Earlier today, Bethesda made the announcement that some gamers will be able to get even earlier access to Fallout 76 ahead of the game’s upcoming beta. In partnership with Xbox Insider, the studio will be running a stress test starting on October 13th; over a week before the launch of the Fallout 76 beta. Joining the event is relatively simple. However, it won’t be available to everyone.

How to Join the Fallout 76 Stress Test Ahead of the Fallout 76 Beta

The Fallout 76 Stress Test is described by Bethesda as a; “smaller, timed stress test happening in North America which will help us get ready for the B.E.T.A”. Importantly, it is not part of the Fallout 76 beta, and the rules which govern that event do not all apply. For one, the game will still be under NDA, meaning that players won’t be permitted to share their gameplay online. Additionally, progress in the game during the stress test will not be saved for the beta or full release. Achievements will also not feature.

To get access to the Fallout 76 Stress Test, gamers will have to satisfy several prerequisites, and even then, may not get in. Firstly, the event is only taking place in North America, and is only happening on Xbox. Because the test is hosted by the Xbox Insider Program, gamers must also be Xbox Insiders; you’ll need to download the Xbox Insider Hub app to your Xbox. Of course, you will also need to have pre-ordered Fallout 76. If you can satisfy all of these conditions, then look for the Fallout 76 Stress Test option in Xbox Insider Hub, under Insider Content. Only some players will be selected to participate in this test. Players will be chosen randomly from among those who are eligible.

The stress test will begin in just a few days, on the 13th of October, and will only be available at certain times of the day. Both the official Bethesda and Fallout Twitter accounts will keep players informed of these times. A schedule will also appear on the game’s Start screen.