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Update []:
Will you look at that? The Coalition were listening and have now enabled Versus in the Early Access Beta.
Here's what they had to say on X/Twitter:
Original Story: Who wants toast?! Oh yeah, the highly anticipated Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta is almost upon us, and preloads are now live for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, as well as for those of you who pre-ordered the Xbox console exclusive.
Clocking in at just a little over 62GB on Series X, The Coalition's upcoming E-Day Beta can now be installed on console, and via the Xbox PC app. Here's a look at what makes up the gigas:
Now, as you can see, the Multiplayer Beta is split into two separate downloads: Horde Siege (39.1GB) and Versus (39.1GB). For those who pre-ordered or subscribe to XGP Ultimate/PC, the Early Access Beta running from August 6-10 will only include the revamped Horde Siege mode. The following weekend, August 13-17, the Open Beta will be available to everyone and will feature both Versus PVP and Horde Siege.
Understandably, the decision to lock the 'paid' Early Access Beta to Horde Siege exclusively has ruffled some feathers amongst players who were hoping to jump into early scraps. I completely get where they're coming from. It does feel a bit bizarre to restrict a portion of the Beta, specifically the portion populated by E-Day's early adopters. That said, Horde Siege is easily the highlight of the Multiplayer Beta, and it's where I'd recommend spending the majority of your time.
You can access Gears of War: E-Day's Multiplayer Beta by searching for it on the Xbox Store, although a full download will only appear to those who have received a pre-order Beta code, or if you're actively subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
- Early Access: August 6, 12pm PT / 8pm BST - August 10, 10am PT / 6pm BST
- Open Beta: August 13, 12pm PT / 8pm BST - August 17, 10am PT / 6pm BST