Gears 5 multiplayer tech test is coming, open to Xbox Game Pass members and those who pre-order

Gears 5 developers The Coalition recently released a post detailing an upcoming technical test of in-development versus modes. The test is set to run two focused test periods of three different modes across two new multiplayer maps. Access to the test is open to any players on PC or Xbox One who have an Xbox Game Pass membership, or to those who pre-order a digital version or a physical copy from selected retailers. The Xbox One test also requires you to have an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play.

The first test period will kick off from July 19 at 10 am PDT / 6pm BST to July 22nd, with the second running from July 26 at 10am PDT / 6pm BST to July 29. If you have a membership, you’ll be able to pre-download the test which will clock in at 15GB from July 17 at 10am PDT/ 6pm BST. As well as outlining the three modes you’ll be able to try out during the test, The Coalition also revealed players will be able to experience two new features of the fifth instalment in the series which can be seen listed below:

Modes

Arcade: a new approachable, frenetic Versus experience.

Features

Bootcamp: Practise your skills and learn new mechanics in our new training mode.

Tour of Duty: Experience a mini Tour of Duty, where you’ll complete Medals to unlock exclusive Tester Weapon Skins to take into Gears 5. Complete all 3 Medals to unlock the exclusive Tester Banner to showcase in Gears 5.

The developer also revealed the purpose of running the test, stating, “during test periods, our goal is to test our servers handling an influx of players ahead of launch day.”

“For our PC fans, it gives us a critical opportunity to get the game onto PCs with unique combinations of hardware and software at scale,” the developers wrote, “If any unforeseen issues arise, it gives us the opportunity to identify and address any issues ahead of release.”

The Coalition also said it will enable players to give valuable feedback for its multiplayer modes that will inform development towards launch and beyond. Gears 5 is expected to release on September 10, 2019, so this is a great opportunity to get some early insight into the multiplayer modes ahead of launch. The post lists the retailers for physical copy pre-orders as well as PC spec requirements, so if you want to find out more you can do so here.

Check out our list of all the upcoming Xbox One games you should be excited about.

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Heather Wald is the Evergreen Editor, Games at GamesRadar+. Her writing career began on a student-led magazine at Bath Spa University, where she earned a BA (Hons) in English literature. Heather landed her first role writing about tech and games for Stuff Magazine shortly after graduating with an MA in magazine journalism at Cardiff University. Now with almost seven years of experience working with GamesRadar+ on the features team, Heather helps to develop, maintain, and expand the evergreen features that exist on the site for games, as well as spearhead the Indie Spotlight series. You'll also see her contribute op-eds, interview-led features, and more. In her spare time, you'll likely find Heather tucking into RPGs and indie games, reading romance novels, and drinking lots of tea.