Call of Duty fans have received a detailed look at what lies ahead for Modern Warfare 4, including the game’s Open Beta schedule, upcoming Call of Duty: NEXT showcase, exclusive pre-purchase rewards, and a recap of the title’s public debut at Fanatics Fest in New York City. With the full launch set for October 23, Activision is expanding its promotional campaign as anticipation builds among players across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

Modern Warfare 4 Makes Public Debut at Fanatics Fest

Kill Block Multiplayer Mode Takes Center Stage

Modern Warfare 4 made its first public appearance during Fanatics Fest, where attendees experienced the new Kill Block multiplayer mode for the first time.

Set inside the fictional West Bridge Advanced Military Training Facility, Kill Block features fast-paced 10v10 Gunfight matches focused on close-quarters combat. The evolving battlefield is designed to encourage players to adjust their strategies from match to match, creating a dynamic multiplayer experience that remained one of the event’s biggest attractions.

Developers, Creators, and Interactive Experiences

Beyond playable demos, Infinity Ward developers spent the weekend engaging directly with fans through live discussions, Q&A sessions, and a special live episode of the COD POD.

The Modern Warfare 4 booth also featured livestreams from gaming creators, exhibition matches involving athletes and special guests, interactive displays, and Polaris off-road driving experiences themed around the franchise.

One of the event’s most notable reveals was the Aston Martin Dreadnought, a tactical SUV created through a collaboration between Aston Martin and Infinity Ward. While attendees viewed the concept vehicle in person, players will eventually be able to drive it in Modern Warfare 4’s DMZ mode and Call of Duty: Warzone later this year.

Call of Duty Highlights Gaming’s Place in Popular Culture

Industry Panel Explores Franchise Influence

A panel titled “Call of Duty in Culture” featured Infinity Ward Co-Studio Head Mark Grigsby, Activision Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl, and guests from sports, entertainment, and media.

The discussion focused on how the long-running franchise continues to intersect with competitive gaming, entertainment, and broader popular culture.

Collectors also had opportunities to purchase limited-edition merchandise, obtain Ghost-themed collectibles, receive beta code opportunities, and earn exclusive event rewards throughout the convention.

Call of Duty: NEXT Set for August 21

The next major reveal for Modern Warfare 4 will take place during Call of Duty: NEXT on August 21.

The livestream will feature:

• Live multiplayer gameplay
• Developer presentations
• Detailed multiplayer information
• New announcements ahead of the beta

The event serves as Activision’s final major showcase before players gain widespread access to the game.

Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta Schedule

Weekend One: Early Access Beta

The first beta period begins August 21 immediately following the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast and runs through August 25.

Early Access is available to players who have pre-purchased Modern Warfare 4 on:

• Xbox Series X|S
• PlayStation 5
• PC

Weekend Two: Open Beta

The second beta weekend runs from August 28 through September 1.

Unlike the first phase, this Open Beta will be available to all players across supported platforms, regardless of whether they have pre-ordered the game.

What Players Can Expect During the Beta

Multiplayer Maps, Operators, and Weapons

The beta will include several multiplayer maps and game modes while allowing players to test numerous new Operators and unlock up to 19 weapons.

Combat will range from:

• Small-scale 3v3 skirmishes
• Traditional multiplayer modes
• Large tactical battles featuring armored vehicles

Returning modes such as Search & Destroy will appear alongside the new Kill Block mode and a Training Mobility Course.

Players will also be able to experiment with customizable loadouts, weapons, equipment, field upgrades, perks, killstreaks, and the optional AI-assisted Gunsmith helper known as Gunny.

Vault Edition Includes Additional Beta Content

Players who pre-purchase the Vault Edition will receive early access to additional Operators and exclusive content during the beta.

Operator Packs

The Hostile Alliance Operator Pack includes:

• Price
• Valeria
• Ghost
• Blix

The Special Forces Operator Pack adds military operators representing:

• France
• Germany
• South Korea
• United Kingdom

Each international operator includes localized voice packs.

Exclusive Weapon Blueprints

Vault Edition owners will also gain access to exclusive weapon blueprints, including variants for the:

• Kastov 762 Assault Rifle
• ISO Nightshade Submachine Gun
• Rezi 12 Shotgun
• Oris 8.6 Marksman Rifle
• Combat Knife

Serialized Weapon Camo Rewards Announced

Pre-Purchase Bonus Begins With Black Ops 7 Season 05

Players who digitally pre-purchase either the Standard or Vault Edition before Black Ops 7 Season 05 launches on July 23 will immediately unlock the Moonlit Pearl Universal Weapon Camo.

Beginning July 23 at 12 p.m. PT, players can complete a special challenge to unlock the Gilded Ruin Universal Camo.

The first 100,000 players to finish the challenge will receive a uniquely serialized version engraved with their individual ranking number.

Those completing the challenge after the first 100,000 participants will still receive the standard Gilded Ruin camo without serialization.

How to Unlock the Gilded Ruin Camo

Players must earn 5,000 Skulls across various game modes in Black Ops 7.

Each mode awards different Skull values:

• Endgame: 5 Skulls per elimination
• Multiplayer: 10 Skulls per elimination
• Zombies: 1 Skull per elimination
• Call of Duty: Warzone: 30 Skulls per elimination

Progress carries across all eligible modes, allowing players to switch between them while working toward the 5,000-Skull goal.

Once unlocked, both the Moonlit Pearl and Gilded Ruin weapon camos will become available in Modern Warfare 4 when the game launches on October 23.

Modern Warfare 4 Heads Toward October Launch

With its successful Fanatics Fest debut, a major Call of Duty: NEXT presentation scheduled for August, and two beta weekends planned before release, Activision is steadily building momentum for Modern Warfare 4. Players will have multiple opportunities to experience the game’s multiplayer features ahead of launch while competing for exclusive rewards and preparing for the franchise’s next installment this fall.