Call of Duty season is here again, and this year it's a big one. Modern Warfare 4 is nearly upon us, and Forbes put together a handy pre-launch rundown covering everything from early access timing to what the Vault Edition actually gets you. I went through it so you don't have to tab out mid-lobby.

The headline item: campaign early access starts October 16, and it's open to anyone who pre-orders digitally. Note that this is campaign only, not multiplayer, so buying in early gets you a head start on the story while everyone else waits for the full launch. Forbes has the exact timing breakdown, so check there before you plan your week around it.

The Vault Edition is back too, carrying the usual premium price tag. Per Forbes, what's confirmed in the package is the campaign, multiplayer, and the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack. Whether that bundle justifies the extra cost depends entirely on how much you'll play in year one. If this is your main game through next fall, the math might work. If you're a campaign-and-dip player, save your money.

The multiplayer side is where the community arguments will live, same as every year. Forbes covers the maps in its rundown, and I'd rather point you to the full list than paraphrase it badly, because map discourse is sacred and someone will correct me in the comments no matter what I say.

And can we just talk about the timing? Launching a giant shooter into a fall this crowded takes some nerve. Activision has done this dance before and come out fine, and Modern Warfare 4 is betting that Call of Duty's yearly audience shows up no matter what else is on the shelf. Historically, they do.

One thing I always tell my raid group before a big launch: figure out your squad's schedule before day one. Same energy applies here. Nothing beats hopping into a fresh multiplayer playlist with your regular stack while everyone's still bad at the new maps.

So, are you going early access for the campaign or waiting for the standard launch? The answer says a lot about your patience.