- The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 open beta was available between August 28 and September 1 on all platforms.
- The game will arrive on October 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, with early access to the campaign from October 16.
- During the beta, significant gameplay changes were implemented, such as the removal of Tactical Sprint and an increase in TTK.
The anticipation for the return of the Call of Duty franchise to Nintendo consoles has lived up to expectations. The open beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 took place during the last weekend of August, and there's already enough data to analyze what awaits us. Furthermore, the company has confirmed the final release dates and the platforms on which it will be available.
This test, which ran from August 28th to September 1st, allowed players to access a campaign mission and several multiplayer modes. On the Nintendo Switch 2, the beta was available for download without pre-order, a decision aimed at expanding the player base. The response has been positive, despite some adjustments made along the way.
The open beta: dates, content, and requirements
The test began on August 28 at 11:00 AM (Spanish Peninsula Time) and ran until September 1. The download was approximately 38,8 GB , a considerable size that granted access to the "Entrenched" mission and a good number of 6v6 multiplayer maps, including the new Ground War mode. Warzone players were also able to try the Zodiac Resurgence map. Participation only required an Activision account, and on Switch 2, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription was not required for multiplayer, although it was necessary for some features.
Among the most talked-about new features was the Ballistic Authority system , which combines aiming precision, physical weapon handling, and improved combat awareness. Furthermore, movement has been redesigned to be smoother and more realistic, with options such as gyroscope control on the hybrid console.
Gameplay changes during the beta
Infinity Ward hasn't just added maps. During the beta, several significant adjustments were implemented in response to player feedback. The most notable was the removal of Tactical Sprint by default, which is now only available through the Blood Rush perk. The effectiveness of sliding was also reduced, limiting its distance and speed, and the cooldown between sliding and jumping was increased. These changes aim for a less frantic and more tactical combat pace.
Another key change was the increased Time to Kill (TTK) . All weapon damage was reduced to make engagements longer and give players more room to react. Additionally, respawn points were modified, and killstreaks were made harder to achieve, now requiring an extra effort. These changes, while risky at such an advanced stage, have been well-received by the PC and console communities.
Launch, platforms and early access
The full game will arrive on October 23 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Players who pre-order the digital edition will have access to the campaign starting October 16 , a week before the official launch. This measure aims to retain fans and encourage pre-orders. However, unlike other Activision titles, it will not be included in Xbox Game Pass from day one.
On Nintendo Switch 2, the final version will take up 84,9 GB, a figure that has drawn attention due to its large size. The physical edition will only include a download code , so internal storage space will be a factor to consider. Despite this, the hybrid version will have all the features, including cross-play and shared progression with other platforms.
Expectations and performance
Although the beta didn't break any concurrent player records on Steam during its second weekend, the overall reception has been positive . The gameplay changes demonstrate that Infinity Ward listens to the community, and the commitment to realism in combat is clear. On Switch 2, the campaign runs at 30 fps and multiplayer at 60 fps, an acceptable balance for a handheld console.
It remains to be seen how the game will perform in its final version, but impressions from the beta suggest that we are looking at a solid installment , with refined gunplay and a technical aspect that, in the case of the Nintendo console, takes full advantage of the hardware.
With its release just around the corner, fans are certain that Modern Warfare 4 will be one of the biggest launches of the year . The combination of a promising campaign, a revamped multiplayer mode, and its arrival on Switch 2 makes the wait seem short. All that remains is to wait until October 23rd to see if it lives up to the hype.
