We’re days away from white-knuckle battles, blaster showdowns, lightsaber duels, and sweeping conflicts across iconic Star Wars vistas. The Star Wars Battlefront Beta begins October 8th on PS4, welcoming prospective Rebels and Imperials from around the globe to sample Battlefront’s massive multiplayer modes.

To prepare you for the upcoming Beta, we asked Battlefront Community Manager Mat Everett and our colleagues at EA and DICE to give us all the details on how to get in, get ready, and get playing. Let’s get started!

The Basics

What is the Star Wars Battlefront Beta?

It’s an opportunity for the team at DICE to test various aspects of Star Wars Battlefront and its online infrastructure. Because of this, you may experience interruptions to gameplay.

When is it?

The beta opens on October 8th to players all around the globe.

Do I need to register?

Nope, it’s open to all PS4 players. There’s no need to register so you can dive into the game and join the fight.

Do I need to be a PlayStation Plus member to play it?

Nope! It’s open to all PS4 players with an internet connection.

Where can I find the Beta?

Head over to PlayStation Store.

How big will the download be?

Around 7GB.

Will there be maintenance windows or updates?

As this is a technical test, there will most likely be downtimes and restarts, etc. Full details and updates will be posted on the forums.

When will the Beta end?

October 12th. Exact times vary by region.

What’s In the Beta

What modes can I play once it starts?

The Beta includes three modes spread across three iconic planets, including:

Walker Assault on Hoth: Fight in epic 40-player battles as a Rebel to destroy the Empire’s onslaught of AT-AT’s by calling in Y-wing bombers. Or, side with the Empire and protect your walkers while utilizing their mighty weaponry to crush the Rebel objective.

Fight in epic 40-player battles as a Rebel to destroy the Empire’s onslaught of AT-AT’s by calling in Y-wing bombers. Or, side with the Empire and protect your walkers while utilizing their mighty weaponry to crush the Rebel objective. Drop Zone on Sullust: Escape pods are crashing down and you and your team must fight to control them. With its frantic 8v8 matches, Drop Zone is sure to put your combat and strategy skills to the test.

Escape pods are crashing down and you and your team must fight to control them. With its frantic 8v8 matches, Drop Zone is sure to put your combat and strategy skills to the test. Survival Mission on Tatooine: Play alone or with a friend via co-op or split-screen as you battle to hold off waves of Imperial forces including AT-ST’s, TIE fighters, elite stormtroopers, and more.

Is there a level cap?

You can advance to level five. Once you hit the level cap you’ll no longer be able to progress to higher levels, though you’ll still be able to unlock items.

Do my stats and progression carry over to the main game?

Stats and progression will not carry over to the final game.

How many players can play via split-screen on one PS4?

You can play two-player split-screen on PS4 in the Survival Mission on Tatooine.

What control schemes will be available?

Default controller layout, Southpaw, and Lefty options.

Can you play as a Hero unit during the Beta?

Of course! You can play as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in Walker Assault. You just need to locate the hero power-ups across the battlefront.

How much customization do you have over your character in the Beta?

You can customize their hands with weapons and gadgets! Specific character customization is not unlocked in the Beta, but you’ll see a mix of options as characters will be randomly generated with male and female models.

What weapons do the Rebels have access to in each game type?

Rebel players will start off with the A280C blaster and can play to unlock the DH-17, DLT-19, and E-11 blasters. There are a few other weapons players can unlock via Star Cards, but we don’t want to spoil those. Keep in mind, the Beta only offers a taste of weapons, Star Cards, and features. We plan to reveal more weapons on our official site before November 17th.

What weapons does the Empire have access to in each game type?

With the limited selection of weapons in the Beta, the Imperial troops will be able to unlock the same weapons as the Rebels. The difference is they will start off with their own trusted E-11 blaster. Don’t worry, they won’t miss too many shots…

What vehicles will I pilot during the Beta test?

Players will be able to pilot an X-wing, A-wing, TIE fighter, TIE Interceptor, AT-ST and a Snowspeeder. You’ll also be able to control the weapons system of the mighty AT-AT.

Tips and Tricks

What are some strategies for each mode?

Strategies can vary depending on how you like to play, but here are a few pointers that can give you an edge in your early matches.

Tips on Survival

Stick to the high ground and keep your distance from the waves of enemies — allowing them to get close can spell certain death. Capture the Drop Pod before and during wave three and utilize your power-ups to dominate the Imperial forces. Also, not all waves are just your typical Stormtroopers, so gear up to take on those pesky AT-ST walkers.

Tips on Drop Zone

In this mode you have a lot of options in play style thanks to the layout on Sullust. Keeping your distance is great if you’re using the cycle rifle, but this limits your ability to play the objective.

Getting up high with a jetpack can play to your advantage against Stormtroopers or Rebels running into the deep valley paths, but note that you can easily become blaster fodder if you’re not aware of your surroundings. Finally, you can play like me and run ‘n’ gun and focus on clearing out the Drop Pod areas and holding the objective.

Tips on Walker Assault

This mode is by far the most complex in the Beta, with moving objectives, massive areas for battle, and keeping aerial assaults in mind — you’re going to be challenged in every way possible.

From the Rebel perspective: Capture both uplinks and hold them as long as you can. The longer you secure these key objectives, the more Y-wing bombers you unlock. These are key to weakening the AT-AT walkers and allow you to do significant damage to them. The AT-AT walkers only take significant damage while vulnerable.

Securing anti-vehicle rocket launchers and well-placed Ion grenades will be your go-to in the Beta. But focus those AT-AT walkers when they’re vulnerable and you should be able to hold back the Empire.

Snowspeeders are by far the most efficient way to take down AT-AT walkers. Master the Tow Cable takedown and watch the Imperials fall. But watch out for those Imperial fighters as they can quickly blow you out of the sky.

From the Imperial perspective: Assaulting the Rebel base from all angles is important. Stopping the Rebels from securing uplinks and protecting your AT-AT walkers are your top objectives.

Utilizing vehicle power-ups and securing the high ground across the map can help give you an advantage. If the Rebels can control the uplinks, get ready to take to the sky and defend your AT-AT walkers from X-wings, A-wings, and those pesky Snowspeeders.

To sum it up: attack and defend the uplinks, protect your AT-AT walkers, and destroy the Rebel scum!

Special note: Securing hero power-ups can help turn the tide of battle, so watch your back as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader take to the battlefront.

Extras

Is there a Companion app I can use during the Beta?

Yes! You can try out the Star Wars Battlefront Companion experience. Available during the Beta only 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. In addition to Base Command, the Companion also lets players check out game stats and progression, customize load-outs and appearance, connect with friends, and more.

What time will the Companion be available on October 8th?

Time will vary by platform and region.

Will there be a mobile app for the Companion?

During the Beta, the Companion will only be playable via browser at www.StarWarsBattlefront.com. Prior to the release of Star Wars Battlefront, the Companion will be available on web and in the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Note that stats and progression earned during the beta will not carry over to the final Companion experience.

What browsers does the Companion support?

The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer 11.

Is there a Sharefactory Theme I can use to customize the footage I capture while playing the Beta?

You bet! The Star Wars Battlefront Sharefactory Theme is available to download now and includes a full, 14 song sound soundtrack from the game, custom transitions, intro, title and outro clips, plus custom stickers to add to your video project.