How to Play Gears of War 4 Four Days Early

[UPDATE] Microsoft has now officially announced Gears of War 4's premium bundles, confirming the details below. Additionally, an Amazon listing reveals there will be a $250 Collector's Edition, featuring content from the Ultimate Edition, as well as a 19-inch statue of main character JD Fenix riding a COG bike. It also comes with a frag grenade keychain (six inches) and special packaging, along with some in-game content in the form of three "Gears Crates." Check out the image below to see everything it comes with.

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Gears of War 4 launches on October 11, but there is a way to play four days early, it's been announced. A listing for a Gears of War 4 Ultimate Edition popped up on Xbox.com recently, with its description explaining that people who buy the $100 bundle can play four days early, starting on October 7 (via VideoGamer.com).

Paying extra to play early is not a new idea for Microsoft, as the same kind of promotion was offered for racing game Forza 6. Outside of Microsoft, last year, 2K Sports let people play NBA 2K16 days ahead of launch if they preordered a copy.

In addition to early access to Gears of War 4, the Ultimate Edition comes with digital items such as a "vintage" Del character for the game's multiplayer mode, as well as content for Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. Players will also receive the "Vintage VIP Pack," early access to a "VIP Playlist" and an allotment of six "Gear Packs" (descriptions below).

Ultimate Edition buyers will also receive unlimited access to Gears of War 4's multiplayer maps. As announced previously, Gears of War 4 multiplayer maps will be free, but are offered on a rotating basis. The only way to guarantee that you can play a specific map whenever you want is to buy it.

An Xbox.com listing also reveals the existence of a Gears of War 4 Season Pass. This item, which is also included with the Ultimate Edition, includes the following:

• VIP Vintage Pack -- Vintage JD character skin, vintage Gnasher and Dropshot weapon skins, vintage JD emblem, and vintage JD bounty that gives you extra XP.
• Permanent DLC map ownership for 24-plus maps -- At least two per month for 12 months.
• VIP "Early Access" playlist -- This lets you play upcoming modes, maps, and variants before they are released publicly.
• Six Gear Packs -- These let you unlock character and weapon skins, as well as equipment and abilities, along with bounties that offer extra XP.

In other news about Gears of War 4, the game's open beta for all Xbox Live users begins today, April 25.