The Star Wars Battlefront beta that begins next week includes a taste of the sci-fi shooter's Survival Mission mode. This will not be playable offline in the beta, EA has now confirmed. For the full game, however, you'll be able to play these missions without an Internet connection, as was announced previously.

　　"Offline gameplay will not be available within the beta," Battlefront community manager Mat Everett wrote on Reddit. "For the beta, an Internet connection is required to play Missions."

　　The Survival Mission in Battlefront's beta is set on Tatooine. You can play it either by yourself or with a friend through online co-op or local split-screen. The goal is to fend off waves of Imperial forces. Advancing enemies include AT-STs, TIE fighters, "elite" Stormtroopers, and other enemies.

　　Everett did not explain why Survival Missions in the beta cannot be played offline.

　　The Battlefront beta, which will be open to everyone on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC, also includes the 40-player Walker Assault and Drop Zone modes. In addition, beta players can check out the Battlefront companion experience through its website to earn items for the main game.

　　Fans don't have to wait much longer to check out the Battlefront beta, as it begins on October 8 and will run through October 12. The beta file size is 7 GB on PS4/Xbox One, while the PC edition weighs in at 11 GB. PC players can pre-load the beta starting on October 7.

　　Battlefront launches on November 17, about a month before Disney's Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens hits theaters in December. EA is also releasing tie-in DLC for Battlefront based on the movie.

　　Xbox One owners with an EA Access membership will get to play Battlefront first, as it will be available through the subscription program a full five days early.