Call of Duty: NEXT has returned, and it will launch the beta for Modern Warfare 4.

      Activision has announced the dates for players to view new gameplay, discover fresh reveals, and participate in the first beta of Modern Warfare 4.

      For Call of Duty fans, one of the most anticipated events each year, aside from the launch, is Call of Duty: NEXT. This year’s event promises to be even more significant, as it not only focuses on Modern Warfare 4 but also kicks off the game's multiplayer beta. Activision has officially stated that Call of Duty: NEXT will occur on August 21, showcasing live gameplay, an in-depth multiplayer briefing, insights from developers, and new announcements. For the first time, the Early Access Beta for Modern Warfare 4 will start right after the livestream, allowing players to immediately engage in the action.

      When can players participate in the beta?

      The beta will be conducted in two stages. The Early Access Beta will run from August 21 to August 25 and is available to players who pre-ordered the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC. This year’s beta also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, and digital pre-orders will automatically grant access without needing a redemption code. A week later, the Open Beta will commence on August 28 and last until September 1. Unlike the first phase, this beta is available to all players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, regardless of whether they’ve pre-ordered the game.

      Call of Duty

      In addition to confirming the beta timeline, Activision indicates that NEXT will be the largest multiplayer showcase ahead of the game’s launch. The broadcast will include new gameplay, developer commentary, and a detailed look at the multiplayer experience that Infinity Ward has been hinting at over the past few weeks.

      Players can also look forward to experiencing various maps and modes during the beta, including the new adaptive Kill Block experience, along with returning multiplayer essentials, an extensive array of weapons, Operators, perks, killstreaks, and the new Training Mobility Course. The beta will feature everything from 3v3 Gunfight to large-scale battles with vehicles, providing players with a comprehensive preview of what Modern Warfare 4 has in store before its release.

      A busy few months ahead for Call of Duty

      This announcement comes after Modern Warfare 4's recent showcase at Fanatics Fest, where players received their first public hands-on experience with the dynamic Kill Block multiplayer map. With Call of Duty: NEXT now scheduled, Activision is transitioning from previews to allowing players to try the game firsthand.

      It's also important to mention that Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, marking the first mainline Call of Duty title in the last two years to bypass Microsoft’s subscription service upon release. Consequently, both the beta and the full game will only be accessible to players who buy or pre-order it. If all goes as expected, August 21 should address many of the lingering questions fans have regarding Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer.

      Varun is a seasoned technology journalist and editor with more than eight years of experience in consumer tech media. His work encompasses…

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