How to download the Modern Warfare 3 beta on Xbox
Image Credit: Bethesda
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How to download the Modern Warfare 3 beta on Xobx
Image via Activision

How to download the Modern Warfare 3 beta on Xbox

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After a weekend of PlayStation exclusivity, the time has come for Xbox players to play the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 beta. Both the Xbox One and Series X|S will gain access to the beta starting on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 1 pm ET.

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However, this early start date is only for players who pre-ordered an edition of Modern Warfare 3 or redeemed a beta code. If you didn’t pre-order, then you will need to wait until Sunday, Oct. 15 to play the early access portion of the beta. Either way, though, if you’re planning to play the beta at some point, you will need to know how and where to download the beta application so you can hop into MW3 as quickly as possible.

In the guide below, I will explain how to download the beta on Xbox.

Downloading the Modern Warfare 3 beta on Xbox

Image via Activision

For starters, you need to have the COD HQ application downloaded on your Xbox. If you have played Modern Warfare 2 or Warzone this past year, then you should already be set. However, if you don’t have any Call of Duty title installed on your Xbox, you need to go into the Microsoft Store on your console and download the free COD HQ application.

This gives you access to the main launcher that you will access MW3 from whenever the beta goes live for you. Speaking of the beta, you can also download the MW3 Beta Pack files from the Microsoft Store as well. You can download these files right now, regardless of if you pre-ordered the game or not. Once those have finished downloading, you should see a new MW3 Beta tab in the main lobby screen of COD HQ.

Related: How to switch between killstreaks and scorestreaks in MW3

If you try clicking on the MW3 beta tab, you will be met with a message that the beta has not gone live yet. Although, you might also see a screen that showcases the Vault Edition of MW3, which should happen if you redeemed a beta code through Xbox. Don’t worry, though, as the beta tab will become accessible and launch the actual beta whenever it goes live for you.

Remember, it will only go live for you on Thursday, Oct 12 if you pre-ordered any edition of MW3 or redeemed a beta code. Those of you who did neither will need to wait a few more days to play, at which point the beta tab will become accessible.

Author
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Joey Carr
Joey Carr is a full-time writer for multiple esports and gaming websites. He has 7+ years of experience covering esports and traditional sporting events, including DreamHack Atlanta, Call of Duty Championships 2017, and Super Bowl 53.