Microsoft’s just confirmed that the Gears of War 3 beta will kick off on April 25. For those who own the Epic Edition of Bulletstorm, it’ll begin on April 18.

The series, according to the publisher, has now sold 13 million units.

The beta will finish up on May 15. It’s also announced the content that will make up for the beta: three new competitive modes and four new maps. Two of which, Trenches and Old Town, were picked by fans on Facebook to be in the taster.

Microsoft’s also confirmed Limited and Epic Editions of the game that are available to pre-order at GAME and GameStation. No content was confirmed for either edition, but RRP pricing was confirmed. And here they are.

Standard – £49.99

Limited – £59.99

Epic – £99.99

Those who do pre-order at the retailers will also get access to the beta from April 25.

Players will also be able to carry over unlockables from the beta to the retail version of the game, such as a beta tester medal, thrashball Cole multiplayer skin, gold-plated retro Lancer, flaming Hammerburst, flaming Lancer, flaming sawed-off Shotgun and flaming gnasher shotgun.

Gears of War 3 launches on September 20 worldwide for Xbox 360. Catch our recent impressions from the recent Microsoft showcase here.