The M4 has always been one of the most recognizable assault rifles in Call of Duty, and Modern Warfare 4 keeps that familiar role intact. During the August 2026 Beta, it stands out as a practical weapon for players who want something dependable without having to build their entire playstyle around a single range or gimmick.
The good news is that getting the M4 does not take much work. There is no special challenge, hidden objective, or complicated unlock quest involved. You simply need to progress through the early multiplayer ranks, unlock custom loadouts, and reach the level required for the rifle.
What Level Unlocks the M4 in MW4
The M4 unlocks at Player Level 9 in Modern Warfare 4.
There is one important step before you can actually equip it. Create a Class becomes available at Player Level 4, which is when the game starts letting you build your own multiplayer loadouts instead of relying entirely on Default Loadouts.
From Level 4 onward, just keep playing matches and earning XP. By the time you reach Level 9, the M4 will be added to your available assault rifles.
This early unlock is useful because you can start leveling the weapon relatively soon rather than spending a large part of the Beta waiting for access to your preferred rifle.
How to Unlock the M4 in Modern Warfare 4
Getting the M4 into a loadout only takes a few steps.
Reach Player Level 4: Play multiplayer matches until Create a Class becomes available.
Reach Player Level 9: Continue earning multiplayer XP through kills, objectives, match completion, and available challenges.
Open Create a Class: Once you hit Level 9, return to the multiplayer loadout menu.
Choose the M4: Select the Primary Weapon slot, open Assault Rifles, and choose the M4.
After saving the loadout, you can take the rifle straight into your next match. There is no additional unlock requirement after reaching Player Level 9.
How to Reach Level 9 Faster
The first few levels of Modern Warfare 4 come quickly, so there is little reason to overthink the grind. Play the modes you are comfortable with and focus on actions that naturally generate XP rather than chasing kills at the expense of the objective.
Objective-based modes can be particularly useful because you can earn progress from capturing, defending, or otherwise contributing to the match. Daily challenges are also worth checking before you start playing since they can give you another source of XP while you work toward Level 9.
Once the M4 is unlocked, keep it equipped whenever possible. This lets your normal multiplayer sessions contribute toward both player progression and weapon progression.
How to Level Up the M4
Unlocking the rifle does not give you its complete customization potential. The M4 has its own Weapon XP progression, and using it in actual matches gradually opens additional attachments.
A good approach is to avoid changing weapons every time you struggle in a gunfight. Give the M4 enough time to become familiar. Learning its recoil pattern and effective range is often more valuable than constantly switching between different assault rifles.
You can also use early matches to test different configurations rather than immediately searching for a single “perfect” build. Small changes to the optic, muzzle, and handling-focused attachments can noticeably change how the M4 feels.
For players looking for a more controlled environment to practice the weapon, buy Bot Lobbies MW4 can be an option for testing recoil, experimenting with builds, and getting used to the M4 before taking those setups into regular multiplayer.
M4 Attachments Worth Testing
The M4’s flexibility becomes more noticeable as you unlock additional attachments.
The ZLR Reverb90 muzzle is worth testing if you want a setup that feels more stable during sustained fire. It can be particularly useful when you are taking repeated mid-range fights rather than constantly rushing into close quarters.
The Slimline Elite optic is another practical choice. A clean sight picture can make tracking moving targets easier, especially when you are fighting across longer lanes where iron sights may feel restrictive.
There is no universal M4 build that works perfectly for every player. If you like playing aggressively, avoid stacking too many attachments that slow the rifle down. If you prefer holding lanes and taking controlled shots, sacrificing some handling for stability can make more sense.
What Does the M4 Hurricane Apex Attachment Do
The M4 Hurricane Apex Attachment gives the weapon a much bigger change than a standard muzzle or optic.
It converts the M4 into a high-capacity 5.7x28mm platform, creating a setup that plays differently from the standard rifle. The increased ammunition capacity can be useful when you frequently find yourself fighting multiple opponents before getting a chance to reload.
This conversion is especially interesting for players who have already spent time with the standard M4. Rather than simply making the same build slightly better, it gives you another way to approach the weapon and can change how you manage engagements.
How to Build the M4 Around Your Playstyle
The M4 works best when you build around the fights you actually take.
If you spend most of your time pushing objectives, prioritize mobility and handling. You want to be able to aim quickly after sprinting and move between engagements without making the rifle feel sluggish.
For players who prefer mid-range gunfights, recoil control and a comfortable optic should be higher priorities. The M4 is capable of handling these fights well, but your accuracy still depends heavily on how comfortable the weapon feels in your hands.
A more aggressive player may also benefit from keeping the build relatively simple. Adding too many attachments can sometimes create a weapon that looks strong on paper but feels awkward during fast gunfights.
M4 Tips for Multiplayer
The M4’s manageable recoil can make it tempting to hold the trigger whenever an enemy appears, but controlled fire is still important at longer distances. Short bursts help keep your aim centered and make follow-up shots easier.
Pay attention to how quickly opponents close the distance. The M4 is versatile, but that does not mean every engagement is favorable. If an enemy is using a weapon built specifically for close-range fights, creating some distance can put the fight back in your favor.
Positioning also matters. Use cover when holding longer angles, and avoid standing in the same spot after winning a gunfight. Modern Warfare 4’s multiplayer maps give opponents plenty of ways to challenge predictable positions, so moving after an engagement can keep you from becoming an easy target.
