Current playtest status
The current WARDOGS playtest is the Closed Beta scheduled for August 21–23, 2026; the Closed Alpha has ended. Steam is the primary source for the Beta window and its two access routes. Pending confirmation / 待确认: exact opening, closing, preload, and server-region details have not been announced.
Use the dedicated guides for Closed Alpha, Closed Beta, Sign Up, Alpha Keys, and FirstLook. This hub keeps their current statuses separate. Each child guide links back here when the overall testing phase needs to be rechecked.
Two ways to seek Beta access
Steam currently presents two distinct access routes. The pre-purchase offer promises Beta entry, while Request Access places a Steam account into a selection process. Neither route should be confused with the older community waitlist.
- Pre-purchase WARDOGS: the official offer says this guarantees Closed Beta access.
- Request Access: non-buyers can request Steam Playtest access for a chance to be selected.
Requesting access is not the same as being selected. A wishlist, community account, Discord membership, or old Alpha registration also does not guarantee a Beta license. Only the entitlement visible on the player's Steam account establishes access to the current Steam test.
Official community signup
community.wardogs.com remains the official WARDOGS community registration portal. New users can register, while returning users can sign in to their FirstLook-powered dashboard. The portal supports future testing communication, but current Closed Beta eligibility must be read from the live Steam offer.
Alpha and Pre-Alpha history
WARDOGS ran small Pre-Alpha tests before expanding the player pool in June 2026. The later Closed Alpha concluded before the August 11 release-and-pre-order announcement, and the available external Alpha-key allocation had reached its limit. Archived Alpha pages explain that history but are not current access instructions.
Before the test starts
- Install and update the official Steam client.
- Sign in to the account that owns the pre-purchase or receives the Playtest license.
- Use a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC with at least 16 GB RAM.
- Keep at least 50 GB free, plus spare room for updates and cache.
- Read the latest official announcement for server hours and NDA conditions.
Avoid key and invite scams
This wiki never distributes access, keys, or download files. Do not buy an Alpha key, share a Steam password, send an authentication code, or install a third-party downloader. Use only Steam, the official community portal, and the Discord invite linked by Team17.
Confirmed facts stay separate from speculation.
Dates, prices, platforms, test access, downloads, and gameplay rules are checked against Steam, Team17, BULKHEAD, or another named first-party source. Community claims are labeled until independently confirmed.