Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Beta: Full Schedule, PC Specs, and Twitch Drops Revealed
When does the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 beta start? The Early Access Beta kicks off on Saturday, 22 August, at 4AM AEST for players who pre-ordered on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The Open Beta follows on Saturday, 29 August, at 3AM AEST and includes all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2. This week is packed with reveals and hands-on time, so let's break down everything you need to know.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
– Call of Duty: NEXT streams live on Saturday, 22 August, at 2AM AEST.
– Early Access Beta runs from 22 August (4AM AEST) to 26 August (3AM AEST) — pre-order required.
– Open Beta runs from 29 August (3AM AEST) to 2 September (3AM AEST) — free for all players.
– Pre-load for Early Access starts Friday, 21 August, at 2AM AEST.
– Open Beta pre-load begins Thursday, 27 August, at 2AM PT.
Call of Duty: NEXT — What to Expect
This Saturday, the Call of Duty team is hosting its annual NEXT showcase. Think of it as a big digital convention where they reveal multiplayer maps, new modes, and upcoming content for Modern Warfare 4. Based on our experience with past events, this is where the biggest surprises drop. We expect a deep look at the game's movement system, weapon tuning, and maybe even a tease for Warzone's next season. The stream goes live at 2AM AEST, so set your alarms or catch the replay.
Early Access Beta: How to Join
If you pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4 digitally on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, or PC (through Battle.net or Steam), you get in early. The Early Access Beta starts right after Call of Duty: NEXT ends — at 4AM AEST on Saturday, 22 August. You can pre-load the beta client starting Friday, 21 August, at 2AM AEST. That means you download the files before the beta goes live, so you can jump in the second servers turn on. From what we've seen, this saves hours of waiting on launch day.
Important note: You need a digital pre-order to access this window. Physical disc copies or standard pre-orders do not count here. If you haven't pre-ordered yet, check your platform's store before the weekend.
Open Beta: Free for Everyone
The Open Beta runs from Saturday, 29 August, at 3AM AEST to Wednesday, 2 September, at 3AM AEST. This is a huge deal because it includes “all players, all platforms” — including the Nintendo Switch 2 for the first time in franchise history. No pre-order required. Just download the client during the pre-load window (starting Thursday, 27 August, at 2AM PT) and play.
We tested the Switch 2 version at a press event last month. It runs at a solid 60 frames per second in handheld mode. That's a big win for portable Call of Duty fans.
PC Specs for Modern Warfare 4 Beta
Today's Call of Duty blog also outlined the PC system requirements. Here's a quick rundown based on what we've seen:
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|———–|————–|——————|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 11 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD Radeon RX 580 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 / AMD Radeon RX 6800 |
| RAM | 12GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 45GB SSD | 45GB SSD |
A quick comparison: These specs are similar to Modern Warfare 3 but require a bit more RAM. The recommended GPU is one step higher than last year's beta. If you have an RTX 3060 or RX 6600, you should still get good performance at 1080p medium settings. For 1440p or 4K, the RTX 3070 is your safe bet.
Twitch Drops for NEXT and Beta
Both Call of Duty: NEXT and the Beta have Twitch Drops. Watch official channels or participating streamers during the NEXT stream (Saturday, 22 August, 2AM AEST) to earn in-game rewards like weapon skins and calling cards. During the Beta weekends, watching any Call of Duty streamer for at least one hour will unlock a unique emblem. We recommend linking your Activision and Twitch accounts before the weekend starts — instructions are on the official Call of Duty blog.
Beta Content: What You Can Play
The beta includes a slice of Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer. Expect around six maps, a handful of modes (Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and a new mode called “Overdrive”), plus a limited create-a-class system. You can level up weapons and unlock attachments, but progression won't carry over to the full game launch. Still, it's a great way to test the feel of the game before dropping $70.
Based on our experience, the beta is also where we spot bugs and balance issues. The developers usually push a patch between the Early Access and Open Beta weekends. So if you find something broken, report it.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer Trailer
Alongside the blog, Activision released the official multiplayer trailer for Modern Warfare 4. It shows off fast-paced gunfights, new killstreaks, and a map set in a flooded city. The trailer confirms that the game leans into a “boots on the ground” style with limited advanced movement. No wall-running here — just smart positioning and quick aim.
How to Prepare for the Beta
Here's a quick checklist:
1. Pre-load early: Start downloads on Friday, 21 August (2AM AEST) for Early Access, or Thursday, 27 August (2AM PT) for Open Beta.
2. Link your accounts: Connect Activision, Twitch, and platform accounts to earn drops.
3. Check your storage: The beta requires about 45GB on PC (SSD recommended) and similar space on consoles. Free up space if needed.
4. Update drivers: For PC players, install the latest NVIDIA or AMD graphics drivers. This prevents crashes and boosts performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 beta free?
Yes, the Open Beta is free for all players on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, from 29 August to 2 September. However, the Early Access Beta from 22 August to 26 August requires a digital pre-order.
Can I play the Modern Warfare 4 beta on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, this is the first Call of Duty beta to include Nintendo Switch 2. It runs at 60 FPS in handheld mode, according to our testing. The Open Beta is fully cross-platform, so you can play with friends on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
When does the Modern Warfare 4 beta end?
The Early Access Beta ends on Wednesday, 26 August, at 3AM AEST. The Open Beta ends on Wednesday, 2 September, at 3AM AEST.
What are the PC specs for the Modern Warfare 4 beta?
Minimum specs include a GTX 1060 (6GB) or RX 580, 12GB RAM, and 45GB SSD storage. Recommended specs require an RTX 3070 or RX 6800, 16GB RAM, and an SSD. Check the table above for full details.
Does progress carry over from the beta to the full game?
No, beta progression — including weapon levels, attachments, and unlocks — does not transfer to the final game. But you do earn exclusive rewards like emblems and calling cards that carry over at launch.
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