You’ve been waiting for months to get your hands on the Gears of War: Reloaded beta, but when launch day finally arrives, nothing works—no download option. No matchmaking. No fun.
Frustrating, right?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Players across PC and Xbox are running into beta access issues, server problems, and crashes. The good news? Most of these bugs have simple workarounds.
Here’s a complete, up-to-date guide to help you fix the Gears beta not working so you can get back to fragging Locusts in no time.
Top Issues Players Are Facing (And What They Mean)
Let’s start by identifying the most common problems reported so far:
Beta Won’t Launch or Says “Too Early”
This usually means:
- The servers aren’t live yet (despite the clock saying otherwise).
- Your account doesn’t have verified access yet.
Endless Matchmaking Loop or Kicked From Lobby
Even if you can launch the game, you might get stuck looking for matches or be thrown out before gameplay begins.
Black Screen or Freezes on Startup
If the beta loads but hangs on a blank screen, it’s often due to system compatibility or missing files.
Game Crashes to Desktop (Especially on PC)
This could be tied to outdated drivers, system conflicts, or corrupted installation.
Fix 1: Make Sure You’re Actually Eligible
The beta is exclusive, meaning not everyone can join. To access it, you must have:
- A digital pre-order of Gears of War: Reloaded (Ultimate or Standard Edition)
- Or an active Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscription
🔎 Note: Physical pre-orders do NOT grant instant access unless otherwise specified.
Solution:
- On Xbox or PC, search for “Gears of War: Reloaded Multiplayer Beta” in your game library or Microsoft Store.
- If it’s missing, check that you’re signed into the correct Xbox/Microsoft account that holds the pre-order or subscription.
Fix 2: Restart, Reset, and Refresh
Sounds basic, but this solves a surprising number of issues.
On Xbox:
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds to fully power-cycle the console.
- Restart your router while you’re at it.
On PC:
- Fully exit the Xbox App or Steam
- Restart your computer
- Relaunch the platform, and try to access the beta again
💡 Pro Tip: Clear cache on Xbox by unplugging for 30 seconds after shutdown.
Fix 3: Server Overload? Try Again in 15–30 Minutes
Many of these issues—especially matchmaking and login failures—are tied to server congestion. When thousands of players log in at once, things break.
👉 What You Can Do:
- Enable Cross-Play in your settings to widen matchmaking pools.
- Set your lobby to public instead of private.
- Avoid spam-clicking “Join Match”—wait 5–10 minutes and try again.
- Check Twitter (@GearsofWar) or Xbox Support for real-time updates.
Fix 4: PC-Specific Fixes (Game Not Launching)
For Game Pass PC users:
- Open Xbox App → Right-click the beta → Click “Repair”
- Ensure Windows is updated to the latest version
- Disable overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience)
For Steam users:
- Go to Library → Right-click game → Properties → Verify integrity of game files
- Update your graphics drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)
🔧 If crashing at launch:
Turn off DirectX 12 (if you see an option), reduce resolution, and try windowed mode.
Fix 5: NAT Type, Ports, and Firewall
Poor network setup can block access.
On Xbox:
- Go to Settings → Network → Test NAT Type
- If it shows Strict, forward required ports or switch to a wired connection
On PC:
- Turn off VPNs or proxies temporarily
- Add the game to your antivirus/firewall exceptions
- Restart your router for a fresh IP session
Gears Beta Schedule (For Reference)
Beta is expected to run across two weekends:
- Weekend 1: June 13–15
- Weekend 2: June 20–22
If you miss the first or experience errors, you’ll likely get another shot in the next session.
Quick Reference Table
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “Too early” error | Not activated / wrong account | Check access, restart |
| Beta not showing | Wrong edition or platform | Reinstall / double-check entitlement |
| Stuck in queue | Server overload | Wait, enable Cross-Play |
| Game crash on PC | Drivers, bad files | Update drivers, verify files |
| Network issues | Strict NAT, VPNs | Reboot router, change settings |
Community Tips (From Real Players)
“Power cycle your Xbox. It unlocked right after that.”
– @ArjunPlayz, Xbox Series X user
“Matchmaking worked after turning on cross-play and setting my lobby to public.”
– Sneha, PC Gamer in India
“I had to uninstall and reinstall. Took time, but it finally launched.”
– Raj, Game Pass PC user
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. I pre-ordered, why can’t I access the beta?
Only digital pre-orders or Game Pass users have instant access. If you used a third-party retailer, access may be delayed or not included.
2. Is the beta open to everyone later?
So far, access is limited, but an open beta could be announced if servers stabilize and feedback is strong.
3. How do I report a bug?
Use the in-game feedback tool or tag @GearsofWar on social media with logs or screenshots.
4. Why is matchmaking not working at all?
Server overload, especially during the first hours of the beta, can break matchmaking. Try again later or switch regions if available.
5. Will my beta progress carry over?
Beta progress usually doesn’t transfer, but cosmetics earned during the test may carry into launch day.
Final Thoughts
Technical issues are part of the beta experience—but that doesn’t make them less frustrating. The good news? Most Gears of War: Reloaded beta problems are temporary, and following a few simple steps can get you back online.
- Restart your device
- Confirm your access
- Check your network
- Be patient with the servers
If all else fails, Weekend 2 might bring smoother gameplay and a fresh chance to join in.