// POSTED BY Róisín ON Aug 26, 2026, 8:46 PM
Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta
The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is entering its biggest phase yet, with Weekend Two opening the doors to everyone on August 28.
Unlike the first weekend, you won’t need Early Access, a pre-order or a Beta code to get involved. But Weekend Two isn’t simply the same Beta with more players. A substantial amount of new content is being added, including a new 6v6 mode, another multiplayer map, large-scale Ground War and a new Warzone Resurgence experience.
The level cap is also increasing to 30, giving players access to more weapons, equipment, Perks and Beta rewards.
Here’s everything coming to the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Weekend Two.
When Does the MW4 Open Beta Start?
Weekend Two begins on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and runs until September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
Unlike Weekend One, the second weekend is completely open.
You can play without:
- Pre-ordering Modern Warfare 4
- Purchasing a Beta code
- Having Early Access
The Open Beta is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Steam, Battle.net and Nintendo Switch 2.
When Can You Preload?
The Open Beta preload became available from 9:00 AM PT on August 26.
If you haven’t installed the Beta yet, it’s worth doing so before August 28 rather than waiting until launch day.
The Beta is available as a separate download through the relevant digital storefront.
What’s New in MW4 Weekend Two?
Weekend Two significantly expands the Beta with several major additions.
The biggest new features are:
- Hijack — new Core 6v6 mode
- Lithium — new Core 6v6 map
- Combat Outpost — 24v24 Ground War
- Zodiac — new Warzone Resurgence map
- Level 30 progression cap
- Additional weapons and equipment
- More Beta rewards and challenges
Everything from Weekend One also remains part of the Beta, including Inflation, Kill Block, the Mobility Course and the playable Campaign mission.
Hijack Is the Big New MW4 Multiplayer Mode
One of the most significant additions is Hijack, a brand-new Core 6v6 mode.
The objective revolves around a Data Spike.
Teams need to fight for control of the device and then get it towards the opposing team’s Comm Station.
The Data Spike can be carried, thrown and passed between teammates, allowing an organised squad to move it towards the objective rather than relying on one player to make the entire journey.
Once the Spike reaches the Comm Station, the attacking team can plant it.
The defending team then needs to stop the attack and defuse the device before it detonates.
That makes Hijack a more dynamic objective mode than simply holding fixed capture points. The location of the Data Spike can constantly change, forcing both teams to react to what’s happening across the map.
Hijack is a Weekend Two addition, so it isn’t available during the first Beta weekend.
Lithium Joins the MW4 6v6 Map Pool
Weekend Two also introduces Lithium, a new Core 6v6 map.
The map is set inside a damaged lithium processing facility in rural Mexico, creating an industrial environment with buildings, processing equipment and a mixture of close and medium-range combat.
Lithium replaces Lotus in the second weekend’s map rotation.
That means the Weekend Two Core 6v6 selection is:
- Rooftops
- Silkworm
- Transit 213
- Cachette
- Lithium
If you played Weekend One, you’ll notice that Lotus is no longer part of the rotation.
The two maps aren’t available during the same weekend.
Ground War Gets Bigger With Combat Outpost
If traditional 6v6 isn’t enough for you, Weekend Two introduces Combat Outpost.
This large-scale Ground War mode supports 24 players on each team, creating considerably larger battles than the standard Multiplayer modes.
Combat Outpost combines infantry combat with vehicles and revolves around controlling strategic locations across the battlefield.
Capturing an Outpost can provide your team with additional spawn opportunities, helping you push the frontline further into enemy territory.
Combat Outpost Maps
The Beta features two maps for the mode:
- Imjin Farmlands
- Wolves Stadium
Imjin Farmlands provides a more open battlefield with farmland, waterways, roads and rail infrastructure.
Wolves Stadium takes the action into a much more built-up environment, with buildings, tunnels, rooftops and urban routes.
If you prefer chaotic large-scale battles over traditional 6v6, this is likely to be one of the most interesting additions in Weekend Two.
Warzone Resurgence Comes to the Beta
Weekend Two also expands into Warzone with Resurgence on Zodiac.
Zodiac is a new map built around the DRC Advanced Systems drone manufacturing headquarters.
The location combines industrial buildings, offices, rooftops and underground areas, giving squads multiple ways to move around the map.
There are also tunnels beneath the facility, creating opportunities for players to rotate without constantly exposing themselves to enemies above ground.
