Closed Beta testing of the much-anticipated space action game Dreadnought begins this Friday, April 29. Developed by German indie-darling Yager (Spec Ops: The Line) and published by Grey Box (Grey Goo), Dreadnought stands unique among the new wave of upcoming science-fiction games as an action-packed PVP thrill ride built on top of a free-to-play MOBA-like multiplayer match structure.
In the Team Deathmatch and Elimination modes (the only multiplayer modes currently available), ten players ship up and face off in a 5-on-5 battle to the death – choosing from one of five ship classes (and dozens of subclasses), which are then outfitted and customized based on player preferences, team priorities, and strategy. When a vessel is destroyed, the captain may choose to rejoin the battle in the same ship, or change class based on their personal preference and the team’s needs.
Ship classes, weapon types, and defensive capabilities are only some of the factors a team must consider when facing off against the enemy however, as map layout, cover, and fancy flying can be just as game-changing in the hands of a skilled pilot.
Since revealing Dreadnought at E3 2014, Yager has published a library of in-game footage on YouTube, and even held regular developer streams on Twitch to demonstrate the gameplay and stylings of their newest game. Perhaps even more remarkable than the sheer awesomeness of witnessing giant space ships pound on each other with lasers, cannons, and nuclear missiles, however, is the raw beauty of battlefields. From the looming metal spires and gray skies of industrialized worlds, to the almost pristine glacial ice belts, and the beautiful star-scapes sci-fi gamers have grown accustomed to, Dreadnought is such a beauty to behold you almost wish everyone would stop fighting for a second and just take in the scenery. Almost.
In addition to the launch of the upcoming Closed Beta, Grey Box has recently begun selling premium Founder’s Packs. These Packs come in two flavors: Hunter Pack – selling for $9.99 and offering exclusive bonuses, ship decals, emblems, and access to a unique Hero Ship; and the Mercenary Pack – which sells for $39.99 and offering more bonuses, ship decals, emblems, and 5 unique Hero Ships. These Hero Ships are pre-fitted versions of existing subclasses, offering players the chance to jump right into the fray with access to more weapons and equipment.
Players who purchased either Founder’s Pack received access to the Closed Beta two days before it opens to all testers. Interested players can sign up for the test here.
