We raved about Star Wars: Battlefront, EA and DICE’s upcoming action shooter, during E3. We gave it an editor’s choice award, and have been posting on the title’s features since it’s official reveal during the Star Wars Celebration back in April. It’s safe to say that the wait for the game’s launch is getting harder. If you find yourself in the category of players eager to get their hands on some of Battlefront’s features, you will be happy to hear that EA revealed on Tuesday that a multiplayer beta will be held in “early October” on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

The beta will grant fans access to the game’s 40-player multiplayer mode, Walker Assault, on the Hoth Map, which puts players in the shoes of both the Rebels and the Empire during the Battle of Hoth from Empire Strikes Back. Both Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker will be playable as unlockable Hero characters in the beta. Furthermore, the beta will let you try out a Survival Mission on Tatooine, allowing you to join the Rebel Alliance and push back Imperial forces. In addition to previously mentioned modes, players will also get a change to try out a brand new mode titled Drop Zone. We don’t know much of this at the moment, but EA promises to dole out more details ahead of the beta’s launch.

If you were looking to get a jump start on the game before it releases in November, I have some bad news for you. Unfortunately gameplay progress, achievements, and character data will not be transferred. That means you’ll have to start from scratch come November 17. The good news is that it sounds like the beta is going to be open for everyone, no pre-order necessary.

On top of announcing the beta, EA also unveiled what they’re referring to as “the Companion experience.” Once the beta begins, you’ll be able to play Base Command on the Battlefront website, which is a strategic card game that allows you to earn credits and unlock Star Cards (think Burn Cards in Titanfall), weapons, and more in the game. Additionally, you will be able to utilize the Companion experience to track in-game progressions, stats, customize loadouts, and compare stats with your friends. It all sounds like a gamified version of Battlefield 4‘s Battlelog, which is a step in the right direction if they’re insisting on keeping that mechanic.

Are you planning on testing your strength in the beta? Let us know in the comments below.

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HT: StarWars.EA.com

IMAGE: Electronic Arts/DICE