Call of Duty fans have a lot to be excited about when the franchise’s next release arrives this November. It’s been a long time since Modern Warfare 2 and this year’s entry, titled MW3, is expected to generate a lot of hype thanks to the addition of a mini-map feature and the return of classic multiplayer. If you’re eager to get your hands on it sooner than that, Activision has announced plans for a two-week beta and early access period for those who preorder the game.
During a Gamescom livestream hosted by Geoff Keighley and representatives from Sledgehammer Games, it was confirmed that players who preorder the Vault Edition of MW3 will have access to the full campaign at least a week before the game’s official launch. This will be available to PlayStation, Xbox, and PC users. The beta will be open for PlayStation users from October 6-10 and then from October 12-16 for everyone.
Henderson also confirmed that the global MW3 release date would be November 10. That’s not the same as what many have been expecting, however. That’s because the game will see a delayed launch on some platforms in order to ensure a smooth launch.
The reason for the delay is related to the availability of PC systems that are capable of handling the demands of the game. Sledgehammer Games has promised to make the full MW3 experience available on the PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One consoles as well as PCs running Windows 10 operating systems. That’s in addition to the support for last-gen consoles that Sledgehammer previously confirmed.
With the upcoming launch of a new generation of hardware, Sledgehammer has decided to delay the release of MW3 to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. The delay will also allow them to fix issues and bugs that may arise during the beta testing phase.
In terms of gameplay changes, the team has revealed that MW3 will include a combination of traditional story missions and new “Open Combat Missions.” These will be level-based challenges where you can choose how to approach them. You’ll have the option to go in guns blazing or use stealth tactics and traps.
For those who want to test the waters of the full MW3 experience early, you can sign up for the beta on PlayStation’s official website. You’ll need to provide your email address, and then you’ll receive instructions for logging into the closed beta from there. For those who preorder, you’ll get a special DLC pack that includes two character skins and a weapon blueprint that can be used in the campaign of MW3 and the multiplayer of other games in the franchise. Retailers like GameStop are also offering additional preorder bonuses, including a steelbook case.
