The beta went live this weekend for the PlayStation 4, leaving Xbox One owners waiting for their own platform launch of the beta next weekend. A PC version of the beta will not be made available, but the game launches on all three platforms on Nov. 4. As is standard for the game franchise, special edition versions will be made available — gamers who purchase editions costing $80 and up will also receive a free copy of Modern Warfare: Remastered. For those who pre-order on the PS4, the Modern Warfare remastered campaign is available to play right now.
The betas only work for a set period of time each weekend, however, with the first weekend of the beta wrapping up on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. EST. The second weekend, when Xbox One owners can join in, will run from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24. Gamers will get to run wild on three different maps with three game modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Kill Confirmed.
New to the CoD installment are Combat Rigs, which, according to the game’s site, are “combat systems, or suits, chosen and worn by the player that provide a customized suite of tactical options. The Rigs are inspired by six distinct playstyles and are swappable mid-match to help you take a different approach to the game as it unfolds.”
While the beta won’t make all six Combat Rigs available, gamers will be able to access three of the Rigs before the November launch.
Also new to the franchise are Mission Teams — “by completing missions while enlisted in a team, you will earn a team rank. Complete those missions with honors, and you will earn extra experience toward your rank.”
The addition adds extra gamification to the leveling-up nature the franchise has always employed. Each team will have a unique commander, the game’s site says, who will deliver missions and comment on your success or failure.
“Ranking up will give you rewards from that team, including calling cards, camos, emblems, unique Rig cosmetics, as well as specific prototype weapons that are only available from that team.”
New to the game is a new mode called Defender, described as a high stakes game of keep-away.
“Your team must grab a drone and defend it, gaining points while holding on and keeping it out of enemy hands,” the site reads. “Teamwork is essential here in order to make sure your points add up until the drone resets and the cycle starts again.”
Activision says on its site that beta users will not only get what it describes in its post on the new beta, but also new weapons, scorestreaks, lethals, tacticals, and customization options.
“We’ve only begun to scratch the surface as far as the content in the beta goes, and Infinity Ward also has some surprises in store for you,” the site says. “So play as often as you can, and keep your eyes peeled. We’ll see you online!”
