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 on this.
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
- 22 to 23 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 7pm German time.
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.
By the way, exclusivity rights to CoD are also currently sparking new disputes between the Xbox and PlayStation boardrooms.
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.
GlobalESportNews strongly advises against pre-ordering games before tests can be released.
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.
- 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.
How big is the download?
While official details on the download are still missing, the data analysis platform PlayStation Game Size has fished out the first information from the PlayStation network. According to this, the download of the beta will be between 15 and 30 GB depending on the platform and region.
🚨 Unfortunately I can”t find icon/background With Update
🟡 Anyway According To Update Sizes The beta size is expected to be between 15-30 GB (Depends on Platform And Region)
🟢 EU version It has the biggest Download Size
(1- EU
2-Asia
3-US
4-JP)🟧 MWII https://t.co/DGJDRCLv7e pic.twitter.com/DpY1NitLLh
– PlayStation Game Size (@PlaystationSize) September 10, 2022
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 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. Another MP map has also been revealed:
In addition to 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. If you want to know more about the weapon selection, take a look at our article about the arsenal of CoD MW2!
Does earned progress remain after the beta?
Generally, earned progress from CoD betas is never carried over into 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 these rewards are – but it is possible that they could be a special badge or skin.
Will there be crossplay in the beta?
During the second beta weekend starting on 22 September, crossplay will be activated in CoD MW2. The manufacturer confirms this in a (blog entry). From this point 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.
Where can I find beta gameplay?
While there have already been many scenes from the campaign, not much is known about the multiplayer yet. However, that is set to change at CoD Next – not only will the multiplayer be revealed at the event, but Warzone 2.0 will be revealed as well!
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!
