How do I get GalCiv beta?

Do I just purchase the game from this site? Does it matter which version (CD or download)? And after purchasing will I receive an e-mail with instructions how to get the beta version?
Thanks in advance for replies.
25,015 views 24 replies
Reply #1 Top
I think the Beta is closed right now. The last I read, Stardock was closing it to the general public until Beta version 3 is ready, then it was going to be reopened for people who pre-order the game. If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will reply to this post and correct me.

Just so you know, you aren't really missing much "fun" right now. The current version (Beta 2) is very much incomplete in the gameplay area. Those of us who are testing are trying to find bugs in the GUI and game engine, and just providing general feedback to the game developers. Its worth waiting for Beta 3 - should be very cool and more complete.

- Proud Canadian
Reply #2 Top
If you do want Beta 2, you can still obtain it by pre-ordering GalCiv II from TotalGaming.net.
Reply #3 Top
Thanks for the replies.

Do you know when Beta 3 is scheduled?
Reply #4 Top

Late August / early September is my guess.

Reply #5 Top
As a further question, after you pre-order the game should you get an e-mail with instructions and how do you get the beta when it is available?

Thank you, Crochet
Reply #6 Top
Stardock has an application called "Stardock Central" (when people say SDC on these forums that's what they're talking about). You install SDC (download from the Stardock website), enter the serial key from your pre-order confirmation email, and SDC will get the most up-to-date copy of the Beta and install it to your machine. Every time you run SDC it will check for updates/patches for all your installed Stardock software and download/install them if any are available.
Reply #7 Top
Well, I have preordered from TotalGaming, and recieved only a purchase conformation number, no serial number
I wonder how do I get even beta 3 without the serial number.
Reply #8 Top
I have recieved a conformation e-mail but the registration/serial number for galciv II is not included. Will i not recieve this code until beta 3 or should i have received it already?
Reply #9 Top

MxM111 - If you can email [email protected] with the email address you have your TotalGaming.net membership under, we can check this out for you. I checked under the email your forum account is under and you don't have a TG.net account associated with it.

Crochet - You won't get any further info until we charge the pre-order later this year.

Reply #10 Top
Did you install Stardock Central yet? I don't have TotalGaming, I purchased the GalCiv games individually. SDC may treat a TotalGaming subscription differently. I think they have "tokens" or something, and you choose the games you want to download through SDC by spending your tokens to buy the ones you want.

You should try emailing one of the Stardock folks. They are pretty good about getting back to customers quickly. Cari Elf is one of the game developers. Look through some of the posts on here and you should be able to dig up her email. She will direct you to someone at Stardock who can help you fix your Beta download problem.
Reply #11 Top
#9 by Yarlen
MxM111 - If you can email [email protected] with the email address you have your TotalGaming.net membership under, we can check this out for you. I checked under the email your forum account is under and you don't have a TG.net account associated with it.


Hmm, I can login on totalgaming site using the same e-mail. And I did send e-mail to support without any success. I am sending it second time with your message in it. Thank you for your help
Reply #12 Top
double post
Reply #13 Top
Btw Canadian, Yarlen here is also a Stardockian.
Reply #15 Top
Well, finally support replied, and they say that I needed to go through the token system in order to get beta.Crap!

Do you know if I still have time to cancel preorder and by the tokens and get the beta?
Reply #16 Top
You've got time. Just email [email protected] with your request.
Reply #17 Top
I got it! Thanks for the support!
Reply #18 Top
I just purchased GalCiv2 specifically to partake in the beta. If the beta is now closed, why isnt that posted somewhere? It's a bit misleading...
Reply #19 Top
I take it you've bought CG2 on pre-order, not through a TotalGaming subscription? I'm not quite sure but I think the beta reopens to all when Beta 3 rolls out (target is the end of August I think), but TGN subscribers can still access Beta 2 if I understand it correctly.

Tbh though, I don't know why so many people seem to want the game just to play the beta. Obviously there's an appeal somwhere I don't see.
Reply #20 Top
It shouldn't state anywhere on the various order pages that the beta is open. On the GalCiv II Purchase page is states that you're pre-ordering the Final Release only, not the beta (as it used to).
Reply #21 Top
I preordered with the hopes of checking out beta as well, didn't realized there was another method (Total Gaming) of ordering that opened the privelege of playtesting. Oh well hopefully I'll get a chance to try it out in beta 3
Reply #22 Top
okey dokey preordered using tokens hopefully my original order will be cancelled shortly, now to the beta!
Reply #23 Top
People who pre-order will get Beta 4 when it's available.
Reply #24 Top
MXM11 i read ur "double post" your following your own advice... well im also expecting to get beta 3 when it comes out i pre-ordered it some time ago in Late July so i deserve to get IT!!!! well i got someone ELSE to buy it for me! anyways he has my info... wish hed give it too me....