// POSTED BY Róisín ON Aug 21, 2026, 7:55 PM
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Guide: Dates, Maps, Modes, Weapons & Rewards
Modern Warfare 4 is finally giving players their first major opportunity to experience the game before its full launch, with the Beta bringing together traditional Multiplayer, new game modes, large-scale battles and even a playable Campaign mission.
There is a lot to get through.
The Beta includes familiar 6v6 modes, brand-new experiences such as Inflation and Hijack, the revamped Kill Block Gunfight mode, 24v24 Combat Outpost, a new Warzone Resurgence experience and an early look at the Campaign.
Players can also experiment with the game’s new movement system, a sizeable selection of weapons and equipment, and a progression system packed with rewards that carry over to the full game.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Modern Warfare 4 Beta, including when it starts, how to get access, which maps and modes are available each weekend, every confirmed weapon and equipment option, and what you can unlock.
When Does the Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start?
The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is split across two weekends.
| Beta Period | Dates | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend One | August 21–25, 2026 | Early Access |
| Weekend Two | August 28–September 1, 2026 | Open Beta |
Weekend One begins on August 21 at 11:00 AM PT and runs until August 25 at 10:00 AM PT.
Weekend Two starts on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends on September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
The first weekend is reserved for players with Early Access, while the second weekend is completely open.
Which Platforms Can Play the MW4 Beta?
Weekend One is available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox on PC
- Steam
- Battle.net
Nintendo Switch 2 joins during Weekend Two.
Switch 2 players don’t need to pre-order Modern Warfare 4 to participate in the Open Beta.
How Do You Get MW4 Beta Early Access?
There are several ways to gain access to Weekend One.
The most straightforward option is to pre-order or pre-purchase Modern Warfare 4.
Digital pre-orders through supported storefronts automatically register your account for Early Access, while physical pre-orders from participating retailers can provide a Beta code.
Find out how to get Early access here.
If you don’t have Early Access, however, there’s no need to worry.
Weekend Two is free for everyone.
You don’t need a pre-order or Beta code to play once the Open Beta begins on August 28.
When Can You Preload the MW4 Beta?
Early Access players can begin preloading the Beta from:
9 AM PT / 7 PM BST — August 20
The Open Beta preload begins from:
9 AM PT / 7 PM BST — August 26
The Beta uses its own downloadable client, so players should install it before the relevant weekend begins rather than waiting for the event to go live.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Maps
The Beta’s maps aren’t all available at the same time.
The 6v6 map pool changes between Weekend One and Weekend Two, with Lotus appearing during the first weekend and Lithium replacing it during the second.
Weekend One 6v6 Maps
Weekend One features five standard 6v6 maps:
- Rooftops
- Silkworm
- Transit 213
- Cachette
- Lotus
However, all five aren’t available immediately when the Beta launches.
MW4 Beta Day One Map Rotation
The initial Day One rotation includes:
- Rooftops
- Silkworm
- Transit 213
- Kill Block
Additional maps and content are introduced as Weekend One progresses.
So if you launch the Beta immediately and don’t see Cachette or Lotus, that’s not a bug. They’re part of the wider Weekend One content pool rather than the initial Day One rotation.
Weekend Two 6v6 Maps
Weekend Two changes the lineup by replacing Lotus with Lithium.
The second weekend features:
- Rooftops
- Silkworm
- Transit 213
- Cachette
- Lithium
This means Lotus and Lithium aren’t available during the same weekend.
| Weekend | 6v6 Maps |
|---|---|
| Weekend One | Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lotus |
| Weekend Two | Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette, Lithium |
What Are the MW4 Beta Maps Like?
Rooftops takes players across the snow-covered rooftops of New York’s Hotel Times West, with elevated routes and close-quarters interiors.
Silkworm is set in a dense South Korean shopping district, creating plenty of close and mid-range engagements.
Transit 213 takes place around an overgrown Indian bus depot, with abandoned buses providing cover and creating multiple routes through the map.
Cachette is built around a hidden hideout beside a French rail terminal, mixing containers, rooftops and tight indoor spaces.
Lotus is a damaged Korean fishing village featuring narrow streets, burning structures and longer sightlines.
Lithium takes place at a damaged lithium processing facility in rural Mexico, with industrial structures and predominantly mid-range combat.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Multiplayer Modes
The Beta includes a combination of returning Call of Duty favourites and several brand-new modes.
