Battlefield 6 open beta release time, dates and everything else you need to know

Battlefield 6 fans are counting down to the release of the open beta, which takes place this weekend.

After an early access period that was popular enough to crash the servers, the Battlefield 6 beta opens its virtual doors to all players, no strings attached.

The Battlefield 6 open beta has an August 9 release date on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. In terms of timings, the beta kicks off at 9am BST UK time and ends at 9am BST on the morning of August 11.

And don't worry if you miss the first beta weekend, because a second open beta will take place between August 14 and August 17.

If you want to ensure you don't miss a second of the action, you can actually pre-load the Battlefield 6 open beta ahead of launch.

Weekend one features three maps, including Siege of Cairo, Liberation Peak and Iberian Offensive.

Siege of Cairo is said to feature "intense urban combat on the streets of central Cairo".

EA promises a game of cat and mouse between infantry and tanks, as players battle it out in alleys and buildings.

Liberation Peak, meanwhile, takes place in "Tajikistan's glorious mountainside". The rocky terrain is said to provide cover for jets and helicopters, all the while giving a height advantage to infantry and tanks.

Finally, Iberian Offensive is set in the windy streets of Gibraltar. EA explains more: "Stalk its alleyways, dodge heavily-armoured tanks, and tear through buildings - this map has many ways to secure a tactical advantage."

You'll be able to play the aforementioned maps in game modes such as Conquest, Closed Weapon Conquest, Breakthrough, Domination and King of The Hill.

The second weekend adds the Empire State map, as well as additional game modes including Rush, Squad Deathmatch and Closed Weapon Breakthrough.

To give players an additional incentive to join in the action, fans can earn a variety of rewards for use in the full game when it launches later this year.

There are seven challenges to complete during the first weekend, each with an exclusive unlock.

Reaching level 10 unlocks the Lights Out Player Card, hitting level 15 unlocks the All Terrain character skin, while making it all the way to level 20 unlocks the Night Terror weapon charm.

The Assault challenge tasks players with getting 50 Close Quarter Kills (within 10m) for the Striking Distance Weapon Package.

Reviving 100 teammates in the Support challenge unlocks the Own the Night Weapon Sticker, while repairing 3000 health to vehicles as part of the Engineer challenge unlocks the After Dark Weapon Sticker.

Finally, the Recon challenge tasks players with spotting 300 Enemies for the Seeker character skin.