To play a game’s beta on Steam, open that game’s Properties from your Library, select Betas, and choose an available branch. Steam will download the selected build; launch the game after the update finishes. If the branch is missing, it may be private or unavailable to your account.
Join an available beta branch
- Open Steam and select Library.
- Right-click the game, or open its Manage menu, and choose Properties.
- Select the Betas tab.
- Under beta participation, choose the branch you want from the menu.
- Wait for Steam to download and install the update, then select Play in the Library.
This is the workflow in Steam Support’s CS2 beta instructions; labels and available branches can vary by client version and game. Choosing a branch changes the installed game build. The download size depends on how different that build is from the files already installed.
Why the beta branch may not appear
A missing option does not necessarily indicate a Steam problem. The game may not currently offer a beta, the developer may not have enabled access for your account, or the branch may be private. Developers configure testing access and can use public or restricted tests, branches, or a separate Steam Playtest app, as described in Valve’s Steamworks testing documentation.
Check the game’s official announcement or instructions for eligibility, timing, and whether an access code is required. Do not enroll in the Steam Client Beta to try to unlock a game branch: that setting changes the Steam client, not the game’s beta access.
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#1 Best Overall
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50 MM DRIVERS — Our cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lows—producing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — An improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides, with the sweet spot easily placed at the mouth because of the mic’s bendable design
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Sturdy closed earcups fully cover the ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH MEMORY FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240 g, the headset features thicker headband padding and memory foam ear cushions with leatherette to keep gaming in peak form during grueling tournaments and training sessions
- WORKS WITH WINDOWS SONIC — Make the most of the headset’s powerful drivers by pairing it with lifelike surround sound that places audio with pinpoint accuracy, heightening in-game awareness and immersion
Enter a private beta access code
- Open the game’s Properties and go to Betas.
- Enter the code supplied by the game’s developer or publisher in the beta access-code field, then use the check-code control.
- After the private branch becomes available in the menu, select it and let Steam update the game.
A code is specific to the relevant game and test; it is not a universal Steam password. Get it from the game’s official source and follow that title’s eligibility instructions. For example, the publisher’s Meet Your Maker closed playtest instructions describe a code-then-select-branch process, but its access rules should not be assumed to apply to other games.
Switch back to the public version
Return to the game’s Properties → Betas menu and select None (or the equivalent opt-out option). Steam Support says this restores the current public files; Steam may need to download them again, and the size depends on the builds involved. The CS2 support instructions use the same opt-out method.
Rank #2
- 【Amazing Stable Connection-Quick Access to Games】Real-time gaming audio with our 2.4GHz USB & Type-C ultra-low latency wireless connection. With less than 30ms delay, you can enjoy smoother operation and stay ahead of the competition, so you can enjoy an immersive lag-free wireless gaming experience.
- 【Game Communication-Better Bass and Accuracy】The 50mm driver plus 2.4G lossless wireless transports you to the gaming world, letting you hear every critical step, reload, or vocal in Fortnite, Call of Duty, The Legend of Zelda and RPG, so you will never miss a step or shot during game playing. You will completely in awe with the range, precision, and audio quality your ears were experiencing.
- 【Flexible and Convenient Design-Effortless in Game】Ideal intuitive button layout on the headphones for user. Multi-functional button controls let you instantly crank or lower volume and mute, quickly answer phone calls, cut songs, turn on lights, etc. Ease of use and customization, are all done with passion and priority for the user.
- 【Less plug, More Play-Dual Input From 2.4GHz & Bluetooth】 Wireless gaming headset adopts high performance dual mode design. With a 2.4GHz USB dongle, which is super sturdy, lag＜30ms, perfectly made for gamers. Bluetooth mode only work for phone, laptop and switch. And 3.5mm wired mode (Only support music and call).
- 【Wide Compatibility with Gaming Devices】Setup the perfect entertainment system by plugging in 2.4G USB. The convenience of dual USB work seamlessly with your PS5,PS4, PC, Mac, Laptop, Switch and saves you from swapping cables.
