When will the Modern Warfare 3 open beta release?

The Modern Warfare 3 open beta release is now upon us, if you happen to be a PlayStation owner – those using Xbox or PC will have to wait a little longer, but your time is almost here too. The official dates for the open beta are set, with the first session starting on Friday October 6 at 5pm UTC as a PlayStation exclusive weekend, followed by a second weekend in which all players can take part. There will be a lot to explore during this beta period, as we're promised updated map versions of originals last seen in 2009's Modern Warfare 2, along with new loadout options and modes to check out in Ground War.

Bear in mind that Carry Forward content will not be available in any of the open betas, though you will of course have access to that when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches in full next month. Now these sessions are starting in October, PlayStation owners get a head start the week before Xbox and PC join the fight. Read on for details covering the Modern Warfare 3 open beta release, along with information on how to access it when it becomes available.

When is the Modern Warfare 3 open beta?

Modern Warfare 3 open beta dates and times — (Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

Thanks to an official blog post we now have the exact dates and times for the Modern Warfare 3 open beta release, and there's particularly good news if you're a PlayStation owner as you get up to 5 days of extra access on PS5 and PS4 depending on whether you preorder or not. A full breakdown of the open beta period is as follows, with sessions starting/ending at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST on the corresponding dates:

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October 6-8: PlayStation early access
October 8-10: PlayStation open beta
October 12-14: Xbox and PC early access, PlayStation open beta
October 14-16: PlayStation, Xbox, and PC open beta

Note that as the early access periods continue directly into open beta without any break, the dates overlap as above.

To qualify for early access to the Modern Warfare 3 open beta, you need to pre-order the game and then follow the steps outlined below. Note that on PlayStation you do not need a PS+ subscription to access the beta at any time, while on Xbox an Xbox Live Core subscription is required for the early access period but not the open beta.

How to access the Modern Warfare 3 open beta

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 — (Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

By the nature of it being 'open', everyone will get a chance to participate in the Modern Warfare 3 beta at some point, by downloading it from the relevant console storefront for free when it becomes available. We also know that Modern Warfare 3 on PS4 and Xbox One is happening, so there won't be any exclusions for this based on platform. However, if you want early access to the beta then you'll need to place a Modern Warfare 3 pre-order, so you can get additional hands-on time in advance of release.

If you pre-order or pre-purchase the game through the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Battle.net, or Steam, then you will be automatically registered for early access to the Modern Warfare 3 open beta and no further action is required – you'll simply be able to download it when the time arrives. However, if you pre-order through another participating retailer, you'll receive a 13-character code that you'll need to activate via the Call of Duty beta redeem website for access – if you can't find this code, contact the retailer for assistance.

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has over 1,000 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.