Toronto gamers will have two chances to get into the next Call of Duty before its full release, including an open beta weekend available across all platforms

The next chapter in one of gaming’s biggest franchises is almost here, and Canadian players will soon have a chance to get an early look at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Activision is preparing for two beta weekends this August and September, giving players an opportunity to get hands-on with the upcoming title ahead of its full launch.

For Toronto gamers who have already pre-ordered the game, the first opportunity arrives on Friday, August 21, when the Early Access Beta begins. The first weekend runs through August 25 and is available to players who have pre-ordered Modern Warfare 4.

Players who have not pre-ordered will still have an opportunity to try the game during the second beta weekend, which opens to everyone across supported platforms.

Weekend One gives pre-order customers early access

The first beta weekend is being billed as the Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Beta.

It begins on Friday, August 21 and runs until August 25. Players taking part in Weekend One will require a beta code, with access available to those who have pre-ordered the game.

The Early Access Beta will be available on:

Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation 5
PC

For players who receive a beta code through a promotion or giveaway, the codes are platform-agnostic. That means players can select the platform they want to use when redeeming their code rather than receiving a code tied to one particular system.

For Call of Duty fans who want to be among the first players to experience Modern Warfare 4, Weekend One provides an opportunity to get into the game ahead of the broader public beta.

Weekend Two opens the beta to everyone

Players who don’t have a pre-order will not have to wait long.

The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta begins on August 28 and runs through September 1.

Unlike the first weekend, the second beta weekend is open to all players regardless of whether they have pre-ordered the game.

Weekend Two also expands platform availability, including Nintendo Switch 2.

That means the open beta will give a much larger audience the chance to try the new Call of Duty before deciding whether Modern Warfare 4 is a game they want to pick up.

What to expect from Modern Warfare 4

Modern Warfare 4 continues Activision’s long-running Modern Warfare series and is positioned as the latest major entry in the Call of Duty franchise.

The beta will give players an early opportunity to experience the game’s multiplayer offering and provide developers with an important opportunity to test the game with a large player base ahead of launch.

Beta periods have become an increasingly important part of major multiplayer game releases, allowing developers to gather feedback and identify technical issues while giving players a preview of what is coming.

For players, meanwhile, the appeal is simple: it’s a chance to get into the next Call of Duty before everyone else.

Toronto gamers can win a beta code

The Toronto Guardian will also be giving one lucky reader the opportunity to join the first week of the Modern Warfare 4 beta. The beta code will be platform-agnostic, giving the winner the ability to select their preferred supported platform when redeeming it.

For anyone eager to get an early look at Modern Warfare 4, the dates to remember are August 21 to 25 for the Early Access Beta and August 28 to September 1 for the Open Beta.

Whether you’re a longtime Call of Duty player or simply curious about the next Modern Warfare, the second weekend provides the easiest way to jump in, with no pre-order required.

Beta dates at a glance:

Weekend One – Early Access: August 21 to August 25. Beta code required. Available to players who have pre-ordered on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
Weekend Two – Open Beta: August 28 to September 1. Open to all players regardless of pre-order status, including Nintendo Switch 2 players.

How to Enter (Contest Ends August 19, 2026)

Open to Ontario residents only. Must be 18+ to enter. Must be following listed social accounts. Multiple entries accepted.

Facebook

1. Follow Toronto Guardian on Facebook so we can message the winner.

2. Share this Facebook Post.

3. Tag a friend in the comments of this Facebook Post who you will be playing with.

Instagram

1. Follow Toronto Guardian on Instagram so we can direct message the winner.

2. Tag a friend in the comments of this Instagram Post who you will be playing with.

3. Share the post to your stories.

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