The beta launch of Age of Empires 4 is scheduled for later in the week

Beta will allow multiplayer and versus AI matches up to eight players.

Age of Empires 4 is coming on October 28, but before that happens a closed beta test set to kick off on August 5 will give Age Insiders a chance to get their hands on the game and see what it’s really like.

The tutorial mission will be included in the beta. It teaches building, combat basics and “other core skill” and also supports multiplayer and versus AI matches up to eight players. While only a small number of maps will be made available for beta, each map will have user-selectable options regarding size and appearance. Four of the eight launch-day civilizations are also playable in the beta: Mongol and English.