Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Open Beta -- Start Dates & Times For PS4, Xbox One, And PC

Following Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's PS4 beta test this past weekend, the next beta is now live--and it includes Xbox One and PC in addition to PS4. This is a staggered rollout in a way, as only select players will have access on Xbox One and PC initially. Here are all the dates and start times to be aware of.

As noted in an update from the developer, early access for those who have pre-ordered Modern Warfare on Xbox One and PC began at 10 AM PT on September 19; an open beta on PS4 started at the same time. Early access will end and players on all three platforms get access to the beta on September 20 at 6 PM PT. Among the content you can expect to find in this test is the new Ground War mode, with 32v32 matches on the new Karst River Quarry map.

Also notable is the inclusion of cross-play support, which Infinity Ward says you can opt out of if you want to avoid mixing controller users and keyboard and mouse users. There's also a special reward, the hammer shotgun, to be earned in the full game by reaching level 10 before the upcoming beta ends on September 23.

Modern Warfare open beta preloading has begun on all platforms. Anyone on PS4 can get it now, but only pre-order customers can do so at this stage on Xbox One and PC. PC preloading happens through the Battle.net client; the other two platforms' betas can be found through the links below.

• Preload the beta on PS4
• Preload the beta on Xbox One

The PS4 beta is open for the entire duration of the upcoming test thanks to Activision's exclusive deal with Sony, which means PS4 players get a head start with the multiplayer beta. We recently learned that DLC maps will be available on all platforms at the same time, although PS4 players can expect a "Day One advantage" of some sort.

Then starting September 19, all pre-order players on Xbox One and PC can start playing, in addition to everyone (no pre-order required) on PS4. And then starting September 21, the Modern Warfare beta opens to everyone across PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

• What We Learned About Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare Multiplayer
• Hands-On With Modern Warfare's Multiplayer

As noted above, this second beta testing period from September 19-23 includes cross-play support. Modern Warfare's cross-play support unites players across PS4, Xbox One, and PC, becoming one of only a small handful of games to support this level of cross-play.

Similar to the betas for the previous Call of Duty games, it's unlikely progress will carry forward to the full game come launch in October. You can, however, earn the shotgun mentioned above.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Beta Details

PS4 Exclusive Beta Dates

• September 12-13 (Early Access, PS4)
• September 14-16 (Open beta, PS4)

Cross-Play Beta Dates

• September 19-20 (Early access, PC and Xbox One; open beta, PS4)
• September 21-23 (Open beta, PS4, Xbox One, and PC)

Cross-Play Beta Start Times

• September 19 (PS4 open beta; Xbox One/PC early access)
  • 10 AM PT
  • 1 PM ET
  • 6 PM BST
  • 3 AM AET (September 20)
• September 20 (PS4, Xbox One, PC open beta)
  • 6 PM PT
  • 9 PM ET
  • 2 AM BST (September 21)
  • 11 AM AET (September 21)

Modern Warfare launches on October 25 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The announcement of the beta was just one part of the many reveals recently, as Infinity Ward also announced an ambitious 100-player mode for the game and lots more.