How to join Call of Duty Vanguard alpha: Dates, times, content and download size

After numerous leaks, Activision finally unveiled Call of Duty Vanguard to the world on 19th August 2021. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty Vanguard takes players back to the battlefields of WWII, featuring characters from Special Forces units, in a campaign that looks incredible. While the game only releases on 5th November, there's an open beta planned for mid-September. If you simply can't wait to play the next entry into the iconic FPS franchise, however, there's also a Call of Duty Vanguard alpha taking place.

Here's everything you need to know about the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha, from the exact dates and times, the download size, and even the content players will be able to experience for the first time.

Call of Duty Vanguard alpha: Dates & times

The Call of Duty Vanguard alpha has set dates and times, so mark your calendars. Players can start enjoying the alpha on Friday, 27th August at 10:00 PT (18:00 BST). The end date and time for the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha are 29th August at 10:00 PT (18:00 BST).

It is important to note that the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha is exclusive to PS4 and PS5. This means there will be no alpha for PC or Xbox gamers.

How to join the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha: pre-load links

On 23rd August at 11:00 BST, the pre-load for the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha will become available. It is free to everyone with a PS4 or PS5 console.

Furthermore, no PlayStation Plus subscription is required to join the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha.

Once the pre-load begins, players will be able to download the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha via the PlayStation Store. Find all the links depending on your region and console below.

PlayStation 5:

• PS5 Alpha: Americas.
• PS5 Alpha: Europe, Middle East, Australia, or New Zealand.
• PS5 Alpha: Japan.
• PS5 Alpha: Asia.

PlayStation 4:

• PS4 Alpha: Americas.
• PS4 Alpha: Europe, Middle East, Australia, or New Zealand.
• PS4 Alpha: Japan.
• PS4 Alpha: Asia.

Please note that these links will only become active once the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha pre-load starts.

Call of Duty Vanguard alpha content and download size

A leaked listing of the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha (via PlayStationSize) has revealed the download size at roughly 20 GB.

That's quite small, right? Well, this small download size for the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha is likely due to the alpha only featuring one piece of content: Champion Hill.

A total of four arenas (in one large map) will be available in the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha, which players can enjoy in the Champion Hill game mode. These include: 

• Airstrip
• Market
• Courtyard
• Trainyard

Champion Hill is a brand-new game mode mixing together elements from Gun Fight, Battle Royale and more. It will feature Duo or Trio matches during the Vanguard alpha, which will see teams compete in round-robin deathmatch against others. 

The goal is simple: reduce all other squads' life count to zero before your whole squad bites the dust. 

Activision explains how the Champions Hill game mode will work: "Everyone starts with the same Loadout, and while it can be lethal, collecting Cash - earned by taking enemy lives and picking up drops scattered around the map - will allow you to upgrade your starting weapons and purchase new armaments, equipment, Perks, and Killstreaks during Buy Rounds that happen between Combat Rounds.

"Champion Hill also takes place on one large map split up into five sections. Specifically, there is a central Buy Station Area and four arenas for Combat Rounds: the Airstrip, the Trainyard, the Market, and the Courtyard. Once you are eliminated, you can watch how the tournament ends from the Buy Station Area spectator platform, but ideally, you survive long enough to see victory for yourself."

Check out the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha trailer featuring the Champion Hill mode below.

So there you have it, all the details on the Call of Duty Vanguard alpha. Unfortunately for those who don't own a PS4 or PS5, they will have to wait until the open beta for PC and Xbox, which kicks off in mid-September 2021.

• Read more: How to get Call of Duty Vanguard beta access for free

Don't forget to check out our dedicated Call of Duty section, featuring a tonne of guides, news, leaks and much more for the iconic FPS franchise, including Vanguard!

For more Call of Duty news, be sure to check out our dedicated section or some of our MW2 Guides & Tutorials below:

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