The Modern Warfare 4 beta introduces new maps, a campaign mission set in South Korea, and reworked traversal mechanics, but leaves much to be desired.
The Call of Duty franchise finds itself at a crossroads in 2026. Following the underwhelming reception of last year’s Black Ops 7 the series is grappling with declining enthusiasm for its latest entries. The upcoming Modern Warfare 4 aims to reignite interest with a beta that includes a campaign mission and access to Warzone’s new map, Zodiac.
However, the beta’s offerings fall short of delivering a compelling case for the full game. The campaign mission, Entrenched set in South Korea, fails to impress with its predictable gameplay and lack of distinctive Korean flavor. The reworked traversal mechanics, while improved, feel gimmicky in practice.
The beta’s five 6v6 maps present a mixed bag, with some standout designs like Rooftops and Lotus, but others like Transit 213 and Silkworm lacking tactical depth.
The Campaign Mission: A Missed Opportunity
The beta’s campaign mission, Entrenched follows Private Park Hyun Jun and his squad as they attempt to prevent a nuclear power station from falling into North Korean hands.
The mission begins with trench warfare, transitions into a vehicle section, and culminates in an escape from the burning station. Despite its Korean setting, the mission feels interchangeable with any other Call of Duty campaign, lacking the unique cultural elements that could have set it apart.
The mission’s climax showcases Modern Warfare 4’s new traversal system, which allows for smoother movement between ladders, ledges, and combat slides. However, some of the new abilities, like shooting while hanging off ledges, feel unnecessary and rarely useful in actual gameplay.
New Maps: Hits and Misses
The beta features five 6v6 maps, each offering a different experience. Rooftops stands out as a classic in the making, with its multiple routes and elevated walkways providing strategic advantages. Lotus, set in Korea, offers a larger playing field with opportunities for surprise attacks. However, maps like Transit 213 and Silkworm suffer from chaotic and simplistic designs that limit tactical options.
Kill Block, a modular arena that changes its layout every two rounds, adds an interesting twist to the gameplay. Available in 3v3 or 10v10 Gunfight modes, the map’s shape-shifting nature ensures that matches rarely feel repetitive. Despite this, hardcore players may quickly figure out the intricacies of each slab, diminishing the element of surprise.
The Mobility Course: A Training Ground for New Mechanics
The Mobility Course offers a dedicated training facility to master Modern Warfare 4’s expanded movement and combat systems. Players can learn new maneuvers through guided tutorials and put their skills to the test in timed courses. The course features three different difficulties, making it accessible for both newcomers and experienced players. However, the practical application of these new abilities in actual gameplay remains questionable.
Despite its promising elements, the Modern Warfare 4 beta fails to deliver a strong case for the full game. The campaign mission and new maps offer some enjoyable moments, but they are not enough to overcome the franchise’s current struggles. If this beta is any indication, Call of Duty’s wobbly era may not be ending anytime soon.
