Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and DICE have provided an in-depth Q&A for the upcoming Star Wars Battlefront beta on PlayStation 4, in which the format holder reveals a number of key details on the teaser for the hotly anticipated sci-fi shooter.
As previously reported, the beta will launch on October 8 worldwide and will be available to download via the PlayStation Store. DICE confirmed that you’ll need around 7GB of storage space on your PS4 to download the beta client, so those of you who have been cramming your hard drive with movies, games and other media may want to check to see if you have enough space.
Crucially, you won’t need to be a PlayStation Plus subscriber to enjoy the Star Wars Battlefront beta; it’s open to anyone with a PS4 and an Internet connection, and no registration is required to enter. The beta will run until October 12, and DICE warns that there could be periods of downtime inherent of any technical test. Details of any such occurrences will be posted on the official forums.
Game modes have already been confirmed, although for those who missed it, DICE has provided a handy recap for you, which we’ve included below.
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.
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.
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.
DICE was quick to reiterate that any progress you make during the Star Wars Battlefront beta will not be carried over to the final version of the game when it launches later this year. Players can reach Level 5 during the teaser, although you can still unlock items even after you’ve reached the level cap. Two-player split-screen will be supported on PS4 for the Survival mission on Tatooine, with Star Wars legends Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker available as playable heroes during the Walker Assault mission.
Those of you playing as the Rebels will gain access to the A280C blaster to start you off, though you can play to unlock the DH-17, DLT-19, and E-11 variations. Players can also use Star Cards to gain access to other weapons, although DICE is keeping mum on any details. As for the Empire, those of you loyal to Darth Vader can wield the same weaponry as their Rebel counterparts. However, you will start off with a dedicated E-11 blaster. More weapons will be announced before November 17, DICE added. Keep in mind that the limited selection of weapons is simply due to the fact this is a beta test.
In terms of vehicles, the Star Wars Battlefront beta will give gamers access to the X-wing, A-wing, TIE fighter, TIE Interceptor, AT-ST and a Snowspeeder. Furthermore, the weapons system of the hulking AT-AT is also accessible to beta participants.
Star Wars Battlefront is due out on PS4, PC and Xbox One in November. The game is a multiplayer-focused effort, and as such eschews any single-player campaign from the action in favour of massive online battles. Those of you who have yet to pick up a PS4 may want to invest in the upcoming Battlefront-themed hardware bundle, complete with Darth Vader paintjob. Be sure to check out the latest Star Wars Battlefront screenshots when you have a minute to see how it’s shaping up.