BULKHEAD and Team17 have revealed the release date for WARDOGS on Steam Early Access, scheduled for September 10, 2026. Pre-ordering the game is already available on Steam, and each pre-order will guarantee access to the Closed Beta Weekend, which will take place on August 21-23.
According to the developers, WARDOGS already exceeded 800,000 wishes on Steam after its recent gameplay reveals and closed tests.
This beta test will provide gamers with the next chance to play the game before its Early Access launch and will allow the developers to test their servers, mass battles, and core gameplay mechanics.
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WARDOGS is a tactical multiplayer FPS where 100-player games will be divided into three competing teams. The main game mode of WARDOGS is Control Zone, in which players will be obliged to fight for territories, earn cash, and survive long enough to deposit their earnings.
Cash plays an important role in the progression of the game during each match, as players will spend it on equipment and vehicles, while each death and other decisions may cost them money. The general gameplay involves infantry combat, vehicles, construction, and destruction.
Three maps will be available for Early Access, each of them having three different variations. Also, local proximity voice chat will be available for all three teams in WARDOGS, so players' enemies will also be able to overhear the conversations of other players.
The price of WARDOGS' Early Access will be $39.99 USD. BULKHEAD intends to apply the stepped pricing system, so the price is expected to be increased after adding some more features until the full release 1.0.
During Early Access, BULKHEAD will concentrate on such aspects as stability, performance, balancing, bug fixing, and community feedback. Also, BULKHEAD will continue developing the metagame and longer-term progression systems for the full release.
BULKHEAD said that there will be no in-game monetization during Early Access except for the optional Supporters Edition with cosmetic elements. In-game cash, gold bars, and status-based camouflage will not be sold during this period.
The studio also noted that pre-ordering of the Early Access game may be criticized by the community. BULKHEAD CEO Joe Brammer explained that the intention of providing Closed Beta Weekend with each pre-order is to allow players to play the current version of the game before its Early Access launch.
The WARDOGS Closed Beta Weekend will be held on August 21-23; the Early Access release of the game is scheduled for September 10, 2026.
