In fact, one platform is being excluded from the initial beta test, indicating that Microsoft has tightened its previously more lenient approach.
It’s that time of year again: the next Call of Duty is just around the corner, and Activision has announced the beta test dates. Modern Warfare 4 won’t be in stores until late October, but the multiplayer beta starts two months earlier. As usual, Activision is organizing two beta weekends. One is for those who pre-order the game, and the other is for everyone else. The first weekend runs from August 21 to 25 for those who pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. Unfortunately, Switch 2 users are out of luck. The second weekend, from August 28 to September 1, will be a public beta across all platforms, including the Nintendo Switch 2.
This is standard except for a few unusual details. For example, the Nintendo Switch 2 is excluded from the first weekend, and this version might be released a little earlier than the others. It’s also worth noting that the pre-order weekend lasts five days instead of four, further stretching the definition of “weekend.” This means players who pre-order can start playing the game at the same time as the Call of Duty Next livestream rather than watching streamers enjoy it with a 24-hour head start.
While less surprising, it’s still disappointing news for many Xbox Game Pass subscribers that they won’t have early beta access this year. While they were eligible for the betas of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and 7, it appears that Microsoft’s decision to exclude new Call of Duty games from the service for a year also extends to the betas. The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta will likely offer a sneak peek of the full game. Players can unlock 19 different weapons before diving into battles ranging from small-scale 3v3 skirmishes to massive tactical battles featuring tanks and other vehicles. We can test our skills in new and returning game modes, such as Search & Destroy and the brand-new Kill Block. There’s also the Training Mobility Course.
Kill Block is a modular multiplayer map designed for both small- and medium-sized matches. The map is divided into sections that change dynamically between rounds. This kind of experimental feature probably won’t gain widespread popularity.
Source: PCGamer, Call of Duty
