Call of Duty MW4 Open Beta: Dates, Preload, and Access

Open Beta Window

Aug 28 - Sep 1

Starts Friday Aug 28 at 10 AM PT. Ends Tuesday Sep 1 at 10 AM PT.

Preload Starts

Aug 26, 9 AM PT

Preload today so you are not stuck in queues on Friday.

Early Access

Ended Aug 25

Already played? Your install and progress carry into Open Beta.

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Core goal: Preload and get ready for the free Open Beta so you can jump in the moment servers open. No pre-order or beta code needed. The beta is a standalone download, not inside the main Call of Duty app.

1Preload and Access Steps

1
Confirm your platform account is ready
Make sure you are signed into the same platform account (PSN, Xbox, Steam, Battle.net, Nintendo) you want to play on. Link it to your Activision account if you haven't already. This avoids later login headaches.
2
Start the preload (available from 9 AM PT today, Aug 26)
Search your platform's store for "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta" or "Modern Warfare 4 Beta". Select it and hit Download or Install. The beta is a standalone download. Do not look inside the main Call of Duty launcher or app.
- PS5
  PlayStation Store → search → Download. It should appear in your library and home screen.
- Xbox
  Microsoft Store or Xbox app → search. Some players had to go to My games and apps → Full library and clear filters. On Xbox PC a small file may download first.
- Steam
  Look for the dedicated Beta page or app in the store or library. It installs as its own entry.
- Battle.net
  Open the Call of Duty section, select the MW4 Beta version from the dropdown if shown, then Install.
- Switch 2
  eShop search. Open Beta needs no pre-order. Pre-orders for the full game start around now.
3
Let it fully install and verify
Sizes are in the tens of GB range. Once complete, the Beta should appear as its own title in your library or home screen.
4
Launch when servers open (Aug 28, 10 AM PT)
Open the Modern Warfare 4 Beta title directly. Sign in with your Activision account if prompted. You can play multiplayer maps and modes, the campaign mission "Entrenched", and additional content that drops for the Open Beta weekend, including more maps, Ground War, and Warzone elements.
5
Test launch after preload finishes
Optional but recommended. On PC, enable any required security features (TPM or Secure Boot) if the client complains. Free up storage ahead of time. Do not wait until Friday to download.

Already played Early Access? Keep the same install and account. Progress carries straight into Open Beta. You do not need to redownload.

2Key Decisions

Already played Early Access

Keep the same install

Progress carries. No extra steps. Just launch the same Beta title when servers reopen.

New, no pre-order

Just preload and play

Open Beta is completely free on all platforms. No code, no pre-order needed.

Switch 2 player

Open Beta only

No Early Access was offered on Switch 2. Preload when it appears in the eShop and play Open Beta.

Multiple platforms

Pick one primary

Choose one primary account and platform for the beta. Cross-progress details are limited in current discussions.

3Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Searching only inside the main Call of Duty app. The Beta is a separate title. Search the store or library directly.
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Expecting the full download immediately on Xbox PC. Early reports noted a tiny placeholder file first. The bulk comes later.
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Trying to use an Early Access code now. Codes were only for the first weekend. Open Beta needs none.
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Region or account mismatch. Make sure the platform account region matches what you use for Activision.
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Waiting until Friday to download. Preload today so you are not stuck in queues or long installs when servers open.

1Preload and Access Steps

2Key Decisions

3Common Mistakes to Avoid

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