A 2nd open beta for Guilty Gear Strive appears to be coming soon, early access features expanded
Now you can get the full experience for pre-ordering certain versions of the game
As we quickly approach what would have been Guilty Gear Strive's release date, players have been eagerly awaiting for when they can hopefully get their hands back on it again, and it seems we've gotten quite an interesting one now.
Arc System Works recently updated their pre-order and early access guide for Strive's new launch timing, which includes expanded access to content and looks to have confirmed that a second open beta is indeed on the way.
While not specifically mentioned in either the English or Japanese posts, the new pre-order guide for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 list one day of early access to the open beta.
It is possible this is in reference to the previous beta held last month, but there's no reason to leave it on a list of pre-order bonuses if no one could actually get the beta now.
Strive Director Akira Katano previously stated ArcSys was exploring the opportunity to hold a second open beta test earlier this month in attempts to try and further investigate any more issues in regards to the servers and lobbies, which both faced a number of issues in the previous trial run.
With a new release date of June 11, we should be hearing about these potential beta plans very soon since it'd likely take place in early to mid May at the latest.
Those who pre-order the Deluxe or Ultimate editions of Strive on PlayStation will be able to download the game three days early and begin playing on June 8 instead.
Previously, this early access period was said to exclude online modes, the story past the prologue chapter and the final two members added to the base roster, I-No and Anji Mito.
That's going to be different now, however, as the update confirms the entirety of Guilty Gear Strive's offerings will be available to all early access members.
Some players had hoped that the developers would change their tune about the PC version of the game not receiving any of these perks, but the pages confirm that no beta or early access is planned to come to Steam.
The Japanese page includes a new pre-release FAQ which also re-affirms that cross-platform play will only be available between PS4 and PS5 plus a free upgrade from the older hardware to the new.
It also states that the only differences between the PS4 and PS5 versions is the graphical fidelity and loading times though no mention was made as to the supposed exclusive mode coming to the newer PlayStation only.
After getting delayed out of its initial 2020 window, Guilty Gear Strive's release was pushed back again following the first beta to address the issues players had with the game's online lobby and server systems.
Early adopters of the upcoming fighter will still receive special bonus colors for Sol and Ky across all platforms.
