There's not long to go now until NCsoft releases Guild Wars Factions, and so it should come as no surprise that the beta test is set to kick off next month.

It's not just for long time fans, either - Guild Wars players can invite up to three friends to join them via an "in-game invitation interface" (we think they mean email). You'll also be able to get entry into the beta if you pre-order the game online. NCsoft reckons there's never been a beta test on this scale before, and chums ArenaNet are preparing to handle "record-breaking numbers" of players.

Guild Wars Factions will introduce two new races - Assassin and Ritualist - and four new game types. You'll be able to master 300 new skills, including 90 elite skills, and try out new armour, guild halls and even hairstyles. And since it's a standalone product, you won't need the original Guild Wars to run it.

The Guild Wars Factions Preview Event will begin on March 24th.