How Zodiac Resurgence Works
The Resurgence rules allow eliminated players to return as long as at least one member of their squad remains alive.
Contracts can also help squads reduce their redeployment timers, giving teams another reason to keep moving rather than simply hiding.
Zodiac is significantly more compact than a traditional Battle Royale environment, making it better suited to the faster pace of Resurgence.
There are also some environmental surprises hidden around the map, including an explosive tank encounter.
The MW4 Beta Level Cap Increases to 30
Weekend One capped progression at Level 20.
Weekend Two increases that to Level 30.
That means players can continue progressing rather than having their advancement stop at the first weekend’s limit.
The additional levels unlock more:
- Weapons
- Equipment
- Perks
- Field Upgrades
- Killstreaks
- Beta rewards
If you played Weekend One, your existing Beta level carries into Weekend Two.
You don’t have to start your progression from scratch.
All Modern Warfare 4 Beta Rewards
The increased level cap means players can now work towards the complete Beta reward track.
| 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 Reece Operator Skin |
| 23 | Field Tested Epic Spray |
| 26 | Beta Rights Epic Loading Screen |
| 30 | Beta Forged Han 86 Weapon Blueprint |
The Level 30 reward is particularly useful for players who want to finish the entire Beta progression track.
These dedicated Beta rewards carry over to the full game.
Your actual Beta progression does not.
More MW4 Beta Rewards Are Available
The main eight rewards aren’t the only cosmetics players can earn.
Weekend Two includes additional rewards through things such as:
- Mobility Course challenges
- Combat Record challenges
- Default items
- Other Beta challenges
Some rewards are also being kept hidden until players discover or unlock them during the Beta.
So if you’re aiming to collect everything, don’t focus exclusively on your Player Level.
MW4 Beta Twitch Drops
Twitch Drops continue during Weekend Two.
You’ll need to connect your Activision and Twitch accounts before watching eligible streams.
The Beta Twitch Drops include:
- Get Tactical Emblem — 15 minutes
- Clearing House Calling Card — 30 minutes
- Action Ready Charm — 45 minutes
That means you can pick up some extra cosmetics simply by watching participating streams while waiting to play.
The MW4 Campaign Mission Is Still Playable
Weekend Two continues to feature Entrenched, the playable Campaign mission.
It’s one of the more unusual aspects of this Beta, as players are getting an early opportunity to experience part of the single-player campaign before release.
The mission centres around a large-scale assault involving a strategically important nuclear power station.
It gives players a glimpse at the Campaign’s combat, movement, vehicles and cinematic presentation.
The full Campaign launches with Modern Warfare 4 on October 23, while eligible players can get Campaign Early Access from October 16.
The Mobility Course Returns
If you haven’t already tried the Mobility Course, Weekend Two is a good opportunity to do so.
The course is designed to teach players the game’s expanded movement mechanics in a controlled environment.
You can work through different challenges and improve your times rather than trying to learn everything while being shot at in Multiplayer.
The course covers mechanics such as:
- Mantle Slide
- Mantle Momentum
- Mantle Steering
- Supine Slide
- Pipe Climb
- Fast Pipe Slide
- Hang Shimmy
- Hang Lean
- Climbing Jump
If you’re struggling with the new movement system, it’s worth spending a few minutes here before jumping into competitive matches.
More Weapons Are Available
The Beta features a sizeable collection of weapons spread across multiple categories.
There are 19 Multiplayer weapons across nine weapon classes, with additional weapons available through Default Loadouts and the Campaign.
That gives players 22 weapons to experiment with across the Beta.
Apex Attachments
The Beta also gives players a chance to experiment with Apex Attachments.
These are special attachments that provide unique effects without taking up a conventional attachment slot.
Weapons can also be tested in the Firing Range, making it easier to compare different setups before entering a match.
Gunny Can Help Build Your Weapons
If Gunsmith is becoming a little overwhelming, Gunny can recommend weapon builds based on the attachments you’ve unlocked.
You can use the suggested build as a starting point and then modify it to suit your preferred playstyle.
More Tactical and Lethal Equipment
Weekend Two provides access to a larger selection of equipment.
Tactical Equipment
The Beta includes Tactical options such as:
- Flash Grenade
- Smoke Grenade
- Snapshot Grenade
- Concussion Grenade
- Heartbeat Sensor
- Shock Stick
- Stim
Lethal Equipment
Players can also equip various Lethal options for dealing damage or controlling areas.
