Skip to main content

Crash Team Rumble beta: dates, how to play, and rewards

Crash Bandicoot was once thought long dead and buried, however, after a fantastic remake of his original trilogy, plus a new fourth entry that brought the classic platformer into the modern day, everyone was curious as to where the orange shorts-wearing marsupial would go next. What no one could’ve predicted is Crash Team Rumble, a competitive multiplayer game where two teams of four attempt to capture the most Wumpa fruit. While the game’s official release date is set for June 20, those interested will be able to get in on the action early during the closed beta. As this isn’t an open beta, we’ll let you know how to get in, when the beta will run, and what rewards (if any) you can earn.

How to access the Crash Team Rumble closed beta

The only way to secure your spot in the Crash Team Rumble closed beta is to preorder the full game. This can either be the Standard Edition ($30) or the Deluxe Edition ($40).

Once you’ve got your copy preordered, the closed beta test will run from April 20 through April 24. During this time you will be able to play as five characters: Crash, Coco, Tawna, Neo Cortex, and Dingodile, each of which fit into the roles of Scorers, Blockers, and Boosters. Each character will have their own skills and abilities to master. Of course, there will be more classic Crash Bandicoot characters available in the full version of the game.

The beta will feature three maps called Just Beachy, Calamity Canyon, and Tiki Towers.

The beta gives an early look at the game and learn how some of the characters and maps play, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to carry anything earned during the beta into the full release. The only way to earn any rewards early would be to preorder the Deluxe Edition that comes with the following bonuses when the game fully launches in June:

  • Premium Battle Pass for seasons 1 and 2
  • 25-tier instant unlock for season 1 Premium Battle Pass
  • Digital Proto Pack:
    • 8 “Blocky” hero skins
    • Pixelated shadow
    • “Blocky” hat
    • “Get on my level” victory music
    • “Blocky” Score FX
    • Unique banner
    • “Blocky” backpack

Editors' Recommendations

Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox loves writing, games, and complaining about not having time to write and play games. He knows the names of more…
Nintendo Switch’s weirdest launch game is getting a surprise sequel
Key art for Everybody 1-2-Switch!

Nintendo has quietly announced Everybody 1-2-Switch!, a sequel to one of the oddest launch titles for Nintendo Switch.
1-2-Switch! was a Nintendo Switch launch title that served as a tech demo of sorts for the Joy-Con controllers, with players completing minigames based on direction from actors in live-action clips. It's a very quirky and critically divisive Nintendo Switch game, so it's a bit surprising to see a follow-up. According to the eShop listing for Everybody 1-2-Switch!, this game lets players use their Joy-Cons or smartphones to complete a variety of team-based minigames. And that's about all we've seen or know about this $30 game ahead of its June 30 launch alongside some new pastel Joy-Cons.

Everybody 1-2-Switch!'s announcement was quite unorthodox for Nintendo. It simply tweeted about the game's existence and opened up preorders on the eShop. This all happened with no reveal trailer less than a month before the game's launch. It's unknown why Nintendo's taking this approach instead of including the game in a Nintendo Direct or other major showcase, but a 2022 report from Fanbyte may reveal the answer. According to that report, Everybody 1-2-Switch! tested horribly, and Nintendo worried that the game could "damage the company’s reputation as a great software developer." 
Almost a year after that report, it seems that the game has improved enough to release, or maybe Nintendo is just willing to take the hit after the impressive launch and critical reception of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Either way, this is a weird sequel to a weird Nintendo Switch launch game that's being mutedly marketed so it doesn't elicit much hype. We'll just have to wait and play it for ourselves if we want to know whether Everybody 1-2-Switch! is an enjoyable game or not.
Everybody 1-2-Switch! will be released physically and digitally for Nintendo Switch on June 30.

Read more
How to play Diablo 4 with friends
An adventuring party approaches a dungeon door in Diablo 4.

When you're going up against Lilith and her demonic army in Diablo 4, even a warrior as powerful as yourself could use a hand. While playing with friends has been possible in the series for some time now, it is much more fleshed out in the latest entry. This is an always-online game, meaning you will come across other players naturally as you play, and you have the option to partner up with them. While that's great, you will likely want to play with your friends first and foremost. Here's how you can form your ideal party of champions with friends in Diablo 4.

Read more
How to change your title in Diablo 4
Diablo 4 promotional image of Lillith

Despite creating a custom character, and even giving them a name, in Diablo 4, you are really only referred to as Wanderer during the game itself. Your name does appear to other players, however, as well as something called a Title. These are comprised of two words that add a little flavor and personality to you character. The thing is, even as you unlock more options as you play, the game doesn't give you much of a tutorial in how to customize it. Rather than walk around with your default Title for the entire game, spice things up by learning how to change your Title in Diablo 4,

Read more