Gears of War 4's multiplayer beta rolls out April 18

Gears of War studio The Coalition will kick off a multiplayer beta test for Gears of War 4 on April 18, Microsoft announced today, calling it an "opportunity to help shape the multiplayer experience" of the upcoming game.

The Gears of War 4 beta will be available in "early access" on April 18 to those who have played the Windows PC or Xbox One version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Xbox Gold Live subscribers can access the beta starting April 24. The multiplayer beta will run until May 1.

Here are the specifics for getting access to the Gears 4 beta, per Microsoft:

To qualify for early access to the Gears of War 4 Multiplayer Beta on Xbox One, log in to Xbox Live and play Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or Windows 10 by 11:00PM PDT, April 11. Tokens for the beta will be distributed in waves through the Xbox Live messaging system and begin arriving Monday April 18. For both Early Access and Xbox Live Gold periods, must be 17+. Xbox One, broadband internet (ISP fees apply) and Xbox Live Gold membership (sold separately) required. Beta dates, content, and features subject to change. Not available in all markets. See https://GearsofWar.com for the latest information.

Gears of War 4 will be released later this year on Xbox One.