‘Back 4 Blood’ open beta schedule and everything fans need to know before it starts this week

The early access portion of the “Back 4 Blood” open beta has just concluded, but there is an even bigger beta test happening this week. And it is going to be much easier to join the action this time.

‘Back 4 Blood’ open beta: Who can participate

Turtle Rock Studios saw massive success in the multiplayer zombie apocalypse game’s first beta test. PCGamesN reports that the peak concurrent players during the “Back 4 Blood” early access open beta almost reached 100,000 in the first couple of days alone.

That figure is even more notable considering that the “Back 4 Blood” early access open beta required an invite code. It was available through pre-ordering the game or by waiting for Twitch Drops.

While the early access open beta concluded on Sunday, fans will still have a chance to play “Back 4 Blood” ahead of its release. There is a truly open beta going live this week and, according to an FAQ page, anyone will be able to join this time.

Unlike the early access portion, the next open beta is open for everyone. The developers do not even require players to pre-order “Back 4 Blood” to participate. Access will be “completely unrestricted and at no cost,” per the game’s website.

‘Back 4 Blood’ open beta schedule

The “Back 4 Blood” that is accessible to everyone in all territories where the game will launch will start on Thursday, Aug. 12, at 12 p.m. PST and will run until Monday, Aug. 16. However, the game’s website notes the open beta will not be available in Japan.

On the same FAQ page, developers note that the “Back 4 Blood” open beta will allow players to choose among five characters from the group called Cleaners, as well as their weapon loadout. Two PvP maps will go live during the open beta, along with two co-op PvE missions.

‘Back 4 Blood’ comes to Xbox Game Pass at launch

It is also worth noting that “Back 4 Blood” is one of the highly anticipated games launching this year that will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the first day. A separate FAQ page confirms any membership plan will have access to the game using PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

The developer also confirmed that players who pre-ordered “Back 4 Blood” before knowing about its Xbox Game Pass release are allowed to cancel their purchase. The game will launch on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and will also be available on PS4 and PS5.