The free beta, available exclusively for PS4 players who own a copy of the series-spanning compilation Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, offers two playable maps, multiple gameplay goals, and a progression system that unlocks new content throughout.
Uncharted 4‘s multiplayer beta features a range of playable characters featured in previous Uncharted games, including Nathan Drake, Sully, Elena, Sam, Katherine Marlow, and Lazarevic. Players compete in a series of Team Deathmatch sessions designed to test Sony’s online infrastructure.
Starting today, players can access the beta by highlighting physical or digital copies of Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection from the PS4’s dashboard, selecting “Overview,” and choosing the “Uncharted 4 Multiplayer Beta” tile. The beta client weighs in at 7 GB, and requires save data from The Nathan Drake Collection in order to function.
During the Uncharted 4 multiplayer beta, players will get an early look at new features like Mysticals and Sidekicks. Mysticals, chosen as part of a player’s loadout, trigger supernatural elements and creatures that can turn the tide in battle. Players can call upon the Cintamani Stone from Uncharted 2 in order to revive allies to full health, for instance, while Uncharted 3‘s returning Spirit of Djinn grants a limited-time teleportation ability.
Another major addition to Uncharted 4‘s multiplayer mode is the Sidekick, which players can deploy mid-match via an in-game store. Sidekicks are helper characters that serve specific roles in combat; Snipers can defend specified locations at a distance, while Brutes can distract opponents and soak up a ton of damage. Also available are Saviors, which restore health and dispense ammo, and Hunters, which restrain nearby enemies.
The Uncharted 4 multiplayer beta starts today and extends through December 13th. Player progress will not carry over into the full version of Uncharted 4, which launches in March exclusively for the PlayStation 4.
