After what felt like an endless drought, it’s hard to believe that Monster Hunter Wilds is just around the corner. While the game isn’t out until next year, Capcom is extending an opportunity to certain lucky players to start hunting as early as next week.

This upcoming open beta is immensely exciting for longtime fans, especially since you’ll be able to carry over your character and a few special rewards (more on those later) into the main game when it does finally release. Read on to learn just how to get into the beta—because of course there are a few strings attached.