WARDOGS, BULKHEAD’s 100-player tactical FPS, enters Steam Early Access on September 10, while pre-order customers can play in the August 21–23 Closed Beta. The game will launch at $39.99 after passing 800,000 Steam wishlists.

BULKHEAD and Team17 have finally dated the Early Access release of WARDOGS for September 10. Anyone who buys it in advance is guaranteed entry to a three-day Closed Beta, offering a chance to judge the current build before the paid work-in-progress launches. That matters here because the studio is selling access at the beginning of a longer development phase, not presenting the September version as a finished product.

Pre-orders for an Early Access game are unusual, and BULKHEAD openly acknowledges the potential concern. CEO Joe Brammer argues that beta access is meant to give customers evidence rather than asking them to rely on marketing promises alone. “Every pre-order includes access to the Closed Beta, so players can get hands-on, see exactly where the game is today and make up their own minds”, he said.

Three teams, 100 players and an economy with consequences

The main Control Zone mode splits 100 people between three competing factions fighting over a shifting objective. Tactical gunplay is mixed with vehicles, construction, environmental destruction and large-scale coordination. Proximity voice chat can be heard across all three teams, opening the door to unpredictable exchanges with both allies and opponents.

Cash is not merely a match score. It pays for equipment and vehicles, while costly mistakes remain reflected in the player’s balance. Early Access begins with three maps, each available in three variations. BULKHEAD says stability, performance, balance and bug fixing will take priority, alongside work on the broader meta game and long-term progression planned for version 1.0.

The developers also promise no conventional in-game monetisation during Early Access. An optional Supporters Edition will contain cosmetic items, but players will not be able to purchase in-game cash, gold bars or status-based camouflage. The announced $39.99 price is part of a stepped model, so the completed release is expected to cost more.

Source: BULKHEAD/Team17