Know which kind of early access you have
| Access type | What it means | How access works |
|---|---|---|
| Game beta branch | An alternate build of a game | Select it in that game’s Properties → Betas menu; availability depends on the game and account. |
| Steam Client Beta | Pre-release features for the Steam application | Enroll through Steam’s own Settings and restart the client. It does not select a game branch. See Steam Support’s client beta instructions. |
| Steam Playtest | A developer-managed playtesting arrangement | Access and timing are controlled by the developer; it may be presented separately from the owned game. See Steamworks documentation. |
| Early Access | A store release model for a game still in development | It is not another name for a beta branch or a private testing setup; Valve distinguishes these models in its Early Access documentation. |
| Advance Access | Pre-release play offered with certain qualifying pre-purchases | Availability is at the participating developer or publisher’s discretion and is not configured through the Betas tab. See Steam Support’s Advance Access explanation. |
Before switching branches
Branch changes can affect more than which build launches. Developers may set different eligibility rules and testing arrangements. Check that game’s official announcement for how to report issues, whether saves carry between branches, and any gameplay limitations; Steam does not establish one save-file policy that applies to every title.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ADVANCED PASSIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — sturdy closed earcups fully cover ears to prevent noise from leaking into the headset, with its cushions providing a closer seal for more sound isolation.
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND FOR POSITIONAL AUDIO — Outfitted with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers, capable of software-enabled surround sound. *Only available on Windows 10 64-bit
- TRIFORCE TITANIUM 50MM HIGH-END SOUND DRIVERS — With titanium-coated diaphragms for added clarity, our new, cutting-edge proprietary design divides the driver into 3 parts for the individual tuning of highs, mids, and lowsproducing brighter, clearer audio with richer highs and more powerful lows
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN WITH BREATHABLE FOAM EAR CUSHIONS — At just 240g, the BlackShark V2X is engineered from the ground up for maximum comfort
- RAZER HYPERCLEAR CARDIOID MIC — Improved pickup pattern ensures more voice and less noise as it tapers off towards the mic’s back and sides
Rank #4
- Enjoy expansive cinematic sound. Big 50 mm audio drivers deliver an incredible sound experience
- Hear Enemies From All Sides. DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound(1) lets you hear enemies sneaking behind you, special ability cues, and immersive environments. It’s positional clarity that can make the difference between victory and defeat. Experience three-dimensional audio that goes beyond 7.1 channels to make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. (1) DTS Headphone:X 2.0 requires Logitech G HUB Software.
- Be Heard Loud and Clear. The big 6 mm boom mic makes sure you’re heard by gaming partners and mutes when flipped up.
- Use One Headset For Most Game Platforms. Your headphones work with your PC or Mac via USB DAC or 3.5 mm cable, mobile devices with 3.5 mm cable or with gaming consoles including PlayStationⓇ 5 and PlayStationⓇ 4 (USB wireless stereo sound only), Nintendo Switch (wireless stereo sound when docked)
- Game for Hours in Comfort. Everything about these headphones is about comfort: The deluxe lightweight leatherette ear cups and headband are made to keep pressure off your ears. Ear cups rotate up to 90 degrees for convenience.
Rank #3
- Immersive 7.1 Surround Sound: This gaming headset delivering stereo surround sound for realistic audio. Whether you're in a high-speed FPS battle or losing yourself RPG adventures, this Ps5 headset provides crisp treble, punchy bass, and precise directional cues, giving you a competitive edge
- Great Humanized Design: Comfortable and breathable permeability protein over-ear pads perfectly on your head, adjustable headband distributes pressure evenly, you’ll enjoy lasting comfort during hours of gaming and suitable for all gaming players of all ages
- Sensitivity Noise-Cancelling Microphone: 360° omnidirectionally rotatable sensitive microphone, premium noise cancellation, sound localisation, your voice comes through loud and natural, ensuring your teammates catch every callout, even in chaotic battle scenes.
- Universal Compatibility: This gaming headphone support for PC, Ps5, Ps4, Xbox one, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, Laptop, Mobile Phone and other devices with 3.5mm jack.Note 1: When you use headset on your PC, be sure to connect the "1-to-2 3.5mm audio jack splitter cable" (Red-Mic, Green-audio). (Please note you need an extra Microsoft Adapter when connect with an old version Xbox One controller)
- Cool style gaming experience: Colorful RGB lights create a gorgeous gaming atmosphere, adding excitement to every match. Heightening immersion for FPS, MOBA, and action titles. These eye-catching lights give your setup a gamer-ready look while maintaining focus on performance. (*Note: The USB connector is for LED lighting only)
