Rock, Paper, Shotgun

Star Wars: The Old Republic Beta Giveaway

By John Walker on November 14th, 2011 at 10:09 am.

Register a beta account you will.

Would you like to play Star Wars: The Old Republic for a whole weekend? For free? See, I thought you would. EA plan a free server-stress-testing weekend in the very near future (they haven’t quite nailed down which weekend it will be yet, oddly enough), and we have 12,000 keys to give away. No, I typed that right. Twelve thousand. It’s first come, first served, and we recommend you click below right away before the rest of the internet gets wind of this.

If you’d like one, you need to make sure you’re logged into RPS (link at the top), and then head here. It will automagically give you a key, which you’ll then need to redeem at SWTOR.com before midnight on Friday 18th. Do that, and you’ll receive an email letting you know when the beta is taking place to whichever address you have associated with your SWTOR account. (Which of course you’ll need to play the game.) Simple.

(By the way – if you’ve previously registered on the SWTOR site, and have received an email from SWTOR telling you you’re invited to the weekend, you don’t need one of these codes.)

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132 Comments »

  1. 14/11/2011 at 10:12 Vexing Vision says:

    I’ll take four, please. Thank you!

  2. 14/11/2011 at 10:17 Cinek says:

    Minor remark: those who registered for Beta on TOR website before 11th November shouldn’t get the keys from RPS or any other service – leave them to others. You will be allowed to precipitate anyway. You should already get an e-mail about it :) (an e-mail that made many people, including me, confused regarding whatever I’m in already or I’m not… but I read from TOR admin that ppl will get the access after some time if they registered already)

    Now… we wait. :)

    Personally I can’t wait for this – want to see the game in action. It’ll help me decide whatever buy this game or not cause recently I jump between NOGO and GETIT states all the time – some trailers make me think that this game is a crap looking and working worse than KotOR2 did back few years ago, while other trailers make me think that it’s a huge marvel, one of very few amazing games of this decade… honestly: I don’t know what to think about it. Good that they plan to make this beta. I’ll get a chance to make up my mind.

  3. 14/11/2011 at 10:18 loloquaker says:

    Thanks!

  4. 14/11/2011 at 10:18 robzor says:

    thaaaaaaaaaaaanks RPS!

  5. 14/11/2011 at 10:19 Jarenth says:

    Cool, now I’ll be able to see what the lack of fuss is about. Thanks!

  6. 14/11/2011 at 10:19 orolin says:

    What if we’ve signed up for beta at Swtor.com a while back, and recently received an email form Bethesda saying we’ve been selected for beta participation – do we still need these keys? Or will we receive our own keys and additional info soon?

  7. 14/11/2011 at 10:21 GIGAR says:

    Epic! Thanks a ton :D

  8. 14/11/2011 at 10:21 Meneth says:

    Did you on purpose announce this while Reddit is down? :)

  9. 14/11/2011 at 10:22 Sp4rkR4t says:

    Why thank you kind sirs, wouldn’t mind an opportunity to look at this before I decide why it’s crap and ignore for all time.

  10. 14/11/2011 at 10:22 Icarus says:

    I can’t see where to go to actually redeem the key. :/

    Edit: Never mind, found it. You have to go to Account Management and then Redeem Keys.

  11. 14/11/2011 at 10:23 thomashanauer says:

    You, sir, are awesome.

  12. 14/11/2011 at 10:23 Digedy says:

    All hail Horace the grand provider!

  13. 14/11/2011 at 10:23 MadTinkerer says:

    Signed up!

    I think I’ll start as a Sith Inquisitor. Enough playing the good guy, I want to be an Evil Space Sorcerer! Mwahahahaha!

  14. 14/11/2011 at 10:24 itsshinzo says:

    From the official forums –

    These instructions only apply if you have secured a Beta Test Weekend Code from a media partner site. Click here for the list of participating sites.

