Xbox Series X|S players have two major multiplayer testing opportunities arriving in August 2026. Official confirmation has arrived for upcoming beta periods for both Gears of War: E-Day and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.

Quick Facts

  • Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta: Early access runs August 6–10 for pre-orders and Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass subscribers.
  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta: Early access runs August 21–25 for pre-orders; Open Beta runs August 28–September 1.
  • Platforms: Both betas are confirmed for Xbox Series X|S.

Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta

The Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta is set to take place over two weekends this summer. The initial early access window begins on August 6 and concludes on August 10.

Access is granted to players who have pre-ordered the game digitally or physically, as well as those with an active subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. While an official date for the subsequent Open Beta has not been finalized, it is expected to follow the week after the early access period concludes.

The Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta will run across two weekends later this Summer. Early Access: August 6 - August 10 - Pre-Order now or become a Game Pass Ultimate or PC member for access!

Note that multiplayer features require a subscription that includes online multiplayer, and dates are subject to change.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta

The beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will also occur across two distinct periods in late August. Players who pre-order the title can participate in the early access phase from August 21 to August 25. Following this, an Open Beta will be available to all Xbox Series X|S users from August 28 through September 1.

The developer has outlined several features for the test, including:

  • Multiple multiplayer maps and modes.
  • A selection of brand-new Operators, with Vault Edition Operators available for those who pre-order that version.
  • Access to 19 different weapons.
  • Varied combat scales, ranging from 3v3 skirmishes to large-scale tactical battles featuring tanks.
  • Returning and new modes, such as Search & Destroy, "Kill Block," and the Training Mobility Course.