Battlefield 6 beta guide and how to play early

When is the Battlefield 6 beta? As well as unveiling some explosive multiplayer gameplay, the Battlefield 6 beta dates have also been revealed by EA. Before it launches later this year, everyone will get a couple of opportunities to give Battlefield 6 a spin, and there's some early access on offer for some players as well.

The Battlefield 6 release date isn't that far away now, with the highly anticipated shooter dropping in October. Promising a multiplayer experience stuffed with classic modes, a flexible approach to classes, and a new environmental destruction system, it could genuinely challenge this year's new Call of Duty game, Black Ops 7. In the build-up to launch, you'll be able to try Battlefield 6 for free thanks to two open betas, and they're just around the corner.

The first Battlefield 6 beta weekend will run between Thursday, August 7 and Sunday, 10 August. The first two days will require early access privileges, but the final two days will be completely open for all players.

The second Battlefield 6 beta weekend starts on Thursday, August 14 and wraps up on Sunday, August 17. There is no early access period for this one - it'll be open to all for the entire duration.

Both beta weekends will be accessible for players on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

How to get Battlefield 6 beta early access

There are three different ways to get early access for the first Battlefield 6 beta weekend - being a Battlefield Labs participant, Twitch Drops, and pre-ordering the game.

Those that have already been testing the game through the Battlefield Labs initiative will be granted instant access to the first beta weekend. If you weren't a playtester, your next port of call is to watch partnered streamers on Twitch to earn early access privileges through Battlefield 6 Twitch Drops. Alternatively, you can pre-order the Phantom Edition of the game, which will cost you $99.99 / £89.99, as early beta access is dished out as one of the bonuses.

If you just can't wait for the beta to arrive, get a feel of how things are shaping up with our hands-on Battlefield 6 preview. Alternatively, go and play some of the older entries - they're some of the best FPS games ever made.

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