Bulkhead's upcoming FPS game Wardogs is holding its first public beta test, offering non-invited players their first chance to try the game before its early access launch. This marks a shift from previous playtests, which were restricted to invited participants, and comes as anticipation builds ahead of the recently announced FPS Games Show, where more news about the title is expected.

The beta runs from 1pm EDT (6pm BST) on Friday 21 August to 10pm EDT (3am BST) on Monday 24 August. Guaranteed access requires pre-ordering the game on Steam for $39.99, an unusually high price for early access, though a refund is offered if players are unsatisfied after the beta. Free sign-up for the beta pool is also available, but Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer has warned that demand for pre-orders has exceeded expectations, meaning non-paying sign-ups may not be granted access until later in the weekend.