Why Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 isn't on Xbox Game Pass as a day-one exclusive

For the first time in 3 years, a new Call of Duty title won’t be available on Game Pass from day one. Modern Warfare is not an Xbox Game Pass day-one exclusive. Why did this happen, and can you play the new COD title another way? We’ll tell you everything you need to know!

Updated on: 13-10-2026 Author: Merel

Is Modern Warfare 4 on Game Pass?

Yes, Modern Warfare 4 will be available on Xbox Game Pass. However, unlike previous COD titles, this game won’t be available upon release. MW4 releases on October 23, but it’ll only join Game Pass in the Holiday season of 2027, as Xbox explained in a push notification.

That means if you want to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox Game Pass at launch, you’ll have to buy the game.

Why MW4 isn't playable on Game Pass from day one

The reason that MW4 isn’t available on Game Pass from day one has to do with the new strategy the company has for their subscriptions. In April of 2026, Xbox announced that they’ll make their subscriptions cheaper. In order to realise this, the COD games won’t be available upon release anymore.

How to play MW4 at launch

Still want to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 at launch? You can do so by buying the game on your Xbox console. Get your official Xbox Gift Card now at Startselect, and instantly redeem your credit to buy MW4. Want to start playing before anyone else? Pre-order the game today and you’ll get early access to the campaign starting on October 16.

Prefer to play MW4 for free on a later date? You can also easily score your Xbox Game Pass subscription at Startselect! Start your subscription today and get access to exclusive perks like monthly free games, in-game benefits and more.

Xbox Gift Card 10 pounds

£10.00

{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"GBP","price":"10.00","url":"https:\/\/startselect.com\/gb-en\/xbox-gift-card-10-pounds\/34944"}

Xbox Gift Card 50 pounds

£50.00

{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"GBP","price":"50.00","url":"https:\/\/startselect.com\/gb-en\/xbox-gift-card-50-pounds\/34947"}

Xbox Gift Card 20 pounds

£20.00

{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"GBP","price":"20.00","url":"https:\/\/startselect.com\/gb-en\/xbox-gift-card-20-pounds\/48682"}

Xbox Gift Card 100 pounds

£100.00

{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Offer","priceCurrency":"GBP","price":"100.00","url":"https:\/\/startselect.com\/gb-en\/xbox-gift-card-100-pounds\/48688"}

About the author: Merel is a true cozy- and puzzle game lover and has logged countless hours in Stardew Valley and Professor Layton on the Switch. She has a subscription to (almost) every streaming platform imaginable and a severe online shopping addiction.

Why Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 isn't on Xbox Game Pass as a day-one exclusive

Is Modern Warfare 4 on Game Pass?

Why MW4 isn't playable on Game Pass from day one

How to play MW4 at launch

More articles in news

Monthly Free Xbox Game Pass Games: November 2026

Free PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for November 2026

When will The Witcher 3 DLC Songs of the Past release?