Marvel's Avengers Beta: Start Dates, Contents, PS4 Early Access, And More

Marvel's Avengers, developed by Tomb Raider studio Crystal Dynamics, is set to launch on September 7, but you can get your first taste of the live-service action game nearly a month before. Square Enix has revealed the start times for the Avengers beta, which is being tiered according to release platforms. To help you get ready, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the Avengers beta, how to gain access to it, and what it will contain below.

How To Access The Marvel's Avengers Beta

The Marvel's Avengers beta will start first on PlayStation 4. PS4 players who have pre-ordered the game will be able to jump in on August 7. The beta will then open up to all PS4 players, whether or not you've pre-ordered, a week later on August 14. On the same day, pre-order beta access will open for Xbox One and PC players. The beta will finally open to everyone on August 21.

If you're looking to get in on the beta as soon as possible but still aren't sure about which edition of the game to get, check out our handy Marvel's Avengers pre-order guide for a breakdown of each one.

Marvel's Avengers Beta Dates

• August 7-9: PlayStation 4 Pre-Order Beta
  • Marvel Avengers PlayStation 4 pre-order players only
• August 14-16: PlayStation 4 Open Beta
• August 14-16: Xbox One Pre-Order Beta
  • Marvel Avengers Xbox One pre-order players only
• August 21-23: Open Beta on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

Marvel's Avengers Beta Contents

Crystal Dynamics delved into what the Avenger's beta will contain during its second War Table stream, and it looks like there will be a hefty amount of content. You'll be able to choose from four different characters--Iron Man, Kamala Khan, Black Widow, and The Hulk--and take them through a handful of HARM challenge rooms and Warzone missions.

HARM rooms--Holographic Augmented Reality Machine--are virtual training simulators that let you battle waves of increasingly difficult enemies. You can take on the challenge solo, with companion AI, or with up to three other real players, and you'll be able to earn various prizes like nameplates that will carry over to the main game. There will be four challenge rooms available in the beta, with more appearing in the full game.

Warzones, meanwhile, are co-op missions that can be played with human teammates or AI companions. Crystal Dynamics says these can range in length from 10 minutes to up to two hours, and you'll always be making progress with your heroes as you play them. These repeatable missions will also be grounded in the storyline, so you'll be making progress in the fight against AIM as well.

Creative director Shaun Escayg had previously confirmed that the beta will have a bit of everything, including campaign missions, co-op content, character progressions, and exploration in both Warzone and Drop Zones. "This beta is meaty, but it's only a small part of the finished game," Escayg said.

Beta Rewards

Beyond the aforementioned nameplates, there's another reward players can earn by participating in the Marvel's Avengers beta: Avengers items in Fortnite. Players who complete three HARM challenges on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One during the beta periods will receive a Hulk Smashers Pickaxe--designed to resemble the Hulk's distinctive green fists. The pickaxe will also come with an alternate Hulkbuster style.

To claim the items, you'll need to make sure your Epic Games and Square Enix accounts are both linked to your console. Epic says the items will also be available for purchase at a later date, so you'll still have a chance to get them if you miss the beta.