Gears 5's first multiplayer tech test is set to begin on July 19. The test will offer players their first opportunity to play Gears 5's Escalation, Arcade, and King of the Hill multiplayer modes, while also serving as a test for certain in-game systems and features. The Gears 5 tech test is available to those who have pre-ordered the game, as well as all current Xbox Game Pass subscribers on both PC and Xbox One, and can be downloaded now.

While the Gears 5 tech test doesn't start until July 19 at 10:00 am PT, preloading the test has already begun so as to allow players to jump into playing with ease. Xbox Game Pass subscribers just need to search for "Gears 5" either on their Xbox One or PC, depending on their subscription type. Those who have pre-ordered Gears 5 will need to redeem a special code provided by the retailer that sold them their pre-order.

Both Xbox One and PC participants in the Gears 5 tech test can expect a download size of around 10 or 11 GB. The tech test is somewhat thin on content to offer a more focused testing environment. It will feature just three game modes and two maps, as well as some unique opportunities to unlock new content. The "Tour of Duty" challenges can unlock an exclusive Tech Test Banner, while additional challenges can unlock three Versus Weapon Skins.

For Gears 5 fans that will be busy this weekend, there will be a second opportunity to participate in the tech test. The first phase of the test will run from July 19 through  July 22. The second phase of the test will begin on July 26 and last until July 29.

The Coalition provided a brief summary of its goals for the Gears 5 tech test on the game's official website. Akin to most beta testing, the main purpose of the tech test is to see how well the Gears 5 multiplayer servers handle the influx of players that will come with the game's launch. Server stability will be of precedence and as such an access queue will be in use to ensure a quality experience.

With Gears 5, The Coalition is implementing an impressive 60hz tick rate on Gears 5 multiplayer servers. How well the The Coalition's servers hold up while offering that kind of performance will be of unique interest to both the studio and Gears 5 players.

Gears 5 releases September 10 on PC and Xbox One.