Following the full release's delay into November, a Battlefield 2042 open beta is set to take place in October. so those eyeing the game on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S will be able to give Battlefield 2042's unprecedented 128-player matches a test run. PS4 and Xbox One players can still participate in the open beta but, just like in the full game, won't have access to the larger lobbies, instead restricted to the traditional player count of 64.
The Battlefield 2042 open beta will run from October 6 through October 9, and players will be able to pre-load the game file on October 5. "Open beta" is a bit of a misnomer, however, since it's only actually accessible to everyone for a portion of the beta period. Pre-ordering the game secures early access to Battlefield 2042's beta and to the full game on launch day. Anyone can participate in the beta starting October 8, while those who have pre-ordered the game will be able to jump in on the first day, October 6.
Players on PlayStation and Xbox platforms don't have any extra steps to take beyond finding and downloading the beta client in their console's respective digital marketplace. Those looking to get into the beta on PC will want to check out the Battlefield 2042 open beta webpage, where EA has listed the recommended specs. These are just for the open beta and differ slightly from the BF 2042's technical test PC requirements, so they're liable to change a second time prior to the game's full release.
Battlefield 2042 Open Beta Schedule
Here is the full schedule for Battlefield 2042's upcoming open beta:
- October 5: pre-load becomes available (3 AM ET/12 AM PT)
- October 6: beta early access begins (3 AM ET/12 AM PT)
- October 8: beta open access begins (3 AM ET/12 AM PT)
- October 10: Battlefield 2042 beta ends (3 AM ET/12 AM PT)
Fans who pre-ordered will have four whole days to play before the Battlefield 2042 beta goes offline. There appears to be only one playable map in BF 2042 beta - Orbital, a rocket launch site in French Guiana. This rocket is the "Levolution" element of Orbital, with player interference determining if liftoff is successful or if it explodes on the launch pad. Battlefield staple mode Conquest will also be the only game mode in the beta rotation. The Battlefield 2042 open beta seems a bit light in comparison to previous betas, such as Battlefield V's, which had two maps and lasted a whole week with early access.
Source: EA