Direct answer
Pre-Alpha, Closed Alpha, and ETP were separate stages.
Public materials describe small Pre-Alpha testing, a larger Closed Pre-Alpha planned for June 26, a Closed Alpha completed by early August, and a separate External Test Program that remained under NDA.
A developer reply on August 6 suggests a next-day access event, but that inference does not establish a full official schedule on its own.
Known stages
Testing before the Closed Beta
- Early small-scale Pre-Alpha tests with limited participants.
- A June 26 Closed Pre-Alpha plan with a proposed increase from roughly 1,000 to 4,000 players.
- A Closed Alpha described as completed by the August 11 preorder announcement.
- An External Test Program that remained separate and subject to NDA.
Historical announcement
The June 26 Closed Pre-Alpha plan
Do not merge labels
Why the names matter
Public footage, community signup text, Closed Alpha access, and ETP participation can refer to different builds and rules. Historical access does not grant current Beta or Early Access entitlement.