Fix bayonets! Battlefield 1 Open Beta scheduled for 31 August

Slowly but surely, we’re moving away from the modern military shooter. EA DICE’s Battlefield 1 has opted to revisit World War I and soon, an open beta will give eager fans a taste of the bayonet-charging action.

Beginning on 31 August, the Battlefield 1 Open Beta showcases the sandy dunes of the Sinai Desert map, which features both man-made and natural environments. The fight extends from the village streets of Bir el Mazar all the way out to the expansive desert, taking shape in the form of ground skirmishes and aerial dogfights.

In this case, the Behemoth – Battlefield 1’s new end-game vehicles – will be the Armored Train. It’s going to take all of the opposing team’s firepower and determination to turn it into a flaming wreck, lest it turns into a one-sided massacre. Elite Classes will be the Sentry, Flame Trooper, and Tank Hunter.

Both Conquest and Rush modes will be available for the Sinai Desert map during the open beta. The first is Battlefield’s signature objective-capture mode, supporting up to 64 players and a variety of vehicles, including that aforementioned Behemoth.

The latter pits 24-players into attacking and defending teams, with the attacking side tasked to destroy Telegraph Posts. These allow the defenders to call in artillery strikes and, once gone, the battle advances to the next sector and new set of posts.

Battlefield Insiders get to play the open beta a little earlier. Simply register for the email newsletter and pick your preferred gaming platform; just be sure to do so before 21 August.

Battlefield 1 itself launches worldwide on 21 October.