The Fallout 76 PC beta test that Bethesda promised during the game's announcement is here. Everyone who pre-orders the game at a 'participating retailer' gets access to the beta, though spare keys were also given to beta players to share with three friends.

Fallout 76 comes out on November 14, and there are only two more beta sessions left:

Tuesday, November 6: 10 am - 12 pm PT / 1 pm - 3 pm ET
Thursday, November 8: 11 am - 5 pm PT / 2 pm - 8 pm ET

As of October 26, you can pre-load the Fallout 76 beta on PC so when the first session begins, you'll be ready to play (it's about a 45 GB download). If you're wondering how to get beta access, read on:

How to get Fallout 76 beta access

Pre-ordering Fallout 76 grants beta access—it's as simple as that. Bethesda stated 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.

Naturally, there is a process involved in getting past the velvet beta rope. 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's beta won't launch on Steam, like the game itself
Fallout 76 is not releasing on Steam, at least for now, so it'll only be playable via Bethesda's own launcher. You can download that here by scrolling to the bottom right of the page.

How to preorder Fallout 76
You can preorder Fallout 76 here on Bethesda.net, as well as on other retailers like Amazon. 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 nearer to launch.

Fallout 76 editions
If you're thinking of pre-ordering Fallout 76 to get beta access, there are a few different editions for the game, and we've detailed them below.

Fallout 76 Tricentennial Edition
This one comes with bonus downloadable items, and is the default option on Bethesda's site. You get exclusive Tricentennial Power Armor customisation options for several different armour models, as well as Tricentennial weapon customisation for the pistol, hatchet and laser rifle. You also get an Uncle Sam-themed outfit, which probably won't be the best option if you're looking to be subtle when encountering other players. You also get posters, photo frames and a saluting emote.

Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition
This physical-only version comes with all of the above, a steelbook, 24 Fallout figurines, a glow-in-the-dark map and a wearable helmet. This version is sold out on Amazon right now, though, so you might need to shop around.

Fallout 76 Collector's Edition
This version comes with a Pip Boy you can construct yourself, if that's something you've always wanted to do. It comes with a display case, too.

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."

We've analyzed the settings and performance of the Fallout 76 beta, which will help if you're trying to run the game on older / slower hardware. It does reasonably well on midrange and higher spec hardware, but there are issues with the default framerate cap and what happens if you remove it.

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