Gears 5 Tech Test Start Date, Beta Access, Preloading, PC Requirements, Modes, And More

The next Gears of War game, Gears 5, launches in September, but developer The Coalition is letting people play early through a beta test of sorts that it's calling a multiplayer technical test. There will be more than one of these, with the first set to begin later this week, on July 19. We now have all the details on how you can get in, what's included, how to preload, and what to expect, including the first chance to try out the new Arcade mode.

When Does It Start?

There will be multiple tests, the first of which begins July 19 at 10 AM PT. It runs through July 21, with a second beta starting July 26 at 10 AM PT and ending on July 29. The beta client can be downloaded starting on July 17 at 10 PM PT, but servers won't be online until later.

Start Time (July 19 Test)

• 10 AM PT
• 1 PM ET
• 6 PM BST
• 3 AM AET (July 20)

Can I Preload?

Yes, if you're eligible to take part in the technical test (more on that below), you can preload the beta as of the time of this writing. Just make sure you're signed into your account and head to the Gears 5 technical test page on the Xbox Store to get the beta downloading. It's around 11-12 GB in size.

What Platforms Is It On?

As with the full version of the game, the Gears 5 multiplayer technical test will be available on both Xbox One and PC. (There's a chance Gears 5 comes to Xbox Scarlett eventually, too.)

How To Get Access

All Xbox Game Pass members can get in to the Gears 5 multiplayer tech test at no extra cost. The tech test will appear in your library automatically as one of July's new Game Pass titles. Alternatively, everyone who pre-orders Gears 5, digitally or on a disc, gets access to the tech test weekends. Xbox Live Gold is required.

What's In It?

The following multiplayer modes will be available in the Gears 5 tech test. Most notable among these is Arcade, a new "jump-in, jump-out" mode that features hero characters with abilities and upgradable weapons.

• Escalation -- the refreshed competitive mode
• Arcade -- the new, "approachable" mode
• King of the Hill -- you know what this is
• Bootcamp -- a place to practice skills and learn the mechanics

The new Tour of Duty event is also in the tech test. This comprises a series of challenges that reward you with extra content, including a Tech Test banner. You can also earn three versus weapon skins for beating "some additional challenges," though they were not described.

Queues

According to The Coalition, players might have to wait before getting into matches. "Because this Tech Test is to help test our servers, you might encounter some queueing as you start to play. We hope to make Gears 5 a great online experience for all players and Xbox Game Pass members on launch, and this Tech Test will help," The Coalition said.

Minimum And Recommended PC Specs

Those playing on PC can check out the minimum and recommended specs listed below. These are subject to change for the full release come September.

Another Beta Is Coming

The Coalition is also planning to hold a technical test for the fan-favourite Horde mode. It's scheduled to begin in August, but no firm dates or details have been shared yet.

In other news about Gears 5, the game has no season pass, so post-release DLC maps are free. There are also no random loot boxes.

Gears 5 follows Kat Diaz (played by Laura Bailey, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End's Nadine Ross) as she searches to uncover the truth behind her heritage and her connection to the Locust. The game launches on September 10, but you could get access on September 6, depending on exactly how you're getting the game.