Infinity Ward confirms aim assist changes for MW4 Open Beta but stays silent on SBMM

Image via Activision Category: Matchmaking was a huge concern during Early Access. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 10:18 pm Infinity Ward has confirmed that it will make changes to aim assist for the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta following feedback from the Early Access Beta weekend. However, the developer has yet to address players’ concerns about skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). IW outlined its plans for Weekend 2 of the MW4 Beta in a social media post, saying it had “heard the feedback” and is already acting on what it gathered during Weekend 1. Alongside aim assist adjustments, the dev is also working on a longer TTK (time-to-kill), movement and weapon balance changes, as well as new Hardpoint spawns. Still, there was no mention of changes to the matchmaking system, which has become one of the biggest complaints from players following Early Access. We’ve heard the feedback and we’re acting on what we saw during Weekend 1.More #MW4 details, including Resurgence Beta info, in Patch Notes for end of day tomorrow.Here’s where we’re focused for Weekend 2 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/m1W4iPrrFG— Infinity Ward (@InfinityWard) August 27, 2026 Controller aim assist was a huge discussion throughout the Early Access, which ran from Aug. 21 to 25. Players complained that aim assist was tracking opponents too aggressively, with some arguing that it made gunfights feel less dependent on manual aiming. The criticism has also come from controller players themselves, rather than only those using mouse and keyboard. OpTic Texas player Brandon “Dashy” Otell was among those who criticized the overpowered feature, describing the aim assist as “way too good” and calling for a nerf. Infinity Ward has now confirmed that aim assist adjustments are coming for the MW4 Open Beta, although the developer has not yet provided specific details on what will change. More information is expected in the upcoming patch notes. The planned changes have generally been welcomed by players who felt aim assist was too strong during the first weekend. However, many are still waiting for Infinity Ward and Activision to address matchmaking. Love these changes. We just need to go over matchmaking again. An adjustment is definitely needed— TDAWG (@tdawgsmitty) August 27, 2026 Nearly everything i have on my list. Should be interesting to see if matchmaking changes are happening as well at some point.— James – JGOD (@JGODYT) August 27, 2026 Matchmaking was also a source of frustration during the Early Access Beta. Activision previously explained it is using the updated matchmaking system that considers player skill alongside factors such as connection, location, platform, and player population, among others, based on data they have gathered. The publisher is also testing an open matchmaking option to compare the two approaches ahead of MW4‘s full launch on Oct. 23. But not a few players felt that a restrictive SBMM was in place during Early Access as they consistently got into sweaty lobbies. This has led to renewed calls for the removal of SBMM and reverting to full open matchmaking instead. Keeping mum on SBMM could be a problem. Image via Activision Despite the complaints, Infinity Ward’s latest update did not mention SBMM or any matchmaking changes for Weekend 2. That leaves players waiting for more information, particularly as the dev prepares to release the full patch notes ahead of the Open Beta. The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, and it’s available to everyone regardless of whether you pre-ordered the game. Preloads are already available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, Battle.net and Xbox on PC, as well as Nintendo Switch 2. Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy