The upcoming first-person shooter landscape is heating up as two distinct titles, Modern Warfare 4 and Wardogs, are set to launch their respective beta periods this week. While both offer players a chance to experience new gameplay, their access methods differ significantly.
Modern Warfare 4's first beta weekend, a closed test requiring a code, begins Friday, August 21, at 2 p.m. EDT. This initial phase is available to those who have pre-ordered the game or subscribed to Discord Nitro. Pre-orders grant a redeemable code, and Discord Nitro subscribers can find an option to unlock the reward within the Nitro Home section of the Discord app. Preloading for this closed beta is available starting Thursday, August 20, at 12 p.m. EDT for those with access.
The second Modern Warfare 4 beta weekend opens to everyone on Friday, August 28, starting at 1 p.m. EDT. Preloading for this open beta begins on Thursday, August 26, at the same time. Both beta weekends conclude at 1 p.m. EDT on the following Tuesdays, August 25 and September 1, respectively. Modern Warfare 4 marks a return to the series' roots after two Black Ops entries and is set to feature a story set during a conflict between North and South Korea, with campaign missions also available to sample during the beta.
Meanwhile, Wardogs, the FPS from developer Bulkhead, is also opening its beta on Friday, August 21, but this test is accessible to all players who pre-order the game on Steam. The beta starts at 1 p.m. EDT on August 21, with pre-orders of the $39.99 title on Steam being the sole method to guarantee access. The developers have noted that pre-order numbers have exceeded expectations, and players attempting to join via beta signups without a pre-order may face delays in access. A refund is offered if players do not enjoy the beta after pre-ordering.
The Wardogs beta will run until Monday, August 24, concluding at 10 p.m. EDT. The game has been receiving positive feedback, with developer Bulkhead engaging in open conversations with PC gamers regarding its development. Both betas offer distinct opportunities for players to get an early look at the future of the FPS genre, with Modern Warfare 4 aiming for a familiar yet new experience and Wardogs presenting a fresh title with a unique access model. Specific times for various time zones for both betas can be found below.
Modern Warfare 4 Closed Beta Start Times (August 21):
- 11 a.m. PDT, August 21
- 2 p.m. EDT, August 21
- 3 p.m. BRT, August 21
- 7 p.m. BST, August 21
- 8 p.m. CEST, August 21
- 3 a.m. JST, August 22
- 4 a.m. AEST, August 22
Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Start Times (August 28):
- 10 a.m. PDT, August 28
- 1 p.m. EDT, August 28
- 2 p.m. BRT, August 28
- 6 p.m. BST, August 28
- 7 p.m. CEST, August 28
- 2 a.m. JST, August 29
- 3 a.m. AEST, August 29
Wardogs Beta Start Times (August 21):
- 10 a.m. PDT, August 21
- 1 p.m. EDT, August 21
- 2 p.m. BRT, August 21
- 6 p.m. BST, August 21
- 7 p.m. CEST, August 21
- 2 a.m. JST, August 22
- 3 a.m. AEST, August 22
Wardogs Beta End Times:
- 7 p.m. PDT, August 23
- 10 p.m. EDT, August 23
- 11 p.m. BRT, August 23
- 3 a.m. BST, August 24
- 4 a.m. CEST, August 24
- 11 a.m. JST, August 24
- 12 p.m. AEST, August 24