The traditional 6v6 selection includes:
- Team Deathmatch
- Domination
- Hardpoint
- Kill Confirmed
- Search and Destroy
The Beta also introduces:
- Inflation
- Hijack
- Kill Block
Inflation — New Weekend One Mode
Inflation is one of the headline new modes arriving during Weekend One.
Players earn cash through eliminations, but becoming the richest player comes with a major drawback.
Players carrying enough money become High Value Targets, revealing their position to the opposing team.
That creates a risk-and-reward system where earning more money can make you increasingly valuable to your opponents.
Eliminated players drop cash, creating additional reasons for teams to fight over specific areas.
The stakes increase further during Overtime, when cash multipliers increase.
Hijack — New Weekend Two Mode
Hijack arrives during Weekend Two as another new Core 6v6 experience.
Both teams fight over a Data Spike, which must be transported towards the opposing team’s Comm Station.
Players can carry, throw and pass the Spike to teammates before attempting to plant it.
Once planted, the attacking team needs to protect the Spike while the defending team attempts to eliminate the attackers and defuse it.
The mode creates a moving frontline as teams fight over control of the Data Spike.
Importantly, Hijack isn’t part of Weekend One. You’ll need to wait until Weekend Two to play it.
Kill Block — A New Take on Gunfight
Kill Block puts a new spin on the familiar Gunfight formula.
The Beta features 3v3 Gunfight, where players have a single life and use shared or randomised Loadouts.
There’s also a 10v10 version of Kill Block.
The mode uses a modular map design, meaning the layout and available routes can change rather than giving players one static environment to memorise.
Returning Multiplayer Modes
The Beta also includes several familiar modes.
Team Deathmatch sees two teams compete to reach the required elimination total.
Domination revolves around capturing and defending three objectives.
Hardpoint has teams fighting over rotating objective locations.
Kill Confirmed requires players to collect Dog Tags from defeated enemies.
Search and Destroy remains the one-life attack-and-defend mode, with teams attempting to plant or prevent the objective.
Which New Modes Are Available Each Weekend?
| Mode | Availability |
|---|---|
| Inflation | Weekend One |
| Kill Block | Weekend One |
| Hijack | Weekend Two |
If you’re specifically interested in trying all three new experiences, you’ll need to play across both weekends.
Ground War: Combat Outpost
Players looking for larger battles can try Combat Outpost, a new 24v24 Ground War experience.
Unlike standard 6v6 Multiplayer, Combat Outpost combines infantry combat with vehicles across significantly larger maps.
Capturing Outposts allows teams to establish additional spawn locations and push their frontline towards the enemy.
Combat Outpost Maps
The Beta includes:
- Imjin Farmlands
- Wolves Stadium
The mode is designed around large-scale objective battles rather than the tighter engagements of traditional Core Multiplayer.
Warzone Resurgence in the MW4 Beta
The Beta also connects Modern Warfare 4 with Warzone.
During Weekend Two, players can jump into Resurgence on the new Zodiac map.
This gives Warzone players something to try alongside the traditional Multiplayer offerings and provides an early look at another part of the wider Call of Duty experience.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Campaign Mission
One of the biggest surprises is that the Beta isn’t entirely focused on Multiplayer.
Players can experience a Campaign mission called Entrenched before the full game releases.
The mission centres around a large-scale assault involving a strategically important nuclear power station.
It gives players an early look at the Campaign’s:
- Combat
- Weapons
- Movement
- Vehicles
- Cinematic presentation
The full game launches on October 23, 2026, while eligible players receive Campaign Early Access from October 16.
Modern Warfare 4’s New Movement System
Movement is one of the biggest changes in Modern Warfare 4.
The Beta includes a dedicated Mobility Course where players can learn the new traversal mechanics before taking them into Multiplayer.
The course contains Beginner, Intermediate and Expert challenges, with players receiving ratings ranging from C- to S depending on their performance.
New Movement Mechanics
Mantle Slide allows players to transition directly from a mantle into a slide.
Mantle Momentum helps players maintain forward movement while clearing an obstacle.
Mantle Steering provides greater control over direction while mantling.
Supine Slide allows players to perform a longer, lower slide that ends with the Operator on their back.
Pipe Climb lets players climb vertical pipework.
Fast Pipe Slide provides a rapid way to descend pipes.
Hang Shimmy allows players to move sideways while hanging from a ledge.
Hang Lean allows players to aim and rotate while hanging.
Climbing Jump allows players to jump directionally from certain ledges, ladders and pipes.
