When is the Modern Warfare 3 open beta? Release date and start time

Call of Duty fans and gamers everywhere will soon be able to try out the new Modern Warfare 3 in the weeks ahead of the game’s official release on Nov. 10 thanks to an open beta that has been confirmed by Activision.

The CoD beta has become a yearly rite of passage for players looking to get a taste of the new experience in the series. It gives a glimpse of what’s to come, including a selection of weapons, modes, operators, and general gameplay sense for those looking to hop in early or try and see if they want to pick up the new game.

The beta comes with some exclusive rewards, too, like player emblems or player cards—and in the case of Modern Warfare 2’s beta, several weapon blueprints that were available at the game’s launch. MW3 should be the same.

Here’s everything we know so far about the MW3 beta and when it can be played.

MW3 beta start time

The first MW3 beta will begin on Oct. 6 on PlayStation only, confirmed by Activision at gamescom. The beta begins a day after the Call of Duty Next event, which will show off the future of MW3 multiplayer, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile.

The beta on all platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, and PC) is set to begin the following weekend on Oct. 12 for early access by pre-ordering, followed by the open beta beginning on Oct. 14.

While Activision is in the process of being acquired by Microsoft, this is the final year of the deal between the publisher and PlayStation. Future CoD betas and events will likely move to Xbox if the acquisition goes through and is approved.

MW3 beta dates PC and Xbox

Here’s the full schedule for the beta:

• Oct. 6 and 7: Early access for PlayStation
• Oct. 8 to 10: Open beta on PlayStation
• Oct. 12 and 13: Early access on Xbox and PC, open beta on PlayStation
• Oct. 14 to 16: Open beta on all platforms

Players can secure access to the beta by pre-ordering MW3, either the base edition or the Vault Edition. This guarantees early access, on Oct. 6 for PlayStation and Oct. 12 for all platforms. For those not looking to pre-order, the open beta will follow those dates.

When can I play the MW3 beta?

The MW3 beta began on PlayStation on Oct. 6 at 12pm CT for early access.

When does the MW3 open beta start?

The open beta starts on PS5 and PS4 on Oct. 8 at 12pm CT.

When does the MW3 beta start on PC and Xbox?

The early access period for PC and Xbox (and open beta on PlayStation) begins on Oct. 12 at 12pm CT.

When does the MW3 open beta start on PC and Xbox?

The open beta for all players on all platforms begins on Oct. 14 at 12pm CT.