    Congratulations on getting a Star Wars: The Old Republic Beta Code for our upcoming Beta Testing Weekend! Now you need to redeem your Beta Code before 11:59PM CST on Friday, November 18th to get into this Beta Testing Weekend! To help you along, we’ve provided these easy-to-understand steps that will guide you through the process of redeeming your code:
    Navigate your web browser to http://www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com
    Login to your http://www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com account by clicking the “Login” button at the top right corner of the website.
    a. If you do not have a StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com account, click “Sign Up” and fill in the appropriate information.
    Sign up for our Game Testing Program by going to http://www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/tester, and accept the Game Testing Agreement. This will enable your account for the Beta Testing Weekend.
    Ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements to run Star Wars: The Old Republic. You can see the minimum system requirements for yourself in our Frequently Asked Questions.
    Make your way to http://www.StarWarsTheOldRepublic.com/redeembetacode and redeem your Beta Code.

    Congratulations! Your account is now ready to take part in our Beta Testing Weekend. We want to thank you for taking part in this Beta Testing Weekend, and we hope you enjoy your time playing Star Wars: The Old Republic!

  15. 14/11/2011 at 10:24 akincih says:

    RPS i love uuuuuuuuuuuuu :D

  16. 14/11/2011 at 10:24 f1x says:

    Awesome, I redeemed the key
    My only doubt now is, is it possible to start downloading the client already? cause I dont see it at the SWTOR website

  17. 14/11/2011 at 10:25 TheLongKahn says:

    Ah, the glorious perks of working at night is getting first crack at things like this.

  18. 14/11/2011 at 10:25 Thaliost says:

    I had never had a reason to register with RPS before but in order to get the key, I did.

    In the registration form, I was prompted to reply to the question: “Who is the protagonist of the Half Life series?”

    Upon entering my most serious response of “#care”, I was informed that it is incorrect…

    Thank you for your attention :P

  19. 14/11/2011 at 10:26 sectR says:

    Must..Resist..Urge..To..Get..key..Twice..

  20. 14/11/2011 at 10:28 Notsane says:

    Hmm. Although I used mine on SWTOR.com, it seems you can also redeem it in Origin itself.

  21. 14/11/2011 at 10:29 scorpionbruno says:

    Can’t wait ,………………… tnx RPS .

  22. 14/11/2011 at 10:31 JB says:

    Thanks, RPS!

    ThRPS

  23. 14/11/2011 at 10:31 BlackHao says:

    Thank you RPS. You’re one of the reasons PC gaming still remains the best thing in this crazy world.

  24. 14/11/2011 at 10:32 hjarg says:

    Nice! Thanks a lot, RPS!

  25. 14/11/2011 at 10:32 silgidorn says:

    Thank You So Much!

  26. 14/11/2011 at 10:38 simakuutio says:

    Looks promising:

    By redeeming this code, you are now registered for the following:
    Message not found

    Well, let’s hope I’m in anyway :)

    EDIT: Seems like I got it right so …
    EDIT2: Hmm.. ok, I’m in but how I’m supposed to get that client? They will inform about that later on?

  27. 14/11/2011 at 10:39 Lujo says:

    Wow, looks like there’s a point in gettin up before noon after all. Thanks RPS!

  28. 14/11/2011 at 10:44 jemsin says:

    I would love one, if there are still any going!

  29. 14/11/2011 at 10:49 Magicmerly says:

    Thanks for this guys :)

  30. 14/11/2011 at 10:49 TheLordMoosey says:

    Can I have one please, Mr RPS? Thanks a bunch.

  31. 14/11/2011 at 10:51 johnpeat says:

    How to see the game at it’s very worst, surely?

    “Come try a game which we’re trying to break with a sheer INVASION of new players(*)”

    (*) idiots with only 2 days to cause chaos…

    Still, if it grabs you in that short time, it’s not a bad thing is it?

