Activision has announced that the Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta will include the first playable Call of Duty: Warzone content for the upcoming release. The beta launches on August 28 at 10 a.m. PT and remains live through September 1, available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Battle.net, Xbox on PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

New Resurgence Map: Zodiac

The headline addition is Zodiac, a new map developed by the teams behind Rebirth Island and Vondel. Set in South Korea, the map is built around a large weapons manufacturing facility and features 10 distinct points of interest. Players will encounter dynamic elements throughout the map, including twin trains and moving solar panels.

Gameplay and Movement Adjustments

Infinity Ward is implementing several changes for the Warzone beta to align with Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer:

  • Movement: The game will feature a grounded, deliberate movement style. While tactical sprint is included, omnimovement is not present in this build.
  • Weapon Tuning: Infinity Ward has adjusted bullet velocity, damage ranges, mobility, and ADS speeds specifically for the Warzone experience.
  • Loadouts: Custom loadouts are unavailable. Players must utilize hand-crafted default loadouts and ground loot weapons.
  • New Tactical Options: New gameplay elements include Fuel Barrels for environmental interactions and the SAM Turret field upgrade, which can be used to counter aerial killstreaks.

Contracts and Progression

Recon Contracts have been updated to provide a single-use Insight Killstreak, granting players a peek at the upcoming gas circle location. Supply Run Contracts now offer a one-time discount and upgrade buy stations with exclusive items. During the testing period, the live game's standard Resurgence playlists will be temporarily disabled to encourage participation in the beta, which launches with Resurgence Quads and a rotating Casual Resurgence Quads playlist.

Infinity Ward has also confirmed that aim assist adjustments from the Early Access weekend are included in this beta. The developer has not addressed player feedback regarding Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) at this time.