If you’re unfamiliar with the new movement system, completing the Mobility Course before playing competitive modes is probably a good idea.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Weapons
The Beta includes a substantial selection of weapons across multiple categories.
Assault Rifles
The six assault rifles available during the Beta are:
- Kastov 762
- M4
- Han 86
- Axion
- Hyeon Burst
- Patriot XMR
The selection gives players a mixture of traditional assault rifles alongside weapons with different firing characteristics and engagement ranges.
Submachine Guns
The Beta includes:
- ISO Nightshade
- PPSh-41
- X-58 Nyx
- WZ.55 Striga
These are particularly useful on smaller maps and for players who favour aggressive close-range combat.
Shotguns
- Rezi 12
Light Machine Guns
- FINN LMG
- Type 73
Marksman Rifles
- MAR-9
- Oris 8.6
Sniper Rifles
- KG-7 Vulcan
- Signal .50
Secondary Weapons
The secondary selection includes:
- Krait P68
- .50 GS
- Sang 9mm
- PILA
- Combat Knife
Not every weapon is available immediately.
Several are unlocked through Beta progression as players increase their Player Level.
Gunsmith and Apex Attachments
Modern Warfare 4 introduces an expanded Gunsmith system alongside a new attachment category known as Apex Attachments.
Players can customise weapons using categories including:
- Optics
- Lasers
- Barrels
- Muzzles
- Underbarrels
- Stocks
- Rear Grips
- Ammunition
- Magazines
One of the biggest changes is that attachments are unlocked once.
Once you have unlocked an attachment, you can use it on other compatible weapons without having to grind through another weapon-specific unlock path.
That should make experimenting with different weapons considerably less tedious.
Gunny Weapon Recommendations
Players who don’t want to spend ages experimenting with Gunsmith can use Gunny, an optional weapon-build recommendation system.
Gunny can suggest builds based on different playstyles and ranges using the attachments you’ve already unlocked.
You can then modify those builds manually if you want to fine-tune them.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Tactical Equipment
The Beta includes several Tactical options for disrupting enemies, gathering information and creating opportunities during fights.
Tactical Equipment
The available Tactical equipment includes:
- Flash Grenade
- Smoke Grenade
- Snapshot Grenade
- Concussion Grenade
- Heartbeat Sensor
- Shock Stick
- Stim
Each offers a different utility, from temporarily disorienting enemies to revealing their positions or providing a quick health boost.
Lethal Equipment
Lethal options include:
- Frag Grenade
- Sticky Grenade
- Drill Charge
- Proximity Mine
- Thermite
- Trip Wire
- Zip Gun
- Molotov Cocktail
Field Upgrades
Field Upgrades recharge during matches and provide additional tactical options.
The Beta includes:
- Portable Radar
- DDoS
- SAM Airburst Turret
- Riot Shield
- Trophy System
- Seeker Drone
- Inflatable Decoy
- Razor Wire
- Smoke Wall
These can be particularly useful in objective modes where holding a specific location is important.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Killstreaks
The Beta includes 10 Killstreaks, with requirements ranging from three to 11 consecutive eliminations.
The available Killstreaks are:
- UAV
- Care Package
- Bomb Glider
- Impact Warhead
- Crossfire
- Combat Drone
- Artillery Beacon
- Wheelson
- Missile Salvo
- Attack Helicopter
Players can equip up to three Killstreaks before entering a match.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Perks
The Beta uses a Pick 3 Perk system, allowing players to select one Perk from each of three categories.
The available Perks include:
- Overkill
- Ninja
- High Alert
- Quick Fix
- Ghost
- Fast Hands
- Hardline
- Bomb Squad
- Tracker
- Scavenger
- Lethal Reach
- Blood Rush
- Combat Grid
- Battle Hardened
- Cold-Blooded
Some Perks are available through Default Loadouts before players unlock them through normal progression.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Progression
The Beta has its own progression system.
Players increase their Player Level to unlock weapons, equipment, Perks, Field Upgrades, Killstreaks and other content.
Weekend One has a maximum level of 20.
Weekend Two increases the cap to 30, allowing players to unlock the complete Beta progression track.
Daily Challenges also provide additional XP.
Does Beta Progress Carry Over?
No.
Your Beta Rank, weapon progression and other gameplay unlocks are reset when the Beta ends.
However, eligible cosmetic rewards earned during the Beta do carry over to the full game.