    • 14/11/2011 at 10:58 Gnoupi says:

      Obviously a volume test. Ironing the bugs was earlier, now is to check how servers handle a bigger amount of players. As such, they only need a short period of time, and they are sure to push people to connect at the same time frame, more or less.

      Because once again, beta =/= demo.

    • 14/11/2011 at 11:18 aircool says:

      You’ll be seeing the beta client of course. However, most bug fixes will already be in the works for the inevitable release day patch. So whilst you won’t be seeing the final game, it will still be fun.

  32. 14/11/2011 at 11:01 Mordolloc says:

    I want to thank RPS, Google reader and whoever created rss-feeds, otherwise i might have missed it.

    Thank you, thank you…

    Heh, had to resist the urge to write Morgan Freeman at the registering form question about half life.

  33. 14/11/2011 at 11:06 Rii says:

    Anyone else not receiving validation e-mail from the SWTOR site after registering?

    EDIT: nvm, just took a while to come through. Although I did re-request it.

  34. 14/11/2011 at 11:11 anthonyda says:

    NIce one :)

  35. 14/11/2011 at 11:14 Phinor says:

    I have a vague feeling this test is going to be a catastrophe considering the servers haven’t been that great even before inviting a million new players to test it.

    Does the game use instancing or good old wow-like system, whatever that method is called?

  36. 14/11/2011 at 11:15 aircool says:

    Twelve Thousand? Yeah :) Now that sounds like a proper stress test.

    Sadly, I’ll be sunning my pink arse in Cyprus. Not a bad thing though, I’m looking forward to the game without having the usual ‘beta fatigue’ for a change (although I did swipe a key for one of my guildies who hasn’t got one yet).

    But cheers RPS :))

  37. 14/11/2011 at 11:15 Rielthan says:

    Me please. Thank you RPS!

  38. 14/11/2011 at 11:19 Stense says:

    Ta ducks.

  39. 14/11/2011 at 11:21 sneetch says:

    Thanks RPS! I’m looking forward to giving the tyres a damn good kicking here (there are tyres, right? Space tyres?)

  40. 14/11/2011 at 11:33 KoenigNord says:

    Thanks alot, I missed the previous sign ups on EA’s site.

    When i saw IGN giving their keys only to paying subscribers i hoped so much that they won’t be the only platform with keys. Now you showed up :)

  41. 14/11/2011 at 11:41 TheSchwarz says:

    I’ve registered and tried to redeem the key, and I get this:

    By redeeming this code, you are now registered for the following:
    Message not found

    Any one got this? Or any idea what this means?

  42. 14/11/2011 at 11:48 Lobotomist says:

    If all the keys have run out, you’ll see a message below telling you so, and sadness if you look in a mirror:

    LOL

  43. 14/11/2011 at 11:50 megazver says:

    Congratulations!
    You have successfully redeemed the following code:
    COED GOEHS HEER
    You are now registered for the following items:
    Message not found

    El oh el.

  44. 14/11/2011 at 11:52 greg_ritter says:

    Wow, RPS, just wow. Thank you so much. We’ve talked about how to play beta with my mate only yesterday.

  45. 14/11/2011 at 12:00 StranaMente says:

    I was registered and received the email, but when I tried to download the client, first, it started with a 2 gigs video (or so it said), then it decided to start downloading 16 gigs client. Given that my top speed for most of the day is 50 kbps, I said, screw it, I don’t even like what I saw until now.
    I don’t want to spend 8 days to download it.
    Seriously 18 gigs?
    Why don’t they take the Guild Wars route, to download only the part that are necessary, and then make the player download the other parts as he moves?

  46. 14/11/2011 at 12:07 hymnharmonia says:

    I… can’t be bothered to sign up, honestly.
    Is it alright if I post my code here for grabbing?

  47. 14/11/2011 at 12:49 mod the world says:

    I just redeemed my code on Origin, i hope that’s as good as making an account at SWTOR.com.

