Gears of War E‑Day beta opens

The Coalition opened the early-access beta for Gears of War: E-Day on Thursday, August 6, giving entry to players who pre-ordered the game or subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Microsoft and the franchise’s official site said the test is the first of two beta windows and is intended to gather player feedback before launch on October 6. The early-access period runs through August 10, while a second open period for all eligible players is scheduled for August 13-17. Xbox and Gears of War posts published this week also set the beta’s start time at 12 p.m. PT on August 6. ### Who can get into the beta right now? August 6 access is limited to players who pre-ordered Gears of War: E-Day on Xbox Series X|S or Steam, or who hold Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass memberships, according to the official FAQ. Xbox’s store listing for the multiplayer beta says console multiplayer also requires a Game Pass tier that includes online play. Microsoft’s product page separately says pre-orders include early access to the open beta and in-game unlocks tied to launch. (gearsofwar.com) ### What are the exact beta dates and times? The Coalition said early access begins at 12 p.m. PT on August 6 and ends at 10 a.m. PT on August 10. The official FAQ says the second weekend opens to all players on eligible platforms from August 13 through August 17, regardless of pre-order status. Xbox’s main game page and store page both describe the beta as a two-weekend test tied to the game’s release campaign. (gearsofwar.com) ### Is Versus actually included? The Coalition’s multiplayer materials say yes. The official multiplayer deep dive published July 30 described E-Day’s multiplayer as including both Horde Siege on the cooperative side and Versus on the competitive side. The beta FAQ published August 3 says players can use the beta to get hands-on with the game and provide feedback, and Xbox Wire’s August 6 post directed players to the same details page for the mode lineup and schedule. (gearsofwar.com) ### Did Microsoft confirm a release date? Microsoft has now listed a full release date. Xbox’s official game page says Gears of War: E-Day will be available on October 6, 2026, and the Gears of War pre-order page says the global release follows a Collector’s Edition launch on October 1. The FAQ says the beta is meant to help prepare for that October 6 day-one release. (gearsofwar.com) ### What do pre-orders get besides beta access? Microsoft’s store pages say pre-orders include the Exfil Dom character skin and the Exfil Weapon Skin Set for use at launch. The pre-order bonus listing says the offer applies to qualifying pre-orders made before October 6, 2026, at 7:59 a.m. PT, subject to retailer participation. Xbox’s main game page repeats those bonuses alongside the beta-access offer. (xbox.com) ### What happens next after this weekend? August 13 is the next date on the schedule, when the open beta expands to all eligible players across supported platforms, according to the official FAQ. October 6 is the game’s planned release date, Microsoft’s game page says, with the Collector’s Edition set to arrive on October 1. (gearsofwar.com) (xbox.com)