Age of Empires IV, one of Microsoft’s most anticipated titles, is set to arrive later this year. The developers continue to test and refine it ahead of its October launch.
A closed beta was held in August, where a select few lucky individuals got in to get an early look at the RTS game. And now, the company has announced an open beta of sorts, billed as a stress test, that will be open to all PC players.
This open beta will allow developers to test the servers ahead of the game’s release on October 28.
As the team explains:
“Most aspects of the game available during this event will be focused on the multiplayer experience. However, you will have the opportunity to play against AI via the Multiplayer Custom Lobby, as well as try out Mission Zero (the game’s tutorial). Given this is a Technical Stress Test, we encourage you to play against others participating.”
Almost anyone can jump in and try out the real-time strategy game, though the festivities will only last a single weekend. The event lasts from Friday, September 17 through to Monday, September 20.
All you need to do is meet the modest minimum hardware requirements, and you should be good to go:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6300U or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
- Memory: 8GB
- Graphics: Intel HD 520 or AMD Radeon RX Vega 11
- DirectX: Version 12
If you do, then there are a couple of ways you can jump in. You can either use the Xbox Insider Hub app for the Microsoft Store on Windows 10, or on Steam by requesting access to the Technical Stress Test.
This build includes the Mission Zero tutorial and multiplayer custom lobbies against other players and AI. Four factions—the English, the Chinese, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Abbasid Dynasty—are represented. Five maps will also be available in this build.
Moreover, while the recent closed beta was very well received by the Age of Empires community, Microsoft kept a lid on things with a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that meant no details or footage was allowed to be shared.
No such restrictions in place for this latest test.
