Get ready to use the Force earlier than expected: Star Wars Battlefront will be getting a public beta on PC, PS4 and Xbox One starting “early October”.
During the beta, you’ll be able to experience the Walker Assault on Hoth featured recently at E3, as well as the Survival Mission on Tatooine. A brand-new mode called Drop Zone will also be available to try, but as of now EA and DICE are staying tight-lipped on exactly what it is, simply saying there will be “more details on Drop Zone in the weeks ahead”
The Walker Assault mode features the classic Star Wars battle of the Empire vs Rebels, with up to 40 players (20 on each side) in a game. The Rebels attempt to destroy the AT-AT by fighting their way to Uplink Stations, enabling them to call in Y-Wing Bombers and weaken it before tying up its legs with Snowspeeders. Empire soldiers are tasked with escorting the AT-AT along its designated path towards the Rebel base, fighting off attacks and stopping the Rebels from activating Uplink Stations. Playing as either Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker is also possible, but you’ll only have one life with them to turn the tide of battle your way.
Survival mode is a co-op experience that puts you and a friend in the shoes of Rebel soldiers, fighting to stay alive against waves of Empire enemies, akin to the Horde mode from Gears of War 2. The aim is to survive all 15 waves, and you’ll also have various challenges to attempt whilst fighting for your lives.
Also announced alongside the Star Wars Battlefront Beta is news of a Companion experience. “Available during the Beta at www.StarWarsBattlefront.com, the Star Wars Battlefront Companion experience features the strategic card game Base Command, and lets you earn in-game Credits that unlock Star Cards, weapons, and more in Star Wars Battlefront,” reads the announcement published on EA’s Star Wars micro-site.
“In addition to Base Command, the Companion also lets Rebels and Imperials alike check game stats and progression, customize load-outs and appearance, connect with friends, and get notified when they’re playing Star Wars Battlefront“
The companion app will be available on the website, as well as apps on the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store ahead of the full release of Star Wars Battlefront on November 17th in North America, November 20th in Europe on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
Didn’t get around to seeing what the Battle of Hoth looks like in Star Wars Battlefront? Check out the gameplay trailer below to see what you’re in for when the beta begins.
