Modern Warfare 4 Opens PS5 Beta With 22 Weapons and 2 Weekends

Q: Will the unprecedented addition of a campaign mission in this week's beta tease a massive shift for the franchise?

Probably not a massive franchise shift on its own, but it is a meaningful signal that Activision is experimenting with a broader kind of Call of Duty beta. The campaign mission is unprecedented for the series’ public beta, which has traditionally been a multiplayer marketing test. In that sense, it matters: it suggests Activision and Infinity Ward want Modern Warfare 4’s rollout to showcase more of the full package, not just competitive modes. That fits with other changes around this beta, including a standalone download outside Call of Duty HQ and quality-of-life fixes to the long-criticized restart prompts. Taken together, the company is clearly trying to make access easier and the preview feel more complete. Still, the available evidence points more to a launch strategy change than a permanent reinvention of Call of Duty. Activision has not said future betas will routinely include campaign content, and the full game is still structured around the familiar pillars of campaign, multiplayer, and DMZ. The beta’s campaign slice looks as much like a promotional teaser for the October 23 release and the October 16 digital campaign early-access window as it does a design overhaul. So the smarter read is that this is an important test case. If players respond strongly, Activision could make narrative content a bigger part of future betas. For now, though, it looks like an aggressive marketing and onboarding move rather than proof of a sweeping franchise transformation.

3 articles · Updated · PlayStation · Aug 21

PS5 players who pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4 or redeemed a code can access the Early Access beta now through Aug. 25, with progress carrying into the open Aug. 28-Sept. 1 weekend.
22 weapons, six 6v6 maps, 24v24 Ground War and more than 500 Kill Block layout combinations headline the test, alongside new movement features such as pipe climbing, ledge hanging and a Mobility Course.
For the first time in a Call of Duty beta, Activision is also offering a campaign mission — Entrenched — before launch, expanding the test beyond standard multiplayer.
Aug. 28 adds Warzone Resurgence on the new Zodiac map, while players can earn eight rewards up to Level 30 that carry into the full game.
Modern Warfare 4 launches Oct. 23 after the beta period, which follows the Call of Duty: Next showcase detailing modes, maps, weapons and Warzone plans.