Microsoft has begun a public beta test of some of the multiplayer game modes that will be available in Gears 5 when it launches in September.

“It’s finally here – The Gears 5 Versus Tech Test goes live today to give players their first taste of Versus multiplayer action,” Microsoft’s Dana Sissons announced. “Today, COG hopefuls can enlist in the Boot Camp training mode and then jump right into Arcade, the new game type designed for over-the-top fun where characters become heroes with their own unique abilities, loadouts and playstyles.”

Arcade sounds particularly fun—I was no fan of the classic Gears of War multiplayer modes, which were slow-moving and close to the ground—but that’s not all that’s available for testing. You can also check out King of the Hill, a fan favorite, an updated competitive game type called Escalation, and a mini-Tour of Duty, a series of challenges that will grant exclusive rewards that will carry over into the shipping game later.

To access the Gears 5 Versus Tech Test, you need to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber or have preordered Gears 5. Those who have done either can download the game now—search for Gears 5 in the Microsoft Store in Windows 10 or on Xbox One—and jump right in. (If you’re an Xbox Game Pass member, you will see the Tech Test available to download in the “Recently added” section of the Game Pass library.)

Matchmaking runs through Monday, July 22 at 1 p.m. ET and will be active again from Friday, July 26 at 1 p.m. ET until Monday, July 29 at 1 p.m. ET.

Gears 5 will be available on September 10, 2019 for Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One, and Xbox Game Pass.

Tagged with Gears 5, Gears of War