Call of Duty Vanguard crossplay beta: Start time and how to play free

This latest CoD Vanguard open beta will allow you to play with pals on other platforms, with the crossplay on offer spanning across PlayStation, Xbox and PC (with Activision's Battle.net platform handing the PC side of things).

If you're looking to jump into the action as soon as possible, keep on reading and we'll run through the key information about the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta.

What time does the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta start?

Here in the UK, the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta will begin at 6pm BST on Thursday 16th September 2021. That's a teatime treat for British fans of the franchise, then.

In the USA, this CoD Vanguard preview opportunity will start at 10am PT, 12pm CT or 1pm ET depending on which time zone you're in.

Activision confirmed those times as well as the start times for players in Japan, Australia and New Zealand with the GIF-toting Tweet below.

Here's something important to note - for the first 48 hours of the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta, the experience will only be free for PlayStation players.

Within that two-day window, players on Xbox and PC will have to pre-order the game if they want to join in with the beta. After those first 48 hours are up, however, you can get involved on any platform you like without having to pay.

Read more on Call of Duty:

• All the Call of Duty games in order
• Call of Duty: Vanguard trophies & achievements list
• Call of Duty: Vanguard PC specs/requirements
• Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies guide
• New Warzone map release date

How do you access the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta?

If you're playing on PS4 or PS5, you should be able to find 'Call of Duty: Vanguard - Open Beta' in the PlayStation Store on your console. For players on PlayStation consoles, the beta is free for the duration, and you don't need a PS Plus subscription to try it out.

For players on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, things are a bit more complicated - you need to pre-order the full version of Call of Duty: Vanguard if you want to get involved within the first 48 hours of the beta. And you will need an active Xbox Live subscription in order to play it.

Players on PC will also have to pre-order Call of Duty: Vanguard if they want to try out this beta within the first 48 hours. It's only PlayStation owners who get it without having to pay during that window. With that in mind, you might find these links useful if you're not playing on PS4 or PS5:

• Pre-order Call of Duty: Vanguard on Xbox (£59.99 from Microsoft Store)
• Get 14 days of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate access (£2.99 from CD Keys)
• Pre-order Call of Duty: Vanguard on PC (£49.99 from Battle.net)

When does the Call of Duty Vanguard crossplay beta become free for Xbox and PC?

If you're playing on Xbox or PC and you're willing to wait for free access to the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta, you will have to wait until Saturday 18th September 2021.

The exact time at which hordes of frugal players will be able to jump in has not been confirmed yet, but we wouldn't be surprised if it ended up being 6pm BST again.

When does the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta end?

Here in the UK, the Call of Duty: Vanguard crossplay beta will end at 6pm BST on Monday 20th September 2021.

In America, that means the finish time for the CoD Vanguard crossplay beta will be 10am PT, 12pm CT or 1pm ET depending on your location.

Weekend plans permitting, hopefully, you'll have plenty of time to jump in before then and try out Call of Duty: Vanguard. Have fun!

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