If you’re as hyped for Fallout 76 as we are, then news of a beta coming down this month probably got you as giddy as opening a hatch and hopping into a post-nuclear wasteland.

That sounded strange. What we’re saying is that we’re excited.

While the next installment of Fallout isn’t due until November 14 , the beta (Break-It Early Test Application) will be available first for Xbox One on Tuesday, October 23 . For PC and PS4 users you’ll have to wait another week – snag it on October 30 . The bad news is that on any given day where the beta is live it will only be up for 4-8 hours.

“Focusing as many players as we can into these windows is our prime objective,” Bethesda explains in their FAQ . “We’ll fix what we need to fix and do it again and again from the start of B.E.T.A. until a few days before launch.” Don’t worry about missing the window either. “We’ll give you as much heads up as possible,” they ensure, “because we need you to log in during these times and play the game.”

One of the coolest things about this beta (and why we’re so excited to get as soon as it’s available) is that it’s actually the full game . There are no restrictions on progression or on content, which is crazy. “Our current plan is for your progress to carry over once Fallout 76 officially launches on November 14,” they explain. Trophies and Achievements, however, will not carry over; you’ll need to wait on hunting for those until the official November release.

Your progress (i.e. levels, skill cards, atoms) will all be kept, though! So get a head start on the grind before everyone else jumps in!

How do you get in the beta?

Since this is the near-full version of the game, the only way to receive access to the beta is to pre-order it before it goes live . You can safely do so right here:

For PC

PC players with a Bethesda account will then automatically have beta access once it goes live. You can boot it up via the Bethesda launcher, which you can get for free right here – just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

For console

Console players who pre-order the game digitally via the Xbox or PlayStation Store will automatically be able to access the beta once it’s live on their respective platforms. All you have to do is search ‘Fallout 76 beta’ once it’s available on your console’s store to download it.

NOTE: You cannot play the beta (or the full game) on Steam. You can only launch it via Bethesda’s own launcher. If you don’t already have it you can download it free here.

As for the pre-order, there are two versions to choose from: The base version of the game, and the Tricentennial Edition . The $200 Collector’s Edition has flown off shelves already and unless Bethesda says otherwise don’t expect more to come in stock!

The base game is fully accessible (except achievements and trophies) for $59.99. Order the Tricentennial Edition for $79.99 and you’ll get bonus downloadable items, exclusive power armor customization options, and a Tricentennial skin for the pistol, hatchet, and laser rifle. You’ll also get an Uncle Sam-themed outfit as well as posters and a saluting emote.

Still have questions? Check out Bethesda’s own FAQ for the beta right here. Pre-order Fallout 76 now and we’ll see you in West Virginia!

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