WildStar Open Beta Launches With Exclusive Rewards

Carbine Studios has launched an open beta for WildStar. Anyone interested in the sci-fi MMORPG can download the PC client and start playing right away.

"From May 8th to May 18th, you will be able to visit our Open Beta page to request a key, and then hop into WildStar to experience content up to level 30," Carbine says. "If you have already participated in any other WildStar beta event, including beta weekends and stress tests, you don’t need a new key."

Furthermore, if you played a previous beta, you shouldn't need to download a new client from scratch. Just launch the existing copy of WildStar and download a patch.

Your characters from previous betas should be waiting for you as well. Carbine hasn't wiped characters since October. If you've played the test recently, then, you can continue your old characters' adventures. Don't get too attached to them, though, because they'll be deleted after the open beta ends.

European players won't have to play on North American servers starting with the open beta. All characters created on servers in North America have been copied over to Europe's servers.

Previous WildStar beta events were limited to level 25. The extra five levels give players access to new content. They can travel to the moon of Farside to encounter "badass, vicious, people eating extra-terrestrials." They can also team up with friends for a new Galeras Adventure. Five players must defend a fort from an invading army until reinforcements arrive.

"The opposing faction is going to throw everything they’ve got against you: Tanks, missile strikes, snipers, stealth assassins, and some hulking military commandos are trying to make your life hell while you are holding for reinforcements… maybe you should return the favor and kick some ass, cupcake!"

Characters will become much more powerful as they level to 30. They'll get two more class abilities and additional tier points. Players will also unlock the final ability slot for their hotbar.

Carbine Studios will give players rewards throughout the beta. By logging in once during the beta, you'll unlock the Highwayman Costume for the full version of the game. This sleek black suit makes your character look like a commando.

Also, every day that you log in during the open beta, you'll receive three Boom-Boxes. Once the game launches, you can open one of these Boom-Boxes per day for a random reward. Possible loot includes a Savage Warpig mount and a costume based on Raiden from Mortal Kombat.

WildStar will launch on June 3rd.