Battlefield 2042 beta coming October 8 — and you can get early access [updated]

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The Battlefield 2042 beta is finally set to kick off next week

Battlefield 2042 screenshot
(Image credit: Dice/EA)

After a leak earlier today, game developer DICE has announced the beta for Battlefield 2042 will go live on October 8. 

A promotional image spotted on Bililbili, has a range of Battlefield 2042 events scheduled to take place on the platform from October 6-9. That had suggested that the Battlefield 2042 beta will begin next Thursday. But now Dice has confirmed the actual beta date, and noted early access is coming on October 6 for those who pre-order Battlefield 2042. 

Early access to the Battlefield 2042 beta can be obtained by pre-ordering the game on any platform. Although, it has been confirmed by developer Dice that the beta will have a phase open to anyone, which will give players not fully sold on the game a chance to play before committing to a purchase. 

The Battlefield 2042 beta was originally scheduled to launch in September but was seemingly delayed when the full game was pushed back from its original October 22 release date to its current November 19 release date. Dice cited development challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the game’s month-long delay. 

Curiously, we’ve seen very little of the next Battlefield game in motion. A Battlefield 2042 technical alpha did run over the summer but it took place behind closed doors and participants were not permitted to share any footage. Thankfully this beta will give fans a chance to get to grips with the game ahead of launch.

There’s plenty we want to see from Battlefield 2042, but considering its next-gen exclusive features include 128-player online matches it’s already looking like a game worth tracking down a PS5 restock or Xbox Series X restock for. 

Rory Mellon
Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.