The Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta early access is set to begin on Thursday, August 6, at 12pm PT (8pm BST), giving pre-order customers and select Xbox Game Pass subscribers their first hands-on experience with the game ahead of its full release on Tuesday, October 6.
Early Access Details
The early access window will run throughout the weekend, closing at 10am PT (6pm BST) on Monday, August 10. This allows ample time for eligible players to explore the work-in-progress version of E-Day.
Early access is available as a perk for those who have pre-ordered Gears of War: E-Day on Xbox Series X/S or Steam. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers can join in.
How to Access the Beta
Game Pass subscribers can find the beta by searching for 'Gears Beta' in the Game Pass menu on console. Those who pre-ordered a digital copy on the Xbox Store should see the beta client under 'My Games and Apps' on Xbox or 'My Library' in the PC App.
For physical pre-orders, an email from the retailer will contain a code to access the beta. This also applies to Collector's Edition pre-orders, regardless of purchase method. Steam buyers can find the beta client in their Steam library.
PC Specifications
The Coalition and Xbox Game Studios have provided the full minimum and recommended PC specifications for the beta, which are available in an accompanying image.
Beta Content
During the early access period, players will experience the evolution of the PvE mode, Horde Siege. The following weekend, from August 13 to August 17, the 4v4 versus mode will open up.
The beta includes Horde Siege with one map, four classes, and a Level 10 cap (compared to three maps and Level 30 cap at launch). Invasion Events feature two Invasion Bosses (compared to four at launch). Versus mode offers two modes, two maps, five medals, and a Level 50 cap (compared to four modes, six maps, more than 80 medals, and Level 100 cap with four re-ups).
Exclusive Rewards
Players who participate in the Open Beta can earn rewards that carry over to the full game. Completing challenges will unlock items such as the Epic Blast Damage Mags Character Skin (reach Player Level 20), Rare Crush the Bug Weapon Skin Set (extract from Horde Siege 8 times on Infantry difficulty or higher), Crush the Bug Banner (get 25 headshots), Crush the Bug Emblem (perform 10 revives), Crush the Bug Icon (perform 5 Prototype Lancer Chainsaw Executions), and the Open Beta Medal & First in the Fight Title (launch the Multiplayer Beta).
