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Modern Warfare Gunfight alpha dates, start time, access and everything else you need to know

Learn when the PS4-exclusive akpha kicks off and what is available.

Here's something new - a Call of Duty alpha is on the way, allowing us to sample Modern Warfare's Gunfight mode ahead of release.

This Modern Warfare alpha is free for all PS4 players - whether you have a PS4 subscription or not - giving players something to keep them going until the Modern Warfare beta next month.

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Cover image for YouTube videoCall of Duty: Modern Warfare - 2v2 Gunfight Alpha Trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - 2v2 Gunfight Alpha Trailer

Modern Warfare alpha start date and start times: When does the Modern Warfare alpha begin?

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare alpha is available for one weekend only as a PS4 exclusive.

The Modern Warfare alpha dates are Friday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 25th, with the following start times:

Modern Warfare Alpha weekend start date and start times:

  • UK: 6pm (BST)
  • Europe: 7pm (CEST)
  • East Coast US: 1pm (EDT)
  • West Coast US: 10am (PDT)

Modern Warfare alpha access explained

Unlike the upcoming Modern Warfare beta, there's no need to pre-order - the Modern Warfare alpha will be freely accessible for all PS4 users.

Not only that, but you don't even need a PlayStation Plus subscription to gain access.

There is no Xbox One or PC alpha test coming - that'll have to wait until the Modern Warfare beta next month.


Looking for multiplayer help? Learn the best guns in Modern Warfare, how to access Modern Warfare Hardcore modes and Modern Warfare Ground War. We can also teach you how to quickscope. Finally, there's the story, with a handful of Modern Warfare campaign missions to complete, as well as how to kill a Juggernaut in Modern Warfare.


What's featured in the Modern Warfare Gunfight alpha?

The Modern Warfare alpha focuses on Gunfight, the new 2v2 mode, with the following features:

  • Five maps - King, Pine, Stack, and the previously unrevealed Speedball and Docks.
  • Multiple Operators to play as
  • More than one game mode (including a variant of 'Pickup')
  • According to Activision, "a number of other surprises as content is added throughout the weekend"

Once the weekend is over and done with - next stop is the Modern Warfare beta in September, which is coming to more platforms.