During Microsoft"s E3 presentation in June, developer The Coalition announced that Gears 5, the latest installment of the famed Gears series will be arriving on September 10. This month, however, fans of the series are getting to enjoy the Versus Multiplayer Tech Test for the third-person shooter. Last weekend, the first phase of this tech test was held, giving players a chance to try out the new Arcade mode, among other things.
Now, The Coalition has revealed through a blog post that the next and final test to be held this weekend will be open to all Xbox Live Gold members as well. Previously, it was only available to those who had subscribed to Xbox Game Pass or pre-ordered the title.
Aside from this piece of news, the developer also noted that a new reward had been added to the Tech Test, the Wreath Bloodspray. This can be earned by completing one match between 5:30PM - 6:30PM PT tomorrow, so you can quite easily achieve that if you"re free at the aforementioned time. Those who took part last week will be able to continue their "Tour of Duty" to earn more rewards as well. For those who are not quite accustomed to the Gears series gameplay, there"s a Boot Camp mode that can be used to train before heading out into multiplayer action. Other available modes include Arcade, Escalation, and last weekend"s fan favorite, King of the Hill.
The second Tech Test is scheduled to begin at 10AM PT tomorrow, July 26, and will carry on up till July 29. Before its release on September 10 for Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Xbox Game Pass, Gears 5 will be available in early access for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, as well as Gears 5 Ultimate Edition purchasers. Those attending gamescom next month can also check out Microsoft"s booth to experience the game"s new Horde mode for the very first time.