The Gears of War: E-Day early access multiplayer beta will start on Thursday, Aug. 6, but only for those who have pre-ordered the game or own Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
We’re still two months away from the game’s full release on Oct. 6, but you can get a taste of what’s to come in the upcoming beta test. Additionally, you can earn some exclusive cosmetic rewards for your troubles. However, you’ll need to put in some time in the beta to get them.
Here are all the details about the Gears of War: E-Day early acces beta release times and dates, including what to expect.
What time does the Gears of War: E-Day early access multiplayer beta start?
If you’ve pre-ordered Gears of War: E-Day, or you’re playing via either Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you can start playing the early access multiplayer beta on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. EDT. Here’s how that looks in your time zone:
- 12 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Aug. 6 for the west coast of North America
- 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 6 for the east coast of North America
- 4 p.m. BRT on Thursday, Aug. 6 for Brazil
- 8 p.m. BST on Thursday, Aug. 6 for the United Kingdom
- 9 p.m. CEST on Thursday, Aug. 6 for western Europe
- 4 a.m. JST on Friday, Aug. 7 for Japan
- 5 a.m. AEST on Friday, Aug. 7 for the east coast of Australia
What time does the Gears of War E-Day early access multiplayer beta end?
The Gears of War: E-Day early access multiplayer beta ends at 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 10. Here’s when that is in your time zone:
- 10 a.m. PDT on Monday, Aug. 10 for the west coast of North America
- 1 p.m. EDT on Monday, Aug. 10 for the east coast of North America
- 2 p.m. BRT on Monday, Aug. 10 for Brazil
- 6 p.m. BST on Monday, Aug. 10 for the United Kingdom
- 7 p.m. CEST on Monday, Aug. 10 for western Europe
- 2 a.m. JST on Tuesday, Aug. 11 for Japan
- 3 a.m. AEST on Tuesday, Aug. 11 for the east coast of Australia
What to expect in the Gears of War E-Day early access multiplayer beta
During the early access multiplayer beta weekend, Horde Siege mode will be the focus, described in the official blog post (which also has details on recommended PC specs and an additional FAQ section) as the “evolution of Gears’ iconic PvE mode.”
Players can experience four different classes and two different invasion bosses, but you’ll only be able to get to level 10. However, this is just a taste of what’s to come in the full experience. As you can see from the image above, there will be a lot more content at launch, including Versus modes, Horde Siege maps, medals, invasion bosses, and more.
If you play in the beta, you’ll have the option to earn the following rewards by completing its associated challenge:
- Epic “Blast Damage Mags” character skin: Hit 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.
- “Open Beta” medal and “First in the Fight” title: Launch the multiplayer beta.
If you’re looking to get into the fight as fast as possible, the Gears of War: E-Day early access multiplayer beta is available to preload now.
