Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is going to be a big one. It's namesake, the last Modern Warfare, made the CoD series into the yearly multiplayer juggernaut it is today. After Modern Warfare 3, developer Infinity Ward took a step back, making way for other developers and genre spins on CoD. But while black ops missions and space were fun diversions, the series has stopped being the shooter all other shooters are stacked against. CoD still has a diehard multiplayer audience, to be sure, but casual gamers have moved on to battle royale. That is until Activision revealed a darker reboot of Modern Warfare.
Promising a return to form with classic characters like Captain Price and multiplayer kill streaks of old, the new Modern Warfare already has shooter fans wanting to play now. The good news is they can... sort of. A pre-release beta will occur in September, and we're going to tell you how to join it.
How To Get Into The Beta
The Modern Warfare beta will be open, so anyone can play! Just download the appropriate app on your console of choice, or use Blizzard Battle.net on PC, when the beta goes up. If you want more time with the beta, you can sign up for an early access code.
Getting an early access code is easy. You just have to pre-order the game. Pre-ordering a physical game through a retailer like GameStop should earn you an early access code that's printed on your receipt. If it's missing, you'll have to take it up with the store.
If you pre-ordered a digital version through something like the PlayStation Store, you won't need a code. You're automatically registered for early access once the beta begins. One thing to note is that Activision only lists "the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, or pre-purchases through Battle.net" as valid places to play the beta. Don't go looking on Steam or the Epic Games Store.
What Platforms You Can Play On
The beta, like the full game, will be playable on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Those playing on PC will need to go through Battle.net to play the beta.
How To Redeem Your Early Access Code
An early access code isn't enough by itself. You have to redeem it ahead of the beta in order to get that sweet sweet VIP treatment. Go to callofduty.com/beta to redeem your code. Once you do, you should receive an email with further instructions.
When You Can Play The Beta
There are actually two beta periods, although the first will only happen on the PlayStation 4. The PS4-exclusive beta starts on September 12th for early access members. For the rest of us, the open beta goes from September 14th to the 16th.
The second beta period is for PS4, Xbox, and PC players. Again, PC players will have to use Battle.net as their platform. This beta starts on September 19th for early access folks. The open beta goes from September 21st to the 23rd.
Will XP And Gear Carry Over To The Actual Game?
Unfortunately, no. Activision made the official declaration in its FAQ about the Modern Warfare Beta. It seems the purpose of this beta is more to gather player feedback so that the game can launch in its best possible state. While this is a worthy goal, it's still a bit sad that all of our efforts will not carry forward into the main game.
That should be everything you need to know to play the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare beta. Hopefully we see you on the battlefield. But if we do, please go easy on us. It's been awhile.