Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is ambitious multiplayer package – in addition to traditional PvP multiplayer and Zombies Co-op, we’re also getting the new Blackout battle royale mode. Launching three separate multiplayer modes at once is no easy task, and to make sure everything runs smoothly, Treyarch will be holding two betas, one for multiplayer and one for Blackout. Here’s what Treyarch co-studio head Dan Bunting had to say about the double beta approach…

　　“This is an exciting opportunity for us at Treyarch because – not only are we putting more content into players’ hands earlier than ever before – we get to break new ground by hosting two separate Beta experiences. Games are better when they’re a result of a dialogue with our community. Not only does it improve the game’s quality, but it allows us to respond to player feedback and custom-craft the experience to how players engage most with the game. We want launch day to be a celebration that players around the world can enjoy together, and we know it won’t stop there - we will always work tirelessly to improve, grow, and evolve the game beyond launch.”

　　The Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 multiplayer beta kicks off on August 3 on PS4, followed a week after by Xbox One and PC. Of course, you’ll need to pre-order Black Ops 4 to get access to the beta. Here are the dates:

　　PlayStation 4 (Starts: August 3 at 10am/PT – Ends: August 6 at 10am/PT)PlayStation 4 and Xbox One (Starts: August 10 at 10am/PT – Ends: August 13 at 10am/PT)PC Beta Early Access (Starts: August 10 at 10am/PT) *PC exclusively on Battle.NetPC Open Beta (Starts: August 11 at 10am/PT – Ends: August 13 at 10am/PT)Everybody who participates in the multiplayer beta will receive a one-of-a-kind calling card, and those who achieve max rank will get a token that permanently unlocks any piece of Create-a-Class content when the games comes out. Here’s what will be included in the multiplayer beta:

　　Six Maps

　　Players will begin fighting through six maps – two of which will make their first public appearance. Additionally, fans will play new Specialists and reacquaint themselves with returning Specialists Nomad and Prophet, who will be bringing with them brand-new gameplay mechanics built for Black Ops 4.

　　Modes of Play

　　The Private Multiplayer Beta will feature fan-favorite game modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and Search & Destroy, alongside our brand-new objective-based game mode, Control, which was designed to bring out the best of Black Ops 4 Multiplayer gameplay.

　　Meanwhile, the Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Blackout beta is coming sometime in September. Like the multiplayer beta, it will hit PS4 first.

　　Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 hits PC, Xbox One, and PS4 on October 12.