Battlefield 2042 beta: Start date, how to play, preload details, trailer & more

The Battlefield 2042 beta is about to go live as we approach worldwide launch. Battlefield 2042’s Open Beta is available for download on October 5, so here’s everything you need to know including when it starts and how to download and play.

As with most big multiplayer titles these days, Battlefield 2042 will allow players to test things out early through a public Beta. While the experience isn’t quite finalized, meaning there might be some bugs and server issues along the way, betas often serve as a decent taste test for what’s to come.

With EA Dice’s new iteration of the legendary series, they’re adding a ton of new features including the revolutionary Battlefield 2042 Portal. But, you’ll be able to jump onto the battlefield before the game fully release, as EA are planning on releasing a full beta for gamers.

Here’s a complete rundown on everything there is to know about the Open Beta so you can jump into 2042 early.

Battlefield 2042 Open Beta start date

Electronic Arts

Battlefield 2042 is all set for an Open Beta in October.

The official Open Beta for Battlefield 2042 will be available to players with early access from October 6 / October 7, before the beta becomes available to everyone between October 8 / October 9.

Early access is available for players who pre-ordered the game or have an EA Play membership. Pre-load begins on October 5.

The beta will include Conquest mode, which now “the action now centers around sectors consisting of several flags instead of individual control points.” Orbital, one of the game’s newest map additions, will have players fight in “hostile conditions as you fight around the site of an imminent rocket launch.”

As for which platforms it will be available on, gamers on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC will all be able to join in.

How to access Battlefield 2042 Open Beta early

EA

Battlefield fans can get into the 2042 Open Beta early by pre-ordering.

If you want to drop into 2042 as early as possible, pre-ordering is the way to go. Regardless of where you play, pre-ordering gives you early access to the Open Beta, ahead of those who don’t pre-order.

There’s no telling just much sooner you’ll get in, but it’s likely an extra few days will be added to your experience. But, they’ve also stated that everyone will be able to have a crack at the beta, regardless, if you pre-ordered the game or not. 

• Read More: Every Battlefield 2042 map & mode

Furthermore, using EA Play also gives you a 10-hour trial period. This kicks off on October 15, a week out from 2042’s release. When combined with the Open Beta, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to dump a few dozen hours into the new title before it properly launches.

Battlefield 2042 beta trailer

The Battlefield 2042 open beta will let tons of people experience their first look into the upcoming title. We got a better look at what’s to come in the latest BF 2042 beta trailer.

From manning helicopters to leading a charge on foot, there’s going to be plenty of large-scale warfare that Battlefield 2042 fans have been waiting for.

How to access Battlefield 2042 Technical Playtest

Other than the Open Beta, EA also held a Technical Playtest for a smaller selection of players. A few thousand lucky candidates were invited to the private test during Summer 2021.

Like the Open Beta, the tech test was an early building of 2042 and paints a good picture of the work-in-progress. But the intention of the Technical Playtest was to experiment with technical performance across various platforms.

Battlefield 2042 PC specs

To get a good experience on the open beta on PC, you’ll want to make sure your system meets the minimum requirements.

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
• Processor (AMD): AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• Processor (Intel): Core i5 6600K
• Memory: 8GB
• Video Memory: 4GB
• Graphics Card (AMD): AMD Radeon RX 560
• Graphics Card (NVIDIA): Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
• DirectX: 12
• Online Connection Requirements: 512 KBPS or faster

And, for the best experience, these are the recommended PC specs for Battlefield 2042:

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
• Processor (AMD): AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
• Processor (Intel): Intel Core i7 4790
• Memory: 16GB
• Video Memory: 8GB
• Graphics Card (AMD): AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
• Graphics Card (NVIDIA): Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
• DirectX: 12
• Online Connection Requirements: 512 KBPS or faster

In the lead-up to the worldwide release for Battlefield 2042 on November 19, catch up with the rest of Dexerto’s coverage on DICE’s flagship.

Battlefield 2042 Portal explained | Every Battlefield 2042 map & mode | Every Specialist in Battlefield 2042 | Battlefield 2042 weapons guide | Battlefield 2042 classes explained | Battlefield 2042 system requirements