The Call of Duty: Vanguard Open Beta is finally upon us, giving players their first proper foray into the multiplayer experience of the new game. This means two weekends of Vanguard action, just a couple of months before the full game officially launches.
It has become common for Call of Duty games to have Alpha and Beta versions for fans to test out and get a first taste of what to expect for the coming year.
The PlayStation 5 early access beta started on September 10, but with two weekends of action, here’s all the info you need to know.
Call of Duty: Vanguard beta dates
The Vanguard beta is spread across two weekends and for three different groups of players. Early access users on PlayStation were able to play between September 10-13, while Xbox and PC users can join in the fun starting September 16. The Open Beta kicks off on September 18 for all platforms, letting all players get involved for their last taste of Vanguard prior to launch.
As above, the complete dates for the Vanguard beta is as follows:
- Weekend One
- September 10-13: PlayStation exclusive early access
- Weekend Two
- September 16-17: Xbox + Battle.net PC early access, PlayStation open beta
- September 18-20: Open Beta all platforms
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard Beta & early access
The Vanguard global multiplayer reveal took place on September 7, with the beta starting just a few days later. Players who preordered the game for PS5 will have already had a week of gameplay under their belts, but the beta is opening up to everyone starting Thursday, September 16.
On September 16, head over to the store of whichever platform you play on and take the following steps.
If you’ve preordered the game, you’ll be able to play, but if not you’ll have to wait until September 18:
- Open the PlayStation/Xbox/Battle.net Store.
- Search ‘Call of Duty: Vanguard.’
- Select the game.
- Click ‘Download.’
- Once the download is complete, and the beta is live, you can jump straight into the game.
If you already downloaded the PlayStation beta, you won’t need to download it again, though there may be an update before September 16.
How to get Call of Duty: Vanguard beta code for free
Don’t want to pre-order Vanguard just yet? For the final two days of the beta, Activision has opened up codes for all players — for free — regardless of whether you’ve preordered or not.
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Here’s what you need to do.
- Go to the Vanguard redeem site.
- Sign into your Call of Duty account.
- Follow the prompts and get your free code.
- Activate it on your platform of your choice.
- Download and enjoy!
Remember: You can use this until September 20, when the beta ends, so get in quick!
🚨 For everyone asking us to DM you a #Vanguard BETA code, we'll do you one better🚨
We got your early access covered, claim your FREE code now: https://t.co/Ujcg9JeRiu pic.twitter.com/coBBm1TriN
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) September 17, 2021
What to expect from Vanguard beta
Champion Hill was revealed during the CDL Champs 2021 finals, with the Alpha version of the game being Champion Hill-only to let players try out the new mode.
The beta, though, offered our first real look at the classic multiplayer experience. With launch just two months away, this beta will be as close to the finished product as is possible, with just minor tweaks expected when the full game comes out.
So, with several 6v6 maps available, you can expect to see a lot of different terrains, try out some of the new weaponry and features of the game, and really get used to how Vanguard feels.
Be sure to get your practice in during these beta weekends, whether it’s with early access or in the open beta. Any advantage on your opponents is beneficial, and a few days getting stuck in should definitely prepare you for the game’s launch on November 5.
