Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has launched its second beta weekend. Since Friday, August 28, at 5:00 PM UTC (10:00 AM PT), everyone interested can jump in without a pre-order or access code on all supported platforms – on PC via Steam and Battle.net, on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and for the first time in 13 years, also on a Nintendo handheld console: the Nintendo Switch 2. The open beta runs until September 1.
This second weekend brings significantly more content than the first, closed test run. In addition to the classic 6v6 core modes, players can experience the large-scale modes Ground War: Combat Outpost and the new Kill Block mode, plus the campaign mission “Entrenched” is playable for the first time. The full game is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.
What Content Does the Second Modern Warfare 4 Beta Weekend Offer?
- 6v6 Core Modes on several new maps
- Ground War: Combat Outpost (large-scale mode with vehicles)
- New Kill Block mode
- Playable Campaign Mission “Entrenched”
- Warzone: Resurgence on the new Zodiac Resurgence map for the first time
- Access on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and for the first time in 13 years, Nintendo Switch 2
The absolute highlight for battle royale fans: For the very first time, Call of Duty: Warzone is part of an open beta, and not just showcased at the Call of Duty: NEXT presentation as is usually the case. The Resurgence mode will be played on the brand-new Zodiac map.
What Does the New Warzone Map Zodiac Show in the Beta?
Zodiac is set in South Korea, centered around a gigantic weapons factory, and features ten distinct Points of Interest. Particularly striking: dynamic environmental elements such as movable solar panels and two trains running parallel through the middle of the map. Combat will rage from the central administration building, above and below the double train line, onwards towards the research facility and loading docks – battles will thus spread across offices, factory halls, rooftops, tunnels, and the adjacent coast.
Those who already familiarized themselves with the basics during the first beta phase can find more background on Activision’s cross-platform beta strategy in our report on the campaign’s beta launch on the Switch 2.
Why is the Open Warzone Beta a Strategic U-Turn?
From our perspective, this is no coincidence: with Modern Warfare 4, Activision and Infinity Ward are clearly focusing more on broad accessibility rather than exclusive show moments. Previously, only viewers of the CoD: NEXT presentation got a taste of Warzone; now, literally everyone with internet access and a supported platform can play live and provide feedback before the finished game is released on October 23. For the community, this primarily means more time to test weapon balance, map flow, and performance on their own platform – especially on the Nintendo Switch 2, this promises to be technically exciting, as shooters of this magnitude have rarely run there until now.
Source: Call of Duty Blog, Dot Esports
Have you already jumped into the beta? Let us know in the comments how Zodiac feels to you!
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