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch 2.
Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, Modern Warfare 4's beta period will be a high-profile opportunity for fans and press to evaluate both multiplayer balance and the game's single-player tone ahead of full release.
The August 28–September 1 beta run is the confirmed public testing window provided by the publisher.
