Closed Beta dates
BULKHEAD announced a Closed Beta for August 21–23, 2026. Daily start and end times were not confirmed in the retained announcement.
Two current access routes
| Route | Access status | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steam pre-order | Guaranteed | The official announcement says a pre-order grants access to this Closed Beta. |
| Steam Playtest request | Limited selection | A small number of players may be selected. A request does not guarantee entry. |
What happened to the old signup?
The older FirstLook page remains online, but BULKHEAD says external key capacity is capped. It is not the primary instruction for this Beta.
How to check your access
- Confirm the Beta is still active and the dates have not changed.
- Use the official Steam page if you want the announced guaranteed pre-order route.
- Otherwise, request access through Steam Playtest if the option is visible.
- Read the newest official test notice before recording or sharing footage.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an open beta?
No. The announced August event is a Closed Beta.
Does a pre-order guarantee access?
The official August 11 announcement says yes for this Closed Beta.
Does a Steam Playtest request guarantee access?
No. Only a limited number of players may be selected.
Does earlier test progress carry over?
An older FAQ said test progress would not carry into the full game. Retention rules for this Beta still need confirmation.
Official reference
This guide summarizes approved official material without exposing the internal research ledger.
Check the live WARDOGS Steam page