That means there’s still a good reason to work your way through the reward track even though your actual Beta level won’t survive the transition to launch.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Rewards
There are eight primary rewards tied to Beta progression.
| Level | Reward |
|---|---|
| 4 | Through the Paces Legendary Emblem |
| 8 | First Served Weapon Charm |
| 12 | Meonjeo Legendary Weapon Sticker |
| 16 | Last Charge Legendary Calling Card |
| 20 | Dread Tiger Operator Skin — Reece |
| 23 | Field Tested Epic Spray |
| 26 | Beta Rights Epic Loading Screen |
| 30 | Beta Forged Epic Han 86 Weapon Blueprint |
Weekend One allows players to reach Level 20.
Weekend Two raises the cap to Level 30, allowing players to earn the remaining rewards.
These eligible Beta rewards remain attached to your Activision Account and become available when Modern Warfare 4 launches.
More Beta Rewards to Unlock
The main progression track isn’t the only source of rewards.
Players can also earn additional cosmetics through:
- Mobility Course challenges
- Combat Record challenges
- Other Beta challenges
- Default rewards
- Twitch Drops
Some rewards are also being held back for later reveals during the Beta.
Modern Warfare 4 Twitch Drops
Players can earn additional cosmetics by watching eligible Call of Duty broadcasts on Twitch.
You’ll need to connect your Activision Account to Twitch before watching eligible streams.
Call of Duty NEXT Twitch Drops
- Gas Ready Emblem — 15 minutes
- Rapple Repel Calling Card — 30 minutes
- Ghost Helmet Charm — 45 minutes
MW4 Beta Twitch Drops
- Get Tactical Emblem — 15 minutes
- Clearing House Calling Card — 30 minutes
- Action Ready Charm — 45 minutes
These rewards can be carried into the full game.
Black Ops 7 Battle Pass Bonus
There is also a bonus for players who participate in Weekend One.
Players can receive the Black Ops 7 Season 05 Battle Pass.
If they already own it, the reward is instead converted into 10 Battle Pass Tier Skips.
It’s a nice extra incentive for players who already play Black Ops 7.
What Should You Play First in the MW4 Beta?
With so much content available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Start With the Mobility Course
If you’re unfamiliar with the new movement system, spend some time in the Mobility Course.
The new mechanics are significantly easier to learn against a training environment than while being shot at in a live match.
Try Traditional 6v6
Team Deathmatch is the easiest place to get familiar with the gunplay.
Once you’re comfortable, move into Domination or Hardpoint to see how the movement and weapon systems work around objectives.
Try Inflation
Inflation is one of the Beta’s genuinely new experiences, so it’s worth trying if you want to see what Infinity Ward is doing differently this year.
Don’t Miss Kill Block
Kill Block is another mode that feels different from standard Call of Duty.
The modular map design and Gunfight rules make it worth playing several matches rather than judging it after one round.
Return for Weekend Two
If you want to experience everything the Beta offers, Weekend Two is essential.
That’s when you’ll get:
- Hijack
- Lithium
- Combat Outpost
- Zodiac Resurgence
- The expanded Open Beta content
Is the Modern Warfare 4 Beta Free?
Yes — during Weekend Two.
The Open Beta runs from August 28 to September 1 and is available to everyone.
You don’t need to pre-order Modern Warfare 4 or own a Beta code to participate during the second weekend.
Early Access is only necessary if you want to play during Weekend One.
When Does Modern Warfare 4 Release?
The full game launches on October 23, 2026.
Eligible players receive Campaign Early Access from October 16.
That gives Infinity Ward roughly two months between the start of the Beta and the game’s full release to assess player feedback and make further changes.
Final Verdict
The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is considerably more ambitious than a basic Multiplayer test.
Alongside traditional 6v6 modes, players get to experiment with Inflation, Hijack and Kill Block, while large-scale players can jump into 24v24 Combat Outpost.
There’s also Warzone Resurgence on Zodiac, a playable Campaign mission and an entirely new movement system to learn.
The important thing to remember is that the Beta content changes between weekends.
Weekend One features Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213, Cachette and Lotus, although only Rooftops, Silkworm, Transit 213 and Kill Block are part of the initial Day One rotation.
Weekend Two replaces Lotus with Lithium and introduces Hijack, Combat Outpost and Zodiac Resurgence.
There are also plenty of reasons to keep playing, with Beta-exclusive cosmetics, Twitch Drops, movement challenges and a Level 30 reward track waiting for players who stick with it.
And if you haven’t managed to secure Early Access, you don’t need to spend anything.
The Open Beta is free from August 28.
So whether you’re jumping in on Day One or waiting for Weekend Two, there’s plenty to test before Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026.
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