  48. 14/11/2011 at 12:49 Palmer3 says:

    Got it. You guys are awesome. Thanks.

  49. 14/11/2011 at 12:52 ElvisNeedsBoats says:

    Terrific folks. Thanks for posting this.

  50. 14/11/2011 at 13:00 harddrivefinny says:

    Much appreciated guise.

  51. 14/11/2011 at 13:02 CerberuX says:

    Why thankyou RPS!

  52. 14/11/2011 at 13:08 JagRoss says:

    Guess who lives in a country where the weekends are Thursday and Friday?

  53. 14/11/2011 at 13:17 Yokorose says:

    everytime i click on click here it tells me to log on then wants me to update me profile D:

    • 14/11/2011 at 14:07 Knurrunkulus says:

      Same here. I always land on my profile page after logging in at RPS, and have to open RPS in another tab, where I am then (what kind of mischief is this?) not shown as logged in. And although I can obviously type comments, as soon as I click on “Login” I am prompted to login again (which I already am). Is this normal or just some crazy mistake that thought to himself this morning: “Hey, you know what? This is as good a day as any to mess up the login system of RPS a bit.”

  54. 14/11/2011 at 13:36 utharda says:

    I would enjoy experiencing massive server lag. So, if I could be one of the hive minds proud 12k, I’d consider contributing 2 tins of biscuits this year.

  55. 14/11/2011 at 13:50 The Ninja Foodstuff formerly known as ASBO says:

    Is this going to require me to use origin? Probably should have read that before I applied for a key.

  56. 14/11/2011 at 14:00 Knurrunkulus says:

    How come that, when logging in to RPS, I always(!) land on my profile update page? Also I’m not really shown as “logged in” in the upper right. When I click on “Login” (although I am already logged in) it prompts me to login again. BUT I AM! See, login program, I am typing this comment! This means I surely am logged in, doesn’t it? So I guess my question is: What is going on? ;)

  57. 14/11/2011 at 14:06 eftomas says:

    trying

  58. 14/11/2011 at 14:24 xh0b0tx says:

    Give me some key please.

  59. 14/11/2011 at 14:28 wschwa12 says:

    Used the code I got on this site and said it had already been used. Cool! That was a waste of twenty minutes.

  60. 14/11/2011 at 14:42 Sinnorfin says:

    If there’s one left, i’d like one, Thanks in advance:)

  61. 14/11/2011 at 14:48 bo says:

    I’ll take one – thanks!

  62. 14/11/2011 at 15:35 Khelthos says:

    Thanks!

  63. 14/11/2011 at 15:38 BathroomCitizen says:

    Thanks, RPS.

  64. 14/11/2011 at 15:41 annonashera says:

    I’d love a beta key. Long time reader, don’t comment often but you guys do fantastic work.

  65. 14/11/2011 at 15:50 beikul says:

    Thanks for the key.

    It seems that if you register for SWTOR.com using the email address tied to your Origin account then the Origin password gets updated. So if you try and run BF3 a bit later and get ‘cannot log in to Origin’ that’s why (i.e. if you use the SWTOR password to log in to Origin it will work)

  66. 14/11/2011 at 15:56 Adeimantus says:

    Please send one my way!

  67. 14/11/2011 at 15:59 archnos says:

    I would very much appreciate one of your beta keys, thank you.

  68. 14/11/2011 at 16:05 SiHy_ says:

    No thanks. Thanks for the offer though.

  69. 14/11/2011 at 16:31 asbestoslung says:

    Thank you

  70. 14/11/2011 at 17:04 pupsikaso says:

    Will I have to install Origin to play this?

  71. 14/11/2011 at 17:08 Shandrakor says:

    Ta Muchly!

  72. 14/11/2011 at 17:17 mac316 says:

    Hey.

