Modern Warfare 4 PC Campaign Is Live, With DMZ Early Access Next
Reported October 19, 2026 · PC Gamer
Modern Warfare 4 PC early access is underway for the campaign, with the next opening scheduled for DMZ on October 20. Activision’s October 16 announcement confirms that eligible digital preorders can play the complete story ahead of the full October 23 launch.
Three dates PC players should know
| PC detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Campaign early access | Started October 16; live now |
| DMZ early access | Scheduled to start October 20 |
| Full release | October 23, 2026 |
| PC platforms | Xbox on PC, Battle.net, Steam |
| Eligible editions | Standard Digital Edition or Vault Edition preorder / prepurchase |
The campaign launch announcement says the early-access benefit covers both digital editions. You do not need the Vault Edition just to access the campaign early. The announced dates distinguish the campaign, DMZ, and full release; they are separate openings.
What is playable in the campaign
Activision describes a 16-mission story spanning the Korean Peninsula, Paris, New York, and Mumbai. Private Park Hyun Jun fights an invasion with his squad while Captain Price pursues the person behind the crisis. Campaign progress also unlocks rewards intended for Multiplayer and DMZ at the full launch.
For players who already planned to play the story, the staggered release gives it a few days of breathing room before the other modes arrive. Finish the download and check the campaign entitlement before arranging a DMZ session with friends.
Check SSD space and PC requirements
The official PC specifications list 115 GB of SSD storage, with additional space potentially needed for mandatory updates. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are required. Check those requirements before launch day, especially if your PC has not run a recent Call of Duty release.
| Selected PC specifications | Publisher-listed requirement or target |
|---|---|
| Minimum CPU | Ryzen 5 1400 or Core i5-6600 |
| Minimum RAM | 8 GB |
| Recommended CPU | Ryzen 5 3600 or Core i7-8700K |
| Recommended RAM | 16 GB |
| Recommended NVIDIA / AMD GPU | GeForce RTX 3060 Ti / Radeon RX 6600 XT |
| Recommended target | Publisher target: 90 FPS multiplayer at High settings |
The frame-rate figure is Activision’s published target, not a PoGamer benchmark. The same PC overview lists a built-in benchmark tool and several upscaling options. Use the full specification page for the remaining GPU alternatives, operating-system requirements, and driver guidance.
Install through the platform holding your copy
Activision’s installation guide gives these PC routes:
- Steam: Open Library, select Modern Warfare 4, then Install.
- Battle.net: Open All Games, choose Modern Warfare 4, then Install.
- Xbox app: Open My Library, select the game, then Install. If it is missing, check whether the Installed filter is hiding it.
Start the install with enough time for the download and any updates. A listed storage requirement does not tell you how long your connection will need, so check the launcher’s estimate before setting a session time.
Get ready for the next opening
Check your CPU, graphics card, and free SSD space against the complete requirements before changing hardware. Our gaming PC parts list can help you identify components, while the PC Gamer hub has more coverage for your next session.
Reporting sources
Checked October 19, 2026. These are non-affiliate editorial references.