Modern Warfare 4
MW4 Launch Countdown & Checklist
Modern Warfare 4 releases on October 23, 2026. Count down, review every confirmed launch fact and tick off the prep so you spend day one playing, not reading patch notes.
Countdown to launch
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Launches 2026-10-23 · Activision confirmed launch at midnight local time on release day — this countdown uses your device's time zone.
Confirmed launch facts
- Release date
- 2026-10-23 · midnight local time
- Campaign Early Access
- 2026-10-16 for digital pre-orders (Standard or Vault) on every platform
- Preload
- PC: 2026-10-15 · 9:00 AM PT · Console: not announced yet
- Platforms
- PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S · PC (Battle.net / Steam / Xbox on PC) · Nintendo Switch 2
- Game Pass
- Not at launch — joins Game Pass in Holiday 2027
- Vault Edition
- $99.99 digital only · $30 upgrade from the standard digital edition · 10% Loyalty Discount for returning players
- At launch
- 33 weapons · 12 core 6v6 maps · Campaign, Multiplayer and DMZ
- Progression
- 55 ranks → 10 Prestiges → Prestige Master to Level 1000
- Mastery camos
- 13 confirmed across Multiplayer, Warzone, DMZ and Prestige Master
- Beta closed · 2026-09-01
- Beta progression resets; account-bound rewards (Beta Forged blueprint) carry over
Launch-prep checklist
0/11 done · Saved only in this browser — no account needed.
Before launch
Pick your edition
Standard or Vault Edition (digital only). The Vault upgrade is available later from the standard digital edition.
Link your Activision account
Beta rewards are tied to your Activision ID, not the platform. Make sure the account you played the Beta on is the one you launch with.
Confirm your Beta Forged blueprint
The ISO Nightshade blueprint earned by reaching Level 30 in Beta Weekend Two. It appears at launch on the same Activision account.
Clear storage on your platform
PC needs 115 GB on an SSD; console sizes have not been published. Free the space before preload opens so you are not deleting games on release night.
PC: enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot
Both are required to run MW4 on PC. Turn them on in your BIOS/UEFI now rather than on launch night, update your GPU driver, and install the Xbox PC app if you want precompiled shaders (Advanced Shader Delivery).
Preload when it opens
PC preload on Battle.net, Steam and Xbox on PC opens October 15 at 9:00 AM PT. Console preload timing has not been announced yet — check your platform store.
Play the Campaign early (October 16)
Digital pre-orders of the Standard or Vault Edition get Campaign Early Access from October 16 on every platform, a week before the full launch. Only digital pre-orders qualify.
Launch day
Plan your first weapon unlocks
Use the weapons database to see which guns unlock at which Player Level so your first session goes toward the guns you actually want.
Plan your first weapon unlocks →Decide Classic vs Regular Prestige
At Level 55 you choose once per Prestige: Classic resets Create-a-Class unlocks for faster XP; Regular keeps everything. Decide before you hit 55.
Decide Classic vs Regular Prestige →Set up your camo tracker
All 13 mastery camos are confirmed. Open the tracker on launch day and tick as you unlock — challenge requirements appear as soon as they are published.
Set up your camo tracker →Grab a launch meta loadout
The loadouts library refreshes on launch day with full attachment builds for the release balance.
Grab a launch meta loadout →MW4 launch FAQ
When does Modern Warfare 4 release?
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026 at midnight local time on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Battle.net, Steam and Xbox on PC) and Nintendo Switch 2.
Is Modern Warfare 4 on Game Pass at launch?
No. Activision confirmed MW4 is not launching on Game Pass; Microsoft has it joining the service in Holiday 2027.
What carries over from the Beta?
Weapon and player progression from the Beta does not carry over. Rewards tied to your Activision account — including the Beta Forged weapon blueprint earned at Level 30 in Weekend Two — are available at launch.
How much is the Vault Edition?
The digital-only Vault Edition is $99.99. Standard digital owners can upgrade for $30.
When does MW4 Campaign Early Access start?
On October 16, 2026. Anyone who digitally pre-orders or pre-purchases the Standard or Vault Edition on PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC or Nintendo Switch 2 can play the Campaign a week before the full launch.
When can I preload Modern Warfare 4?
PC preload on Battle.net, Steam and Xbox on PC opens on October 15, 2026 at 9:00 AM PT. Console preload has not been announced yet. The PC install needs 115 GB on an SSD, plus TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled.
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