Modern Warfare 4 Release Date and Release Time

Modern Warfare 4 Release Date launches on Friday, October 23, 2026. Activision has confirmed the date across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2, but has not published a single worldwide full-game unlock time yet. The launch has four dates to know: PC preload on October 15, Campaign Early Access on October 16, DMZ Early Access on October 20 and full launch on October 23. Exact unlocking hours can depend on the platform and region, so don’t treat an unverified store countdown as a worldwide time.

Both the digital Standard and Vault editions qualify for the two early-access periods, so players don’t need the more expensive edition just to play DMZ on October 20. Physical purchases are tied to the normal release rather than those digital preorder benefits. The schedule below separates preloading from actually being able to play.

Modern Warfare 4 Release Date: When Does Modern Warfare 4 Release?

The full Modern Warfare 4 Release Date is October 23 for supported current-generation consoles and PC, including Nintendo Switch 2. Eligible digital preorders get Campaign access on October 16 and DMZ access on October 20, three days before release. Multiplayer becomes available with the full launch on October 23. Neither of those earlier dates is an unrestricted release of every mode.

Modern Warfare 4 release schedule: preload, Campaign and DMZ

The Modern Warfare 4 Release Date is only the final milestone. Activision has confirmed an earlier PC preload, Campaign Early Access and DMZ Early Access. Both digital Standard and digital Vault preorders receive Campaign and DMZ access, subject to their platform’s release timing. The preload is a download window, not permission to enter either mode before its own start date.

Date	What becomes available	Who can use it?
October 15, 2026	PC preload	Eligible digital PC prepurchases
October 16, 2026	Campaign Early Access	Eligible digital Standard and Vault buyers
October 20, 2026	DMZ Early Access	Eligible digital Standard and Vault buyers
October 23, 2026	Full game launch, including Multiplayer	Game owners, subject to their platform’s availability

PC preload begins October 15 for eligible digital PC prepurchases on Xbox on PC, Battle.net and Steam. Activision lists a PC preload schedule in its official technical announcement; this page keeps exact play unlock hours separate because early-access timing can vary by region and platform. Check the game’s store listing before October 16, and allow enough space for the download.

What time does Modern Warfare 4 unlock?

Activision has confirmed the Modern Warfare 4 Release Date and the separate early-access dates, but don’t assume a single worldwide Campaign or DMZ unlock hour from those dates. Some stores show localised countdowns, and Activision’s edition terms say actual play times and platform availability can vary. Use the current platform countdown for your account instead of assuming a UK time from an American date.

Which Platforms Launch on October 23?

Modern Warfare 4 is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Battle.net, Steam, Xbox on PC and Nintendo Switch 2. There is no PS4 or Xbox One version. That platform split matters for returning Call of Duty players because this is the point where Modern Warfare moves fully away from the previous-generation consoles.

What Can You Play Before Release?

Eligible digital preorders can begin Campaign on October 16 and DMZ on October 20, both ahead of the Modern Warfare 4 Release Date of October 23. The Open Beta ended September 1, so there isn’t another public beta to use for early Multiplayer access. Buying a physical copy does not grant the announced digital-only Campaign and DMZ early-access benefits.

What to Know Before MW4 Launch

Check that your chosen edition is digital if you want the early-access benefits. The Modern Warfare 4 Release Date remains October 23, but a digital Standard preorder is enough for both October 16 Campaign access and October 20 DMZ access. The Vault Edition adds bonuses; it is not required for those early periods.

For the confirmed details used in this guide, see the official Activision edition and Early Access terms.