Cryptic has announced the schedule for the Champions Online open beta, which kicks off Monday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. PDT. In preparation, all characters from the closed beta will be wiped from the servers on Sunday. The open beta ends Monday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. PDT followed by another server wipe.

The "Early Start Program" begins on Aug. 28 for select gamers who pre-ordered the game. They'll take part in a world event in which special enemies will drop unique items until the Sept. 1 launch date.

To participate in the open beta, head over to FilePlanet or pre-order Champions Online from a number of retailers or Direct2Drive.