Players will get their first proper look at the new game on August 21, 2026, when Call of Duty: NEXT goes live with match footage, a Multiplayer breakdown, and comments from Infinity Ward. That same day, the Early Access Beta begins for people who pre-order on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X|S. It runs until August 25, so there is a decent stretch of time to test weapons, maps, and modes. For anyone planning ahead, Modern Warfare 4 Boosting may also be worth keeping in mind as the competitive side of the game starts taking shape.
August 21: Call of Duty: NEXT and Early Access Beta begin.
August 25: Early Access Beta ends.
August 26: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders open.
August 28: Open Beta starts on every supported platform, including Switch 2.
September 1: Open Beta closes.
October 23: Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide. The Switch 2 beta support is a big deal. Call of Duty has been away from Nintendo hardware for years, and this gives Switch players a chance to jump in before launch rather than watching from the sidelines.
1. Build a fast close-range loadout.
2. Put together a steadier mid-range rifle.
3. Make a longer-range setup without digging through every attachment menu.
The removal of random bullet deviation should also make shots feel more consistent, especially when players are trying to learn recoil patterns.
Beta dates at a glance
Here is the release schedule in date order, laid out like a quick table for players who just want the useful bits.August 21: Call of Duty: NEXT and Early Access Beta begin.
August 25: Early Access Beta ends.
August 26: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders open.
August 28: Open Beta starts on every supported platform, including Switch 2.
September 1: Open Beta closes.
October 23: Modern Warfare 4 launches worldwide. The Switch 2 beta support is a big deal. Call of Duty has been away from Nintendo hardware for years, and this gives Switch players a chance to jump in before launch rather than watching from the sidelines.
Westbridge changes every match
Multiplayer's newest experiment is Kill Block, set inside a military training complex known as Westbridge. It is built around three separate map sections: two outer zones and a middle area. Between rounds, a rail system shifts those sections into different positions. Sightlines disappear. A safe bit of cover can become a death trap. You will probably learn quickly not to rely on one favourite route. At launch, the mode supports 3v3 Gunfight and a larger 10v10 Gunfight option, with more than 500 possible layouts. Some modules can also trigger rain or snow, while frost and water gather on weapons during play.Less menu time, more fighting
Gunny is meant to make weapon setup less of a chore. It is not an AI chatbot, despite the rumours. Infinity Ward says it is a handcrafted in-game assistant that suggests workable builds from attachments you have already unlocked. The idea is simple: pick close, mid, or long range, then get back into the lobby. Players can use it for a few practical jobs.1. Build a fast close-range loadout.
2. Put together a steadier mid-range rifle.
3. Make a longer-range setup without digging through every attachment menu.
The removal of random bullet deviation should also make shots feel more consistent, especially when players are trying to learn recoil patterns.