Activision has confirmed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign early access begins October 16, 2026, giving eligible digital pre-order customers an opportunity to play the campaign before the full game launches. The publisher says the game is scheduled to release on October 23.
Who gets campaign early access?
According to the official Call of Duty announcement, players who digitally pre-order or pre-purchase the Standard Digital Edition or Vault Edition can access the campaign early. The publisher lists supported platforms including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC storefronts such as Battle.net and Steam. Nintendo Switch 2 availability is also referenced in the publisher’s pre-order materials, with timing subject to platform-specific terms.
Players should check the exact details attached to their edition and platform. Early-access benefits can depend on the region, store, edition, download availability and any updates required at launch. A physical purchase may have different rules from a digital order, so do not assume all pre-orders qualify in the same way.
What to expect from the campaign
Official story information describes Captain Price operating off the grid while a new global threat unfolds, alongside a story involving a young South Korean squad facing a major invasion. The campaign is part of a wider release plan that includes multiplayer and DMZ-related content. Details may be delivered through further developer updates as the release date approaches.
How to prepare
Eligible players should confirm that the game is linked to the account used for the digital pre-order, check the platform store for download instructions, and make sure there is enough storage space. The publisher may require a game update or additional download before the campaign becomes playable. Exact access times can vary by platform and time zone.
Release date
Call of Duty’s official website lists October 23, 2026 as the release date for Modern Warfare 4, with campaign early access starting October 16. Check the game’s official site for any schedule changes or regional instructions.
Sources: Campaign early-access announcement and official Modern Warfare 4 pre-order page.
