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Modern Warfare 4 open and closed beta dates announced, including for Switch 2, alongside the return of Call of Duty: Next
Activision has confirmed dates for the Modern Warfare 4 beta and the return of Call of Duty: Next, giving fans their clearest picture yet of the run-up to the game's launch. Next, the annual event traditionally used to unveil multiplayer gameplay, will take place on 21st August as a fully online "global event" rather than an in-person show, featuring a developer briefing followed by live creator gameplay before the beta opens immediately afterwards.
The beta runs across two weekends: a pre-order-only period from 21st to 25th August on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, followed by an open weekend from 28th August to 1st September that adds Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time. Switch 2 pre-orders go live on 26th August. Activision confirmed the beta will include 19 weapons, maps ranging from small 3v3 arenas to large vehicle battles, modes including Search & Destroy and the new Kill Block, and a Training Mobility Course to help players adjust to the game's movement mechanics. It follows a divisive weekend of early gameplay livestreams from Fanatics Fest NYC, with Modern Warfare 4 set for release on 23rd October across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2.
In short
- Modern Warfare 4 beta runs 21-25 August (pre-order) and 28 August-1 September (open)
- Switch 2 version joins for the open beta weekend; pre-orders start 26 August
- Call of Duty: Next returns 21 August as an online-only global event
Explained simply
Call of Duty is one of the gaming world's biggest franchises, centred on multiplayer first-person shooter competition. Modern Warfare 4 is the latest instalment, coming from publisher Activision, and is scheduled for release on 23rd October across multiple platforms including the new Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Before major game releases, publishers typically invite players to test the game in a beta phase, gathering feedback on gameplay, balance and technical performance. For a franchise as established as Call of Duty, these testing periods help developers refine the experience for millions of players who will be playing at launch.
Activision runs an annual event called Call of Duty: Next where the company reveals new gameplay footage and features to the gaming community. The event is important for building anticipation and demonstrating how the new game differs from previous entries in the franchise.
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