We've now got more information regarding the upcoming "multiplayer tech test" for Gears 5, including who will be eligible and when it'll be available to try.

The "versus multiplayer tech test" will be starting very soon, on July 19th, and will feature the new "Arcade" mode, which is a fast, frantic experience that brings the multiplayer shooter back to basics, as well as old favourites King of the Hill and Escalation. There's a training mode, too, to get you up to speed.

The test will feature two maps, and there's even a mini Tour of Duty campaign to unlock some exclusive tester skins, which you'll be able to carry over to the full game when it release.

The test is focusing on server stress testing and trying to make the online experience as stable as possible. This is pretty typical for games to do, as it helps to solve the typical day-one servers are down PR fiasco.

This Technical Test allows us to stress test our servers over two focused Test Periods to ensure the best possible experience when large volumes of players rush in at launch. For our PC fans, it gives us a critical opportunity to get the game onto PCs with unique combinations of hardware and software at scale. If any unforeseen issues arise, it gives us the opportunity ahead of launch to identify and address any issues ahead of release. And of course, getting the Tech Test into your hands means we can gather your valuable feedback on each of the three modes to inform our development as we march towards launch day and beyond.

The technical specs for the game were also revealed for PC gamers, too, although these specifically relate to the test and may be subject to change for the final release...

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: AMD FX-6000 Series or Intel i3 Skylake
• GPU: AMD Radeon R9 280 or RX 560, or Nvidia GTX 760 or GTX 1050, 2GB VRAM
• RAM: 6GB
• HDD: 15GB

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i5 Skylake
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 570 or RX 5700, or Nvidia GTX 970 or GTX 1660 Ti, 4GB VRAM
• RAM: 8GB
• HDD: 15GB

Ideal:

• OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i7 Skylake
• GPU: AMD Radeon VII or Nvidia GTX 2080, 8GB VRAM
• RAM: 8GB
• HDD: 15GB SSD

The test is open to either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass for PC gamers, as well as those who've pre-ordered the game from either the Microsoft Store or select retailers. Testing will take place over two weekends, the first being 10am PT on July 18th to the 21st, then from July 26th to July 29th.