How To Get Back 4 Blood Beta

Back 4 Blood open beta announced, landing months before game's full release

(Image credit: Turtle Rock Studios)

Back 4 Blood, the zombie-blasting co-operative shooter, is getting an open beta testing phase that's just been announced at the Summer Game Fest 2021.

A spiritual successor to Valve's Left 4 Dead franchise, the Back 4 Blood open beta will kick off on August 5, before its full release on October 12 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5 and PS4. However, you'll need to pre-order the game to be able to access the beta testing phase.

E3 2021: schedule, dates, attendees and predictions
Summer Game Fest 2021: schedule, dates, lineup and UK times
New games 2021: game release dates for console and PC

A zillion zombies

A new boss was also revealed with a brief new look at gameplay during the showcase:

The 'Breaker' is a huge, rock-like zombie with glowing hotspots, able to leap around maps and cause havoc to your crew of survivors. There is also a shot of a truly gigantic, frog-like monster at the end of the trailer – though it's a pre-rendered scene, so we can't be sure yet if you'll actually get to face off against it.

Left 4 Dead fans have been waiting for a new game ever since Left 4 Dead 2 released way back in 2009. Back 4 Blood, built by a team of developers that worked on that hallowed franchise, looks set to scratch that itch.

We'll have all the news straight from Summer Game Fest 2021 and E3 2021 on TechRadar, so keep locked in for more news.

Best new games: what's coming out soon?

Gerald is the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves his gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Based out of TechRadar Towers, London, Gerald was previously Editor of Gizmodo UK. He dreams of the day when he can pop on a VR headset and meet Lawnmower Man-era Pierce Brosnan. Sadly, Pierce doesn't share the dream.