WARDOGS, the large-scale multiplayer shooter from BULKHEAD, is testing its infrastructure with a second closed beta that runs from September 3 to September 6. This stress test matters to players because it determines whether the game can handle 100-person battles without collapsing under the load. We are watching this closely because the first beta drew hundreds of thousands of players and over 130,000 Steam wishlists, setting a high bar for server stability. The developers need this window to identify bottlenecks before the official Early Access launch on September 10.
BULKHEAD tests server stability for 100-player battles before September 10 launch
The game positions itself as a competitor to established titles in the genre by offering three-team gameplay, vehicles, and base building mechanics. BULKHEAD designed WARDOGS to support massive simultaneous engagements, which requires significant backend coordination. Players who pre-ordered the game on Steam automatically receive access to this beta phase. Those who did not pre-order must request access directly through the Steam store page, subject to availability.
The technical scope of this beta includes full-scale server stress testing to validate the 100-player battle environment. The developers are using this period to refine the integration of vehicles and base building systems within the larger map scale. This phase serves as a critical checkpoint for network performance and matchmaking logic. The beta concludes on September 6, giving the team a few days to analyze data before the next major milestone.
Pricing for the game is set at 40 USD (around $40.00) for the standard edition on Steam. A Supporter Edition is also available for 50 USD (around $50.00), which includes various additional cosmetic items. These prices apply globally and reflect the current pre-order pricing structure. The Early Access launch is scheduled for September 10, marking the end of the beta testing period.
We looked at the initial beta launch earlier while tracking the game's rapid accumulation of wishlists on Steam. The first closed beta attracted hundreds of thousands of players, demonstrating strong initial interest in the title. This second phase aims to ensure that the infrastructure can support that level of engagement during the official launch. The game will transition from beta testing to Early Access on September 10.
Source: WARDOGS, NotebookCheck
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