The Riot Shield, one of Call of Duty's most divisive items, is set to make a return in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, bringing with it a suite of significant alterations. The upcoming installment's beta, now accessible to those who preordered the game, has begun revealing these changes, most notably to the previously polarizing Riot Shield.
Previously a primary weapon slot item, the Riot Shield will now function as a field upgrade in Modern Warfare 4. In use, it offers players frontal protection for advancing or holding positions. Activision has detailed its offensive capabilities, highlighting a new heavy melee attack designed to knock enemies back and create breathing room in close-quarters combat. Strategically, players can now plant the Riot Shield on the ground to establish custom cover, a feature that can be enhanced by mounting weapons onto it for improved stability.
This tactical repositioning of the Riot Shield is expected to lend itself well to objective-based modes, where players often need to secure and defend specific locations. However, to address previous criticisms and encourage more dynamic gameplay, Activision has made the Riot Shield destructible. While in prior Call of Duty titles the shield could absorb an unlimited amount of incoming fire, it will now degrade over time in Modern Warfare 4. This durability is described as sufficient to "support a push or cover a retreat," but its eventual destruction is intended to deter players from relying on it for sustained, passive defense.
The beta for Modern Warfare 4 is currently underway for those who have preordered. An open beta period, which will not require a preorder, is scheduled from August 28 to September 1. This beta phase will not only feature multiplayer modes but also a campaign mission titled "Entrenched" and provide an early look at the future of Call of Duty: Warzone.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is slated for a full release on October 23. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the first time a Call of Duty title has appeared on a Nintendo platform since 2013's Call of Duty: Ghosts.