Modern Warfare 2 Beta Will Come to PlayStation First

The open beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will arrive first on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles according to leaked files found within Call of Duty: Vanguard. Shortly after the Modern Warfare 2 release date reveal, the special editions of Modern Warfare 2 were datamined from Vanguard’s files, granting insight into some of the bonus perks that come with each version. The files make note of the open beta, and a string of text reveals that it will come first to PS4 and PS5.

Pre-ordering the Cross-Gen Bundle or the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare 2 will grant you early access to the game’s open beta, which isn’t unheard of for Call of Duty games. However, a small tidbit at the end of the advertisement confirms that PlayStation owners will get to go hands-on with the game before anyone else. The text reads “Welcome to the new era of Call of Duty. Pre-order the Cross-Gen Bundle for Early Access to the Open Beta — first on PS4 and PS5.”

This continues a trend that Call of Duty has been following for years at this point, with PlayStation having full marketing rights to annual Call of Duty releases and bonus content for the games every year. The first Modern Warfare saw an exclusive 2v2 Gunfight alpha release on PS4, and both Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard had exclusive early beta periods for PS4 owners.

While it’s sad to see that beta access is being cordoned off for players on certain consoles and those who pre-order more expensive editions of the game, it’s just standard practice for the industry, particularly when it comes to Call of Duty. It’s not surprising from a series that’s plastered all over Pizza Rolls packaging every fall.

Still, the full Modern Warfare 2 reveal is slated for Wednesday, June 8, so more details will likely be revealed then. Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard all had surprise alpha tests on PS4, so if Modern Warfare 2 follows suit, then PS4 and PS5 owners could get to try a limited portion of the game before the open beta kicks off later this year.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is shaping up to be an exciting sequel to one of the best Call of Duty games in recent memory, and while official details are scarce, there’s no shortage of leaks. The game will reportedly feature a unique DMZ mode that takes inspiration from Escape From Tarkov. It will also launch alongside Warzone 2, a next-gen sequel to the current battle royale game.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be released on October 28 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. The Modern Warfare 2 beta will take place before launch, first on PlayStation consoles.