MW4 Multiplayer Release & Unlock Times

Friday, October 23, 2026 is global launch day for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2. Multiplayer unlocks together with the full game. Below is the full timezone table and everything else about the launch window.

Unlock times by timezone

Platform	Region / Store	Local unlock time	Notes
PS5 / Xbox / Switch 2	All regions (rolling)	Midnight LOCAL time, Oct 23	Unlocks region by region; New Zealand plays first
PS5 / Xbox / Switch 2	UK	00:00 BST, Oct 23	Local midnight
PS5 / Xbox / Switch 2	Australia / NZ	Midnight AEST / NZDT, Oct 23	NZ is first globally
PC (Steam & Battle.net)	UTC regions (rolling)	First wave Oct 22, 22:00 UTC (3PM PT / 6PM ET)	Rolling unlock by UTC region
PC (Steam store page)	Global countdown	Oct 23, 10AM PT (reported)	Steam page shows a later countdown than the rolling unlock — conflict reported, not resolved

Launch-day checklist

Pre-load before October 23 so you're not downloading on the night (see pre-load info below).
Confirm your platform's online subscription (PS Plus / Game Pass Core) is active — console multiplayer needs it.
Check server status if matchmaking fails at unlock — launch-night queueing is normal.
Skim our best settings guide before your first match (FOV and audio presets matter).

Pre-load

PC (Battle.net & Steam): preload from October 14, 10AM PT / 5PM UTC — file ~124 GB (Campaign 42 GB + Multiplayer 21 GB + DMZ + packs); Battle.net also needs a ~60 GB CoD HQ update (plan ~180 GB free)
Xbox: preload from October 14 — ~115 GB (Series X)
PS5: preload from October 15, 9PM PT — ~117 GB
Nintendo Switch 2: preload from ~October 15-16 — ~77-85 GB
SSD required on PC; TPM 2.0 + Secure Boot required

Frequently asked

What time does MW4 multiplayer unlock?

MW4 multiplayer goes live on October 23, 2026. Console platforms typically unlock at midnight local time, while PC (Battle.net/Steam) unlocks at a fixed global UTC time. See the table above for every timezone.

Is there a midnight release for MW4?

PlayStation and Xbox stores unlock at 00:00 local time on October 23 in most regions, so yes — most console players get a midnight launch. PC follows a single global unlock time.

Do I need PS Plus or Game Pass to play MW4 multiplayer?

Yes — online multiplayer requires PlayStation Plus on PS5, or Game Pass Core/Ultimate on Xbox. PC has no subscription requirement.