Star Wars Battlefront II’s open beta for PlayStation 4 is due to commence on October 6, publisher EA has confirmed today. Breaking the news via Sony’s PlayStation Blog, EA community manager Jared Petty provides a short but sweet summary of all the content players will have access to during the period, confirming also that those who pre-order the shooter will gain access to the beta two days early on October 4.
So, what can you expect once the doors to a galaxy far, far away swing open? Well, if you’ve been keeping up to date with the steady trickle of details and gameplay that EA has revealed over the last month or so, you’ll already know exactly where you’re headed this fall.
The Galactic Assault on Naboo, specifically, the city of Theed, first shown off spectacularly at this year’s E3, will form the bulk of the trial period, meaning you’ll be able to experience firsthand, the action-packed battle for Naboo’s capital city as either a Clone Trooper or Federation Droid. Of course, if you prove to be particularly adept at melting your enemies with blaster fire, you’ll gain access to upgrades, including the chance to play as iconic characters from Star Wars‘ past, present and future.
Beyond that, EA also teased a further component for the beta, Starfighter Assault. While it’s still keeping the finer details close to its chest, the publisher does confirm that this particular clash of epic proportions will be set during the original trilogy era and allow players to pilot an “assortment of Star Wars’ greatest ships in an objective-based, multi-stage battle.” Color us excited.
All we can do now is sit by our calendars and count down the days until EA grants the masses access to one of 2017’s most anticipated releases, but in the meantime, why not give yourself a headstart on the competition by watching the E3 footage (above) on loop? If it means avoiding a nasty death at the hands of Darth Maul – or perhaps other, currently unannounced heroes – then it’ll be worth it.
Star Wars Battlefront II is out November 17 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC, with the beta running until October 9.