Activision has announced that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will host its first major playtests next month with an open beta across Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X. This latest entry in the series is distinct from the 2007 title, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
The beta will feature a variety of new playable characters, known as Operators, alongside 19 unlockable weapons. Players can expect a range of modes, including fast-paced 3v3 skirmishes and larger "tactical battles" that incorporate vehicles like tanks. Fan-favorite modes such as Search & Destroy will return, alongside a Training Mobility Course. A new addition, "Kill Block," is described as a modular multiplayer battleground that reshapes itself each match, forcing players to adapt their strategies to changing routes and sightlines. The Call of Duty official blog notes that Kill Block can be configured in over 500 variations using pre-made components.
Owners who pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will gain access to an exclusive early beta period from August 21 to August 25. The general open beta will then run from August 28 to September 1. Notably, the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the beta will not include an early access period. While the open beta is free for all participants, a multiplayer subscription may be required. This requirement is likely to affect the Nintendo Switch 2 version, as Nintendo has previously gated free betas behind its online subscription service, unlike PlayStation Network and Xbox.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is slated for release on October 23. Players who digitally pre-order the game will also receive early access to the single-player campaign, which is set in Korea and chronicles a new conflict. In addition to its standard player-versus-player multiplayer offerings, the game will also include the DMZ extraction shooter mode, which was initially introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022).
The Modern Warfare subseries has faced criticism in recent years. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) received some of the lowest reviews in the franchise's history, largely due to its perceived weak single-player component. Similarly, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) alienated some fans with its slower movement mechanics. Dissatisfaction has also been voiced regarding the game's multiplayer cosmetic items. Infinity Ward has stated its intention to address these concerns in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, with players able to assess the improvements upon the game's launch in October.