How to preload Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta on all platforms

Image via Activision Category: Plunge into action as soon as the MW4 Open Beta starts. | Published: Aug 26, 2026 05:15 am The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload begins Au. 26 across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Unlike the Early Access weekend, you don’t need to preorder Modern Warfare 4 or redeem a beta code to participate. Here’s how to preload the MW4 Open Beta on every supported platform so you’re ready to jump into action when it goes live on Aug. 28. Quick Summary The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload begins Aug. 26 at 9am PT. Nintendo Switch 2 joins the MW4 Beta, making this the first Call of Duty available on Nintendo’s console. MW4 Open Beta runs from Aug. 28 at 10am PT to Sept. 1 at 10am PT. It includes Combat Outpost (Ground War) mode in Multiplayer and new Zodiac map in Warzone Resurgence. Table of contentsHow to preload MW4 Open Beta across platformsMW4 Open Beta preload start date and timeModern Warfare 4 Open Beta contentFAQ How to preload MW4 Open Beta across platforms The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is downloaded separately from the Call of Duty HQ. Before preloading or downloading the MW4 Beta, signing in with your Activision Account so you can keep your progression across platforms and retain eligible beta rewards tied to your Activision ID when the full game launches on Oct. 23. Brace for gunfights. Image via Activision PS5 Open the PlayStation Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Download. Once the Open Beta goes live, you can launch it from your PS5 home screen or Game Library. Xbox Series X|S Open the Microsoft Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Install. When the Open Beta starts, you can launch it through My games & apps. PC Steam Launch Steam. Open the Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Open the game’s Store page. Select Play Now next to the Beta. Steam will automatically add the Beta to your Library and begin downloading it. Once the Open Beta is live, select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta from your Steam Library and click Play. Battle.net Open the Battle.net app. Select Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Choose the Beta version from the game version dropdown if prompted. Click Install. Wait for the download and installation to finish. When the Open Beta goes live, select the Beta version and click Play. Xbox on PC Open the Xbox app on PC. Go to the Store. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Install. If the Beta doesn’t appear in your library, clear the Installed filter and search again. It can also be found through My Library. Nintendo Switch 2 Open the Nintendo eShop. Search for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta. Select the Beta. Choose Download. You don’t need to preorder MW4 to access the Beta. However, a linked Nintendo Switch Online account is required to play Multiplayer modes. MW4 Open Beta preload start date and time Preload so you’re ready for action. Image via Activision Players can start preloading the MW4 Open Beta at 9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST on Wednesday, Aug. 26 across all supported platforms. Here are the preload times for other major regions: Brasilia Time (BRT): 1pm Central European Time (CEST): 6pm Gulf Standard Time (GST): 8pm India Standard Time (IST): 9:30pm Singapore Time (SGT): 12am, Aug. 27 Korea Standard Time (KST) / Japan Standard Time (JST): 1am, Aug. 27 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): 2am, Aug. 27 Here’s a countdown to know exactly when the preload becomes available: Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta preload countdown The MW4 Open Beta itself begins at 10am PT on Friday, Aug. 28, and ends at the same time on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta content Zodiac is coming. Image via Activision The MW4 Open Beta expands on the content available during Early Access, adding new maps and modes. Campaign Mission: Entrenched Multiplayer maps Rooftops Silkworm Transit 213 Cachette Kill Block Lithium (new map) Imjin Farmland (new map for Combat Outpost: Ground War 24v24 mode) Wolves Stadium (new map for Combat Outpost: Ground War 24v24 mode) Multiplayer modes Team Deathmatch Domination Hardpoint Kill Confirmed Inflation Search & Destroy Kill Block – 10v10 and 3v3 Gunfight Mobility Course Hijack (new mode) Combat Outpost: Ground War (new mode) Warzone Zodiac map for Resurgence Weekend Two also raises the MW4 Beta level cap from 20 to 30, giving players access to additional weapons, equipment, perks, killstreaks, and beta rewards. Infinity Ward has also promised to make more balance changes to spawns, TTK, and movement, but did not mention SBMM and aim assist that have received criticism from players during the Early Access. FAQ Does your Modern Warfare 4 Early Access progression carry over to the Open Beta? Yes. You can continue their progression into Weekend Two, with the level cap increasing to 30. Does your MW4 Open Beta progression carry over to launch? No. Your Player Level, weapon unlocks, and other gameplay progression will reset when the beta concludes. However, eligible beta rewards remain tied to your Activision Account and will be available when MW4 launches on Oct. 23. When does the MW4 Open Beta end? The MW4 Open Beta ends on Sept. 1 at 10am PT. It’s available to play for four full days. 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