WARDOGS Second Closed Beta: Access, Preload & Times

The WARDOGS second closed beta runs September 3 (18:00 UTC) to September 5 (08:00 UTC). There are two ways in: pre-order for guaranteed access, or hit "Request Access" on the Steam page for a free shot that's sent out in waves. Here's the exact schedule, how to preload the client, and what to expect before Early Access on September 10.

When is the WARDOGS second closed beta?

It starts September 3 at 18:00 UTC and ends September 5 at 08:00 UTC. In local time the start is roughly:

• 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT (US) on September 3
• 7:00 PM BST (UK) / 8:00 PM CEST (EU) on September 3

It's the last scale test before the game's Early Access launch on September 10.

How to get WARDOGS beta access

Two routes:

• Pre-order (guaranteed). Pre-purchasing WARDOGS on Steam guarantees you a spot in the closed beta.
• Request Access (free). On the WARDOGS Steam page, click the Playtest "Request Access" button. Invites go out in waves, so it's a chance, not a guarantee — request early.

Once you're in, the "WARDOGS Playtest" build appears in your Steam Library and you can preload it. It's a big download (around 50 GB), so start it well before the servers go live.

What to expect (and what's new)

The first beta (Aug 21–23) drew a huge turnout — nearly 500,000 players and a peak of 105,774 concurrent, on the back of over a million wishlists. This second run is a larger scale test to push the servers harder before launch.

Expect the full Control Zone experience: 100 players split across three teams (Valkyra, Lonestar and Manticore), infantry and vehicles, building and destruction, and the cash-per-life economy where you start each life with in-game money to buy your loadout. It's a test build, so expect rough edges — players reported crashes at the Easy Anti-Cheat screen and when entering the zone in the first beta. Treat any progress as temporary.

WARDOGS system requirements (check before you download)

Before you pull a ~50 GB client, here's what you need:

• Minimum: Windows 10, Core i5-8600 / Ryzen 5 3500, 16 GB RAM, GTX 1660 / RX 590, 50 GB storage.
• Recommended: Windows 11, Core i7-12700K / Ryzen 7 5700X, RTX 3070 / RX 6700 XT.

WARDOGS uses kernel-level Easy Anti-Cheat, but you do not need Secure Boot or TPM 2.0 to play — Windows 10 is fine. It's PC-only for now; consoles (PS5/Xbox) are planned but have no date yet.

A heads-up on cheaters

One thing worth knowing before you jump in: cheats showed up fast in the first beta — aimbots, ESP and vehicle wallhacks — and the developers were already banning people for it. If you want the full breakdown of the anti-cheat, whether you can get banned, and the honest ban risk, we covered it here: Is WARDOGS full of cheaters? And if you're after an edge yourself, see our WARDOGS cheats.

Frequently asked questions

Is the WARDOGS beta free?

You can get in for free via the "Request Access" playtest button (a chance, sent in waves). Pre-ordering the game guarantees a spot.

When does the WARDOGS beta end?

September 5 at 08:00 UTC.

Do I need to pre-order to play the beta?

No — "Request Access" is free, but pre-ordering is the only way to guarantee access rather than wait for a wave invite.

Will my beta progress carry over to Early Access?

It's a test build, so treat any progress as temporary. Early Access begins fresh on September 10.

When does WARDOGS fully release?

Early Access launches September 10, 2026. A full 1.0 release is expected well into Early Access — the game is expected to stay in Early Access for roughly one to two years.