[UPDATE] The Titanfall 2 beta is now live on PS4 and Xbox One.

The Titanfall 2 MP Tech Test is now live on Xbox One and PS4.



Angelic Hordes Come Forth!! — Jon Shiring (@jonshiring) August 19, 2016

The original story is below.

The Titanfall 2 multiplayer "tech test" AKA beta starts later today on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Now, developer Respawn has announced exactly when you can get started.

You can start playing at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET today, August 19. That's still a few hours away. Thankfully, you can pre-load on both consoles; this feature came online last night.

For those who received an early access key and played before 9 PM PT / midnight ET last night, Respawn said it will "try to let you keep playing." Newcomers, even those with early access keys, will have to wait until 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET today to jump in.

This Titanfall 2 beta ends on Sunday, August 21, though Respawn has not yet announced a specific end-time. If you're not able to join, or like it so much you want to play again, there will be a second beta coming the following weekend, running August 26-28.

As for what you'll actually be able to play in the Titanfall 2 beta, here are EA's descriptions of the includes maps and modes.

Modes

Bounty Hunt (5v5): A brand new mode that pits Pilots and their teammates against an opposing team as well as the Remnant Fleet. Earn bonuses by killing grunts and enemies, but make sure and deposit all your points at the bank between waves without getting killed.

Pilots vs. Pilots (8v8): Players can be the best Pilot on the Frontier and put their combat and mobility skills to the ultimate test in this classic 8 vs 8 Pilots only mode.

Amped Hardpoint (6v6--second weekend only): A new twist on Hardpoint Domination from the original game; now defending a Hardpoint will let you amp it, giving your team double score. Team work is the key to securing victory.

Maps

Boomtown: A secret underground IMC facility where the latest in R&D is put to the test. In this facility Pilots can use the many peaked roofs to use as cover against combatants below. With tight lanes through the middle, Titans can also be easily ambushed.

Homestead: The IMC have claimed Imminent Domain on a small commune's plot of land. With a series of raised, rocky plateaus and a river running down the middle, Pilots are mostly safe from Titans among the rocks and trees but they also can duck into the caves and building when needed. However, the Titans control the large rolling fields.

Forward Base Koda (second weekend only): Militia forces have taken over an IMC substation and set up a forward operating base. Pilots can find safety from Titans in the hallways and chambers of the main building, while Titans can walk over the roof to get a better view of the action.

The beta will only be available on consoles; Respawn has decided to skip PC because it hasn't yet optimized the game for the wide range of possible hardware configurations. The company is also concerned with the prospect of dataminers spoiling details on the game's new campaign mode.

Titanfall 2 launches on October 28 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Earlier this week it was announced that you can get exclusive DLC by eating and drinking.