Gears 5 Multiplayer Test Is Now Available [Update]

The Gears 5 multiplayer technical test kicks off this Friday, July 19. Ahead of that, Microsoft has launched the game's download client, allowing players to download and install it so they can get started exactly when the servers go live. [Update: The Gears 5 tech test is live but experiencing server issues.]

You can find the Gears 5 Tech Test download on the Xbox Store for Xbox One and PC by searching for it. The file size is 10.89 GB on Xbox One, and Microsoft says in a FAQ that it should be about the same for PC. Developer The Coalition warns that players may have to wait in a queue because the developer is trying to "protect server stability as much as possible."

The tech test begins July 19 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, and it runs through the same time on July 22. A second tech test runs the following weekend, from July 26 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET through July 29 at the same time.

The Gears 5 Tech Test includes three modes (Arcade, Escalation, and King of the Hill), along with two multiplayer maps--District and Training Grounds. The test also includes the new Bootcamp mode, which is a tutorial mode of sorts that teaches players the basics. Also included in the tech test is "Tour of Duty," which is a progression system that rewards players with the "Tester Weapon Skin" by completing certain challenges; the skin will be available in Gears 5 when it releases.

To access the Gears 5 tech test, you need to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass or pre-order the game on Xbox One or PC. For lots more on the granular details on the Gears 5 tech test, read this FAQ. You can also see the minimum and recommend PC specs posted below.

Minimum Spec (AMD)

• Min OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: AMD FX-6000 Series
• GPU: AMD Radeon R9 280 or RX 560
• VRAM: 2GB
• RAM: 6GB
• HDD: 15GB

Minimum Spec (Nvidia)

• Min OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: Intel i3 Skylake
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 760 or GTX 1050
• VRAM: 2GB
• RAM: 6GB
• HDD: 15GB

Recommended Spec (AMD)

• Min OS: Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 3
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 570 or RX 5700
• VRAM: 4GB
• RAM: 8GB
• HDD: 15GB

Recommended Spec (Nvidia)

• Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• Intel i5 Skylake
• Nvidia GTX 970 or GTX 1660 Ti
• VRAM: 4GB
• RAM: 8GB
• HDD: 15GB

Ideal Spec (AMD)

• Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• AMD Ryzen 7
• AMD Radeon VII
• VRAM: 8GB
• RAM: 16GB
• HDD: 15GB + SSD

Ideal Spec (Nvidia)

• Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• Intel i7 Skylake
• Nvidia GTX 2080
• VRAM: 8GB
• RAM: 16GB
• HDD: 15GB + SSD