The Fallout 76 beta test that Bethesda promised at announcement has a release date of October. Everyone who pre-orders the game at a 'participating retailer' will get access to the beta, which is playfully called a B.E.T.A (Break-It Early Test Application). The game is not releasing on Steam at this time, so it'll be playable via Bethesda's own launcher. The bad news is the beta will launch on Xbox One first before it comes to PC, but you'll only have to wait for a week if you're desperate to try it out.

Naturally, there is a process involved in getting past the velvet beta rope.F The short version is that you need to first preorder the game, and then find the redemption code on your receipt or email confirmation. Take that to bethesda.net, log in (or sign up, if you haven't) and enter the code. That's the only way you're going to see Appalachia before launch.

Fallout 76 comes out on November 14. Here's everything we know about the Fallout 76 beta.

Fallout 76 beta release date: it's coming to Xbox before PC, and it'll last for two weeks
The Fallout 76 beta's release date is on October 30th on PC. It will launch a week before exclusively on Xbox One on the 23rd, which is kind of annoying. The plan is for the beta to turn into the release version, and it'll be a 45GB download. You won't be able to pre-load the beta, unfortunately.

How to get Fallout 76 beta access

On Amazon, pre-ordering the PC version gets you sent a code 48 hours after, so keep that timeframe in mind if you're thinking of preordering Fallout 76 for beta access outside of Bethesda.net. Bethesda said in September that this is the only way to get access to the beta, so if you're serious about trying before launch, you'll have to preorder the game.

Here's the link to the Fallout 76 preorder page on Bethesda.net.

What else to expect from the Fallout 76 beta
"This an exciting new journey for Fallout—and for us!" Bethesda explains about the beta. While it might seem like it's a neat way to get early access to Fallout 76, the beta is bound to have some leftover issues, too. "The B.E.T.A. is a work-in-progress version of the game. During the B.E.T.A., you will likely see a glorious array of issues; many we know about, and many we don't."

Bethesda's goal is to make the Fallout 76's actual November 14th launch as smooth as possible with the beta. Players will be able to submit issues as they go. Your progress will likely carry across from the beta—at least that's the 'current plan'—and you won't have to download a new version of the game, which is a relief.