When Does Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Start?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is bringing back Captain Price for another campaign, but you don’t have to wait until the full game’s release to start playing. Activision is offering Campaign Early Access to players who preorder a digital edition, giving them a chance to experience the story ahead of the worldwide launch. Here’s when you can start playing Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access and what you need to know before launch.

When Does Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Start?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access starts on Friday, October 16, 2026, one week before the game’s full release on October 23. Activision has confirmed the early-access date, although an exact unlock time has not been announced. Actual availability may vary by platform and time zone.

The early-access period lets eligible players experience the full campaign before multiplayer and the other launch content become available. The story follows a young squad of South Korean soldiers fighting on the front lines while Captain Price pursues a separate mission that becomes connected to the wider conflict.

How to Get Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access

To play the campaign early, you must preorder or prepurchase any digital edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Both the Standard Edition and Vault Edition qualify, so you don’t need to pay extra for the more expensive edition just to access the campaign early. Campaign Early Access is available on the following platforms:

• PlayStation 5
• Xbox Series X|S
• Xbox on PC
• Steam
• Battle.net
• Nintendo Switch 2

Activision has confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 version, although its preorders are scheduled to become available later. If you’ve already purchased a qualifying digital edition, check your platform’s game library or store page when early access begins. Make sure the game is updated and installed so you can jump into the campaign as soon as it becomes available.

When Does Modern Warfare 4 Fully Release?

The full release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled for October 23, 2026. Campaign Early Access begins seven days earlier, on October 16, giving players a head start on the story before the worldwide launch.

Activision has also confirmed a separate early-access period for DMZ, which begins on October 20. This is distinct from Campaign Early Access, so players interested in the extraction mode will have to wait a few more days.

Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access FAQ

Campaign Early Access is a good option if you want to experience the story before the full launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Just remember that you need a qualifying digital preorder, and check your platform’s listing closer to October 16 for the exact time you can start playing. Also, be sure to check out the Guides category here on Gamepur for more helpful content!