Activision has finally laid out a clear roadmap for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 ahead of launch, confirming both the multiplayer beta schedule and the return of Call of Duty: Next, the event that has traditionally served as the official stage for unveiling each entry's multiplayer.
The beta will kick off with early access running August 21 through 25, available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S for players who preorder the game. From August 28 through September 1, the beta will then open to everyone for free, with no preorder required. This second phase adds Switch 2 support, though that platform will not be part of the early access window. An active online multiplayer subscription may also be required to participate, depending on the console.
Interestingly, even though Call of Duty: Next was set to be the official starting point for revealing gameplay, the community already got an early look at Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer ahead of schedule. Between July 16 and 19, during Fanatics Fest NYC in New York, a small group of creators and attendees with hands-on access streamed their matches live, effectively getting ahead of the material originally intended for the official event.
Those unplanned streams were enough to immediately spark conversation among players. Movement speed became the focal point of debate, a recurring topic within the Call of Duty community whenever a new entry approaches, since it shapes how close-quarters combat and map traversal will ultimately feel.
With the beta now on the horizon and Call of Duty: Next confirmed for the coming months, Activision is expected to share broader details on modes, maps, and gameplay adjustments before the title's official release.