Modern Warfare 4 Beta Start Times and How to Play Explained

The Modern Warfare 4 beta start time is almost here, offering players the first chance to go hands-on with 2026's return to the Modern Warfare series. This comes after two years of Black Ops games, developed by Treyarch, so those of you hoping for a significant shift in gameplay and feel to Call of Duty are in luck.

For the first time in series history, Modern Warfare is going to Korea, with a story set during a conflict between North and South Korea. Not only that, but alongside the multiplayer mode, you can also experience a campaign mission as part of the beta. Here's everything you need to know about the Modern Warfare 4 beta start time, along with details on how to get into the beta and get a code.

What time does the Modern Warfare 4 beta start in your time zone?

The Modern Warfare 4 beta starts at 2 p.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 21. Here's how that looks in your time zone:

                                **11 a.m. PDT on Friday, Aug. 21**for the west coast of North America

                                **2 p.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 21**for the east coast of North America

                                **3 p.m. BRT on Friday, Aug. 21**for Brazil

                                **7 p.m. BST on Friday, Aug. 21**for the United Kingdom

                                **8 p.m. CEST on Friday, Aug. 21**for western Europe

                                **3 a.m. JST on Saturday, Aug. 22**for Japan

                                **4 a.m. AEST on Saturday, Aug. 22**for the east coast of Australia

However, this is just for the first closed beta weekend, which means you need a code to play (more information on that below). On the other hand, the second beta weekend, which is open to everyone, starts at 1 p.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 28. Here's when that is in your time zone:

                                **10 a.m. PDT on Friday, Aug. 28**for the west coast of North America

                                **1 p.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 28**for the east coast of North America

                                **2 p.m. BRT on Friday, Aug. 28**for Brazil

                                **6 p.m. BST on Friday, Aug. 28**for the United Kingdom

                                **7 p.m. CEST on Friday, Aug. 28**for western Europe

                                **2 a.m. JST on Saturday, Aug. 29**for Japan

                                **3 a.m. AEST on Saturday, Aug. 29**for the east coast of Australia

Both beta weekends end at 1 p.m. EDT on the following Tuesday (Aug. 25 and Sept. 1 respectively).

How to get a Modern Warfare 4 beta code

There are two ways of guaranteeing access to the Modern Warfare 4 closed beta. The first, and most straightforward, method is to simply pre-order the game on your platform of choice, excluding the Nintendo Switch 2, which the beta will not be on. Pre-ordering the game will grant you a code you can redeem.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to Discord Nitro. If you have an active subscription, go to the Nitro Home section of Discord and scroll down. You should find the option to play Modern Warfare 4 early here; just select the option to "unlock reward" and follow the instructions.

From 12 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 20, you can also preload the Modern Warfare 4 closed beta if you have access. Everyone else can preload ahead of the second weekend from the same time on Thursday, Aug. 26.