The multiplayer beta for "Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War" won't take place on PC until October 15, but it will begin this weekend (specifically, October 8) on PlayStation 4. With the start just a few days away, Activision has released details on how to participate, what to expect once the digital bullets start flying, and more.

The dates are already confirmed: this week's round of testing is PS4 only, with players who pre-ordered the game on PC and Xbox able to play starting October 15. All other players can participate in the full beta opening on October 17. A Battle.net account is required to participate and can be accessed through the "Partner Games" listing in the Battle.net client; beta pre-load on PC will begin at 8:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. CST) on October 13.

Activision says the beta will include a "mix of maps, modes, and playlists" and a progression system that will allow players to unlock weapons, equipment, Create-a-Class slots, and Scorestreaks. He also half-warns, half-announces that there will be frequent updates and "little surprises" during the beta. Players who reach level 10 in the beta will receive a blueprint for the Mutual Animosity SMG when the game goes live.

And here's what you'll need to play:

Minimum:

Recommended:

Not much to see yet, but Activision says more details about the multiplayer beta's game modes and loadout will be on callofduty.com The company said that they will be posted on the site. Last week, the company premiered Cold War's all-new Zombies mode and teased a new approach to character customization based on "psychological profiles."