The next Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2, will be released in October 2022. But when will the beta start and how can you participate? We”ll provide you with all the info.
The time has come: Modern Warfare 2, the latest Call of Duty, will be released on 28 October 2022. And as has become customary for the series, you can try out the multiplayer in advance in the beta. We summarise all the information currently available.
And if you want to know more about the story campaign, maps and features of MW2, you can find everything in (our central article)
Table of Contents
When will the beta start?
The beta of MW2 is basically divided into four phases, which differ from each other depending on the platform and accessibility. Here is the final schedule with all slots:
- 16 to 17 September: Early Access for PlayStation only.
- 18 to 20 September: Open Beta only for PlayStation
- 22nd to 23rd September: Early Access for PC & Xbox, Open Beta for PlayStation
- 24th to 26th September: Open Beta for all platforms
~ Start time: All four slots will start at the same time, namely at 7 pm!
Through an exclusivity agreement between Sony and Activision Blizzard, the first two slots are reserved exclusively for PlayStation users. Xbox One, Series X and S, and PC are therefore not scheduled in the beta schedule until 22 September.
How to get keys for Early Access?
While access to all Open Beta phases is possible without a code, during Early Access you can only play with a Beta Key. To obtain these pre-release keys, players must either pre-order CoD Modern Warfare 2 (and receive guaranteed pre-release access) or try their luck at key raffles and giveaways.
Who distributes the keys? Several influencers apparently have quotas that they are allowed to distribute to their followers in the form of raffles and promotions. However, Activision also gives out keys from time to time, most recently around 50,000 beta codes were distributed as part of the CoD Championship livestream.
Where can I download the beta?
- (PlayStation): The beta can be downloaded regularly via the PS Store on PS4 and PS5. You need a PS Plus subscription for the beta in Germany, but this requirement does not apply abroad.
- (PC): The beta of MW2 can be downloaded via (Steam) as well as via (Battle.net) as long as you have a free account there. A subscription or other membership is not required.
- (Xbox): Players on Xbox One and Xbox Series X and S can also download the beta from the regular Xbox store. Xbox Live Gold membership is required for the beta, otherwise multiplayer will not be possible.
Is there a preload of the beta?
So far, the manufacturer has not announced any info on a preload programme. We will update this section as soon as we have more details. In recent years, a preload has been offered for all CoD betas, so the chances are good.
What content is in the beta?
It is not yet known exactly what content will be playable. However, the developers have confirmed that the regular 6vs6 multiplayer will be included on several maps including the Marina Bay Grand Prix map, which is set on a Formula One race track and has already been highly praised by e-sports enthusiasts:
In addition to the 6vs6 multiplayer in various modes, there will also be a surprise in the beta, according to the developers. Not included, however, is Warzone 2, the new Battle Royale will only be playable after the release of the main game.
Does earned progress remain after the beta?
Generally, earned progress from CoD betas is never carried over to the final game, so you will not keep weapons, attachments and other unlocks from the beta.
The developers have, however, confirmed that Beta participants will receive a reward that will be included in the final game at release.
It is unclear exactly what the rewards are – but a special badge or skin would be conceivable.
Will there be crossplay in the beta?
For the second beta weekend from 22 September, crossplay will be activated in CoD MW2. The manufacturer confirms this in a (blog entry). From then on you will be able to play with and against friends on other platforms – regardless of whether they are on a PlayStation, Xbox or PC.
What are your hopes and expectations for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2? Are you more interested in the single player campaign or the multiplayer mode? Let us know in the comments!
