MW4 Open Beta Start Time: When Modern Warfare 4 Goes Live
By Luke Setzer · Updated 9/17/2026
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta started on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and ran through September 1. That was 6:00 PM in the UK (BST) and 7:00 PM in Central Europe (CEST). It was open to everyone on all platforms with no pre-order needed, and it has now closed.
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta was the last hands-on before the October 23 launch, open to everyone for one weekend. It has closed now, but here is exactly when it ran in each region and what it included.
When does the MW4 Open Beta start?
The MW4 Open Beta Weekend starts on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and runs through September 1. No pre-order is needed, and it goes live on all platforms.
Open Beta start times by region
- Pacific (PT): 10:00 AM, August 28
- Eastern (ET): 1:00 PM, August 28
- UK (BST): 6:00 PM (18:00), August 28
- Central Europe (CEST): 7:00 PM (19:00), August 28
How long is the Open Beta?
It runs from August 28 through September 1, so you get the full weekend. After that the beta closes and the beta rewards are gone until the full game.
Who can play, and how?
The Open Beta Weekend was open to everyone on PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, with no pre-order required. If you pre-ordered, you had the Early Access weekend first (August 21 to 25), and the Open Beta then opened it up to everyone.
New maps, weapons and modes to expect
Activision usually holds back more content for the Open Beta weekend, so expect new maps and modes on top of the Early Access build, and likely more weapons to try. The exact additions get confirmed at Call of Duty NEXT and closer to the date. The full Modern Warfare 4 on October 23 will bring even more, plus balance changes, so treat the beta as a preview, not the final meta.
After the Open Beta
The beta is over and its rewards can no longer be earned. Line up for launch instead: start from our MW4 beta best loadouts and classes, read how the beta rewards worked, learn to level your guns fast, or pre-order MW4 weapon leveling and MW4 bot lobbies for October 23. If you want in before your own region that day, see the MW4 New Zealand trick.
FAQ
When does the MW4 Open Beta start?
The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta starts on August 28 at 10:00 AM PT and runs through September 1. That is 6:00 PM in the UK and 7:00 PM in Central Europe.
What time is the MW4 Open Beta in the UK?
6:00 PM (18:00) BST on August 28. It runs through September 1.
What time is the MW4 Open Beta in Central Europe?
7:00 PM (19:00) CEST on August 28, one hour ahead of the UK. It runs through September 1.
Do I need to pre-order for the MW4 Open Beta?
No. The Open Beta Weekend is open to everyone on all platforms with no pre-order. Pre-order was only needed for the earlier Early Access weekend (August 21 to 25).
Are there new maps and weapons in the Open Beta?
Activision usually adds new maps and modes for the Open Beta weekend, with more weapons likely. The exact additions are confirmed at Call of Duty NEXT and closer to the date, and the October 23 launch brings even more plus balance changes.
When does the MW4 Open Beta end?
The Open Beta ended on September 1, 2026. The beta rewards can no longer be earned, and the full game launches on October 23.