Field Upgrades
Field Upgrades provide additional utility and recharge during matches.
There are now 11 Field Upgrades available during the Beta, giving players considerably more options when building their classes.
17 Killstreaks Are Available
Weekend Two also expands the Killstreak selection.
There are 17 Killstreaks available during the Beta, with players able to equip up to three at a time.
The options range from reconnaissance and support abilities through to powerful offensive rewards.
Additional Killstreaks are planned for the full game.
18 Perks Are Available in the Beta
The Beta’s Pick 3 Perk system allows players to select one Perk from each of three slots.
Weekend Two features 18 Perks to experiment with.
This allows you to build classes around different playstyles, whether you prefer aggressive rushing, stealth, survivability or objective-focused gameplay.
Create a Class Expands in Weekend Two
Players can create up to 12 Custom Loadouts during the Beta.
Each class can have its own:
- Operator
- Primary weapon
- Secondary weapon
- Tactical Equipment
- Lethal Equipment
- Perks
- Field Upgrade
- Killstreaks
Operators are assigned directly to individual classes, so you can create different combinations without having to constantly change your Operator separately.
The Beta features 21 Operators, including characters associated with the Vault Edition.
Does MW4 Beta Progress Carry Over?
There’s an important distinction here.
Your Beta progression does not carry over to the full game.
Your:
- Player Level
- Weapon progression
- Gameplay unlocks
will be reset after the Beta ends.
However, eligible Beta rewards do carry over.
So while you won’t enter the full game at Level 30, you will keep the dedicated cosmetics you’ve earned through the Beta.
What Should You Play First During Weekend Two?
With so much new content arriving, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Try Hijack First
If you’ve already spent time with the traditional 6v6 modes, Hijack is probably the first thing worth trying.
The Data Spike objective gives the mode a very different flow from Domination or Hardpoint.
Jump Into Combat Outpost
If you want something completely different from standard Multiplayer, try Combat Outpost.
The 24v24 battles and vehicles create a much more chaotic experience.
Try Zodiac Resurgence
Warzone players should head straight for Zodiac.
The smaller Resurgence map and underground routes make it considerably faster-paced than traditional Battle Royale.
Push to Level 30
If you’re interested in the Beta rewards, Weekend Two is your chance to complete the progression track.
Reaching Level 30 unlocks the Beta Forged Han 86 Weapon Blueprint and completes the main reward track.
Don’t Forget the Campaign
And if you’ve spent the entire Beta playing Multiplayer, give Entrenched a go.
It’s one of the most unusual things Infinity Ward is offering before launch.
Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Weekend Two FAQ
Is the MW4 Open Beta free?
Yes. Weekend Two is open to everyone, and you don’t need a pre-order or Beta code.
When does Weekend Two start?
The Open Beta begins on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ends on September 1 at 10:00 AM PT.
What is new in Weekend Two?
The major additions are Hijack, Lithium, Combat Outpost and Zodiac Resurgence, alongside the increased Level 30 progression cap.
Can I play Hijack during Weekend One?
No. Hijack is a Weekend Two addition.
What happened to Lotus?
Lotus is replaced by Lithium during Weekend Two. The two maps aren’t available in the same weekend’s Core 6v6 pool.
What level can I reach?
The Weekend Two cap is Level 30, up from Level 20 during Weekend One.
Do Beta rewards carry over?
Yes. Eligible Beta rewards carry over to the full game, although your Beta Rank and gameplay progression reset.
When does Modern Warfare 4 release?
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026, with Campaign Early Access beginning October 16 for eligible players.
Final Thoughts
Weekend Two is where the Modern Warfare 4 Beta really opens up.
The first weekend gave players a taste of the new multiplayer experience, but the Open Beta brings some of the most interesting additions into the game.
Hijack introduces a completely new objective-based 6v6 mode, Lithium expands the map pool, and Combat Outpost takes the fight to 24v24.
Then there’s Zodiac Resurgence, giving Warzone players a new map to explore, while the increased Level 30 cap gives everyone more weapons, equipment and rewards to unlock.
Best of all, you don’t need to have bought Modern Warfare 4 to experience any of it.
The Open Beta is free from August 28.
If you’ve been waiting to see whether Modern Warfare 4 is worth your money, Weekend Two is probably your best opportunity to find out before the full game launches on October 23.
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