Eager to get your hands on SoulCalibur VI before the game launches next month? Well, now you can, as Bandai Namco has kicked off an open beta/network test for their anticipated new fighter. The beta is for the Xbox One and PS4, and will allow players to throw down in online ranked matches.

　　15 fighters, including The Witcher series’ Geralt, will be available for testing. Here’s the list: Mitsurugi, Sophitia, Grøh, Nightmare, Xianghua, Kilik, Ivy, Zasalamel, Geralt, Siegfried, Taki, Yoshimitsu, Maxi, Talim, and Tira.

　　For those who haven’t been keeping up, SoulCalibur VI is being built using Unreal Engine 4 and aims to shake things up with the new “Reversal Edge” system. Here’s how Bandai Namco describes the mechanic:

　　In Soulcalibur VI, Reversal Edge is a new battle system that integrates both offense and defense. Once a Reversal Edge is activated, you can continuously defend against the opponent’s techniques and follow-up with powerful counterattacks based on the opponent’s actions. When a Reversal Edge hits, you can enjoy a powerful production like a scene from an action movie, highlighted by a dynamic camera.

　　So far, 21 launch characters, and one DLC fighter, have been announced for SoulCalibur VI.  The roster includes Raphael, Cervantes, Astaroth, Seong Mi-Na, Voldo, Talim, Maxi, Yoshimitsu, Sophitia, Mitsurugi, Kilik, Nightmare, Xianghua, Ivy, Zasalamel, Siegfried, Taki, the Witcher series’ Geralt, and new characters Grøh and Azwel. Returning character Tira will be released later as DLC.

　　The SoulCalibur VI open beta began today at 8am PT, and will end on Sunday, September 30 at 8am PT, so you best get in some battles while you can! PS4 players don’t need PS Plus to participate, but Xbox owners will need to be subscribed to Xbox Live Gold. You can check out official guides to some of the beta fighters, right here.

　　What do you think? Will you be engaging in a little swordplay this weekend?