    May I get a code for this please. I will treasure it as much as my dog. :D

  73. 14/11/2011 at 17:17 ner0 says:

    I press the “Enter a Code” button @ https://account.swtor.com/user/codes but nothing happens, it just reloads the page… :(

  74. 14/11/2011 at 17:18 faillord_adam says:

    Oh bollocks.

    I deleted the email saying that I had to update my password, and now this. I’m not recieving the email letting me change it after I selected forgot my password. I’ll just give my key to a friend.

  75. 14/11/2011 at 17:21 ner0 says:

    I press the “Enter a Code” button and nothing happens… Just reloads the page :(
    Is it happening to anyone else? Is this restricted to a list of countries or what?

  76. 14/11/2011 at 17:25 bobebop says:

    Please, sir, may you relieve my tortured soul with a beta key? Thank you kindly

  77. 14/11/2011 at 17:25 xl 4ndre lx says:

    Awesome, Thanks RPS.

  78. 14/11/2011 at 17:56 Larkington says:

    Thank you RPS, you were my only hope.

  79. 14/11/2011 at 18:19 wyrmsine says:

    Thanks, RPS!

  80. 14/11/2011 at 18:23 nNick says:

    When can i get may key?

  81. 14/11/2011 at 18:44 Nyst says:

    Got my key, went to login, didn’t let me. It was trying to merge it with my EA account, but failing horribly, getting things like my birthdate wrong but refusing to let me change it. Then I saw that getting Origin was also required. I’d love to get an early look at the game but I honestly think I’ll pass. Thanks for the keys though, really nice thing you guys did.

  82. 14/11/2011 at 20:00 hombregato says:

    I hope I get one of these. Most anticipated game.

  83. 14/11/2011 at 20:31 Kallor says:

    Me too please. Thank you RPS!

  84. 14/11/2011 at 22:08 zenkuso says:

    Awesome RPS!

    So once you had a reason for me to make a account and comment to boot ^_^

  85. 14/11/2011 at 22:31 Eynonz says:

    May one have a code to partake in one’s beta?

  86. 14/11/2011 at 22:41 roguewombat says:

    Shame they buried their system requirements so well. I grabbed a beta key before I finally found what amounts to little more than a footnote in the pre-order FAQ that Mac OS X is not supported. : (

  87. 14/11/2011 at 23:06 Larkington says:

    People just don’t read, do they? There’s a link in the post to click. Simple as that.

  88. 14/11/2011 at 23:14 FreakofEat says:

    Now, I only felt the need to sign up for RPS now but I require some assistance D:
    The site says my key has already been used :S What do?

  89. 14/11/2011 at 23:36 winnerza says:

    Thanks RPS

  90. 15/11/2011 at 02:08 overburning says:

    thx RPS!!!

  91. 15/11/2011 at 02:42 Ultimus Maximus says:

    Thank you RPS!

  92. 15/11/2011 at 16:50 adidaspezial says:

    Thanks RPS

    I saved the betakey in a yellow-note on my phone yesteerday

    today my beta-code was at first invalid when typing manually on keyboard in reedem field at https://account.swtor.com/user/codes and i cecked it 3 times but it still didnt work.

    i had to Ctrl copy/paste it from RPS to work. haha weird.

    :-)

  93. 15/11/2011 at 21:23 redbeard80 says:

    woot for WOT. I would love a key.

  94. 16/11/2011 at 10:10 JediEagle says:

    Hey, where do I get the client, cant seem to find it anywhere :D

  96. 17/11/2011 at 20:51 Atrophis says:

    If their website is running this badly already, I fear for the stability of the game servers. Absolutely awful.

  97. 17/11/2011 at 20:56 Atrophis says:

    If this is how well their website works now, I fear for the stability of the game servers. Absolutely awful.

  98. 17/11/2011 at 23:40 Mamutte says:

    Wow! Nice.

  99. 31/05/2012 at 07:34 CloneWars11red2 says:

    i think it leaded me to a WOT code thing

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