The wait is over: The big annual showcase Call of Duty: NEXT has begun today, August 21, 2026, serving as the central event for Modern Warfare 4. Infinity Ward is debuting genuine multiplayer gameplay, a new Warzone map, and tons of insider info from development. And the best part: For those who don't just want to watch, you can jump in yourself starting today, as the Early Access Beta launches immediately after the show.
When Exactly Does the Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start?
Call of Duty: NEXT kicked off at 9 AM Pacific Time, which was 6 PM German time for us. Two hours later, at 11 AM PT (8 PM our time), Infinity Ward opened the doors to the Early Access Beta for the first beta weekend. This weekend, only those who have digitally pre-ordered the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, or PC will get access. If you haven't pre-ordered yet, you'll have to wait another week: The second beta weekend starts on August 28 and will be open to everyone, including Nintendo Switch 2. The full release of Modern Warfare 4 follows on October 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, PC (Battle.net, Xbox App, Steam), and Switch 2.
What Is Infinity Ward Showing for the First Time at Call of Duty: NEXT?
The classic 6v6 multiplayer takes center stage at the show, which players will see in live action for the first time. The new "Kill Block" mode is also featured, and a fresh Warzone map called "Zodiac" is being teased. Those who log into the beta can also play the campaign mission "Entrenched" in addition to multiplayer – a small taste of the single-player story that will be fully released in October. Alongside the gameplay reveal, Call of Duty: NEXT will feature insider talks with the development team and live streams from well-known content creators who are among the first to explore the new map throughout the day.
What Does the Beta Launch Mean for Modern Warfare 4 Fans?
The fact that Infinity Ward made further improvements just in time for the beta shows that the studio is clearly listening. Just a few days ago, the team fixed an annoying shader compiling problem on PC that the community had long complained about. The studio also showed itself to be communicative regarding content even before the beta – you can find the background details in our report on the interview with Infinity Ward before the beta. For the beta weekend: Use the time to gather feedback on balancing and performance – this feedback traditionally goes into adjustments before the October release.
Source: Call of Duty Blog (official), Windows Central
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