Modern Warfare 4 patch fixes Hijack spawns and S&D exploit

The latest Modern Warfare 4 patch went live on October 24. Infinity Ward improved spawns in Hijack, closed a Search and Destroy exploit that let players defuse the bomb from the wrong spot, and fixed a long list of DMZ bugs.

Key facts

• Patch notes: October 24, 2026
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Switch 2
• Multiplayer: Hijack spawns, Search and Destroy defuse exploit
• DMZ: party leader bug, exfil helicopter, stuck spots on Hajin
• Coming next: possible weapon tuning, Infected and Possession modes

What does the Modern Warfare 4 patch change?

Infinity Ward says this update focuses on stability, bug fixes, closing exploits and quality-of-life improvements. The studio admits there is still plenty of work ahead and promises regular updates. The patch also fixes several crash and stability issues across all modes.

The game launched on Steam on October 22, and this is the second round of fixes since then. In its first set of notes, the studio said it was watching weapon performance closely. It also reminded players that weapons are tuned separately for Multiplayer and DMZ.

What was fixed in Multiplayer?

• Improved spawn locations and respawn timing in Hijack.
• Fixed a Search and Destroy issue that let players defuse the bomb from an unintended distance or position.
• Fixed the Portable Radar not showing the minimap in Hardcore matches.
• Stopped the Deathstalker killstreak from leaving the map on Rooftops.
• Fixed Favorite Operators not being equipped properly in Collateral.

For competitive players, the Search and Destroy fix is the big one. Defusing from an unintended position could decide a round on its own. Hijack, meanwhile, is one of the game's new modes. Teams fight over a Data Spike, then carry it to the enemy Comm Station and plant it to score. Good spawns are key to keeping that mode fair.

What's new for DMZ players?

The DMZ list is even longer. The most serious bug let party leaders pull teammates out of DMZ without their consent. That could get those players' Active Duty Operators marked as MIA. It has now been fixed.

• Fixed more spots on Hajin where players could get stuck in rocks.
• Fixed the exfil helicopter disappearing while players were still inside.
• Fixed AI reinforcements spawning too often during the Shopping Mission.
• Fixed objective markers showing on the wrong enemy in the Dark Zone Story Mission.
• Closed an out-of-bounds spot in the FOB and various other exploits.

There are useful menu fixes too. DMZ weapon builds no longer show up as usable in core Multiplayer. Applying camos or reticles in the DMZ Gunsmith no longer costs DMZ cash. On PC, the Split keybind now updates properly when players set a custom Ping key.

Which issues are still open?

Infinity Ward also listed known issues. The regional map animation in matchmaking has been switched off for now, as part of a possible fix for hitching. The team is looking into players being kicked while spectating. A network error when extracting from DMZ with a looted Dog Tag on PC is also on the list. The studio tracks live issues on its official Trello board.

What's next for Modern Warfare 4?

The studio says it is already looking at possible weapon tuning for next week, though it hasn't named any guns yet. Apex attachments, which were tested in the beta and then removed, are set to return soon.

Two Halloween modes are on the way as well. According to the official patch notes, Infected and the new Possession mode arrive next week. The matchmaking debate also rolls on, which we covered in our Modern Warfare 4 SBMM story. For maps, DMZ and Game Pass details, see our Modern Warfare 4 launch guide.

What about the Switch 2 version?

According to Game Rant, Switch 2 players first got a 39GB download. Activision then published October 24 notes for a smaller update across all platforms. It is not yet clear whether the two updates are the same. This patch does not add any new maps, weapons or modes.

FAQ

When did the latest Modern Warfare 4 patch come out?

The patch notes were published on October 24, 2026, and the update is live now.

Is the Search and Destroy defuse exploit fixed?

Yes. The bug that let players defuse the bomb from an unintended distance or position was fixed in this patch.

Is weapon balancing coming to Modern Warfare 4?

Infinity Ward says it is looking at possible weapon tuning for next week, but it has not shared details yet.

Sources

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 patch notes (official)
• PCGamesN: New Modern Warfare 4 patch notes
• Nintendo Life: Modern Warfare 4 Switch 2 update
• Game Rant: Modern Warfare 4 Gets New Switch 2 Update