The much-anticipated Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign is available for those who pre-ordered, but it's notably absent from Xbox Game Pass.
This week’s Xbox news is headlined by the launch of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign, a significant development for fans of the franchise. As covered by The Xbox Hub and Pure Xbox, the campaign is now accessible in early access for those who pre-ordered it digitally. However, it’s worth noting that the game is not currently available via Xbox Game Pass, a service that many Xbox users have come to rely on for day-one access to high-profile games.
Initial reviews suggest that the Modern Warfare 4 campaign is receiving positive feedback, with some calling it the best Call of Duty campaign in many years. Players who have pre-ordered the game have been able to try the campaign early, leading to a buzz around its gameplay and storytelling. This approach continues to highlight the gaming industry’s trend towards offering early access as a pre-order incentive.
Upcoming on the Horizon: DMZ Mode for Modern Warfare 4
Also in the Call of Duty sphere, the early access for the game’s DMZ mode is scheduled to start on October 20, as reported by Xbox Wire. While further details about this mode remain under wraps, the scheduled early access period suggests that it might follow a similar roll-out strategy as the campaign, with possible incentives for those who pre-order.
Shrek 2 Remastered Makes an Unexpected Appearance
In a surprising twist, an official Xbox Store page for Shrek 2 Remastered has been discovered ahead of its expected announcement at next week’s ID@Xbox Showcase. Pure Xbox reports that this remastered version will be developed by Aspyr Media, known for its previous work on game ports. The remaster promises enhanced visuals with 4K resolution, improved textures, a new Photo Mode, and a Cheat Mode. This release sneaked under the radar but is likely to capture attention due to the nostalgia associated with Shrek.
Xboxes: The Little Console That Could
As the industry eyes the transition to new platforms like the Xbox Project Helix, the Xbox Series S continues to be a solid performer in 2026. As Pure Xbox notes, despite initial concerns that it might “hold back” the industry due to its lower specs, it has proven to be a capable machine with games optimized effectively for its hardware. This ongoing performance suggests that developers have found efficient ways to leverage its capabilities, keeping the Series S relevant in a rapidly advancing tech landscape.
