Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Guides

How to register for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II beta

By

We already know that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will arrive on all major platforms on October 28, but Activision typically lets players jump in on the multiplayer action ahead of launch to test out the new game. It varies from title to title, but these betas can include a new map or two, some new guns, and a look at any new game modes or mechanics that the latest entry in this juggernaut of a shooter franchise has in store.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will continue this tradition by having an open multiplayer beta. This means that anyone who gets a registration key can jump in when the servers open up to get a head start on learning the new maps and modes. Considering this is the most highly anticipated entry in the series for quite a while, we decided to give you all the information you need on how to secure your place when the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II beta goes live.

Further reading * Everything we know about Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 * The best Call of Duty games, ranked from worst to best * Everything we know about Call of Duty: Warzone 2

Ghost from Modern Warfare II.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to get a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II open beta code

Getting access to the early open beta is about as simple as it can get, but it takes a few steps and does require some investment.

First, you will need to pre-order Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II on any platform, including PlayStation, Xbox, Battle.net, or Steam. After that, you will automatically be entered to participate in the beta. However, if you pre-order the game at a physical retailer, you will need to locate a beta code on your receipt. Use that code at the beta redemption site. When the beta begins, you will then get an email with a code you can input on your console or PC to download the beta.

Once the beta period begins, digital owners will automatically be able to start downloading and playing. Note that no progress made in the beta will carry over into the final release of the game.

When will the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II beta start?

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II beta will be in multiple parts, with certain players gaining access at different points.

If you pre-ordered the game on a PlayStation console, you can start playing on September 16, while all other PS players can jump in on September 18, with this period ending on September 20.

The second weekend opens up for players who pre-ordered on Xbox or PC, or for all PlayStation Players regardless of pre-order, on September 22. It will then become open to everyone else starting on September 24. This final session will conclude on September 26.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox loves writing, games, and complaining about not having time to write and play games. He knows the names of more…
How to fix packet burst in Modern Warfare 3
A soldier shields themself from an underwater explosion.

The last thing anyone wants to see when booting up a game like Modern Warfare 3 to head online with your friends is to be stopped by an error. Online games are susceptible to all types of problems beyond the player's control, leading to plenty of frustration and disappointment in a possibly ruined experience. While there are more substantial issues that can completely prevent you from playing, seeing the packet burst issue is almost worse because, while it does let you play, you will experience a ton of lag that makes the game essentially unplayable. If you've been struck by a packet burst error in Modern Warfare 3, here are some possible solutions so you can get back to fragging.
How to fix packet burst errors

If you spot a symbol of three squares on the left of your screen while playing Modern Warfare 3, it means you're suffering from a packet burst. This is essentially an error where something is messed up in the communication between your system and the game's servers, resulting in terrible performance. While it could be simply an issue on the server side and not related to you at all, which you can check by looking at the Modern Warfare 3 server status here, there are a few things you can do to potentially fix the issue on your end.

Read more
Modern Warfare 3 Zombies: Mercenary Convoy guide
Soldiers in a car driving and shooting zombies.

The old format of Zombies has been left behind in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in favor of a more open-world, objective-based take on the undead survival game type. This time, you will squad up and drop into a map with specific objectives you can choose to complete to earn tons of XP, while also pushing the narrative forward and unlocking new, more difficult tasks to take on. The early-tier missions are generally very simple, but in Act 1, you will be given the objective to find and destroy a Mercenary Convoy somewhere on the map. This sounds easy enough on paper until you realize you have no idea where this convey is or how to find it. Every run in Zombies risks losing all your hard-earned progress, so we'll lead you to the Mercenary Convoy to take it out before the zombies even know you were there.
How to find the Mercenary Convoy

Your first challenge will be to find this Mercenary Convoy. The problem here is twofold: first is that it isn't marked on your map in any way, and second is that, being a convoy, it is mobile. Once you land, you and your team should find the nearest vehicle and head toward the center of the map. Depending on how the threat levels are on your particular map, you are looking for roads and highways that are around the medium-threat level zone. You will have to patrol these roads until you come across the convoy, which only consists of three vehicles. Once you are in range, it does appear on your map to let you know you've found it.

Read more
How to play split screen in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Soldiers battle in an abandoned airport.

If you're excited at the prospect of playing split screen in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, we've got good news: You can! Even better news is that it's a straightforward and easy task to accomplish. All you'll need to ensure is that you have two controllers and that both usernames have been linked to their own Activision accounts. Once you've scored both controllers and gotten your accounts squared away, though, you'll only need to follow a few simple steps to start playing together.

Read more