Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Release Date: Campaign Early Access Oct. 16, Full Launch Oct. 23
Campaign early access for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 starts October 16, with the full release on October 23 and the DMZ extraction mode ready at launch.
Players searching for the "MW4 release date" have two dates to note. Nvidia says campaign early access for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 starts on October 16, and IGN reports that the full game arrives on October 23. The dates come from Nvidia's October DLSS roundup and from IGN's coverage of a new DMZ deep dive from Infinity Ward.
Release dates and early access
Nvidia's article lists the October 16 early access start with an asterisk, but the portion of the page available to us does not explain the footnote. It also doesn't say who qualifies for early access or on which platforms it applies beyond PC. Check the official Call of Duty channels for those details.
The October 23 launch date comes from IGN, which says DMZ will be playable from day one. Nvidia's page covers only the campaign early access date and does not mention the full launch.
What the campaign is about
According to Nvidia's description, the campaign opens with North Korea launching a full-scale invasion of South Korea. A young squad of South Korean soldiers fights to survive on collapsing front lines. Elsewhere, a vengeful Captain Price wages a personal war from the shadows while staying ahead of those hunting him.
Multiplayer includes Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed and Search and Destroy. A new mode called Inflation is also included, in which every elimination builds your fortune and makes you a bigger target.
DMZ: what Infinity Ward has detailed
DMZ first appeared in 2022's Modern Warfare II. IGN says it returns in a bigger way, with its own 70-level progression system, rewards and lore. Infinity Ward co-studio head Jack O'Hara said fans felt the first version lacked high enough stakes.
Key changes described in the deep dive:
- Operators: You build and level up a character. If it dies, it costs you to bring it back.
- Lost loot: Some lootable items can be permanently lost if you die or drop them.
- Forward operating base: A hub between matches with a firing range, crafting, mission and boss tracking, and challenges.
- Crafting: A 3D printer turns found loot into armor plates, consumables, gear and, apparently, fire support.
- Threats: AI combatants, bosses, drones, helicopter and vehicle patrols, and tanks. Threat levels vary by map area and can rise if you make noise.
Infinity Ward has promised post-launch DMZ support, including map changes and dynamic weather that can vary per season.
DLSS 4.5 on PC
Nvidia says the Modern Warfare 4 campaign early access packs a suite of DLSS 4.5 technologies, including Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, for GeForce RTX GPUs.
What it means for you
If you plan to play the campaign first, mark October 16 and confirm the early access terms before then. If you are mainly interested in DMZ, plan around October 23. Since DMZ is not free-to-play this time, you will need the game itself. Neither source states a price here.
Also read Forza Horizon 6 Delayed on PS5 to January 2027, Launching Alongside an Expansion
Quick answers
When does Modern Warfare 4 come out?
IGN reports the full release is October 23. Campaign early access starts October 16, per Nvidia.
Is DMZ free in Modern Warfare 4?
No. IGN says that, unlike the Modern Warfare II version, it will not be free-to-play. It will be available at launch.
Does Modern Warfare 4 support DLSS 4.5?
Nvidia says the campaign early access includes DLSS 4.5 features, such as Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, on GeForce RTX GPUs.
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