The SimCity beta is coming back February 16th and we know some of you have tons of questions. Fortunately, we have the answers. Below you’ll find the FAQ for the SimCity closed beta 2:

Q: How long does the beta run?

A: The Closed Beta is open from Saturday February 16 6AM PST (1300GMT / 1400CET / 2200EAT) to Sunday February 17 6AM PST (1300GMT / 1400CET / 2200EAT).

Q: I want to be part of the beta, what can I do to get in?

A: We are accepting applicants at www.simcity.com/beta until 6AM PST (1300GMT / 1400CET / 2200EAT) on Monday, February 11.

Q: I've already registered for the previous beta, do I need register again?

A: No, if you've already registered, you do not have to register again.

Q: I registered for the beta, when will I receive my code?

A: If you have been selected, you will receive an email during Saturday February 16 with your unique redemption code and instructions how to join the beta. We want to get as many fans into the beta as possible, but we can only invite a small group of fans to participate.

Q: Why is there another beta? What’s the purpose of this beta?

A: We learned a great deal from our first Closed Beta and have set-up a second beta for the primary purpose of testing our servers. We have added more capacity to our servers in order to accommodate the flow of players. This beta will help us stress test them.

Q: Is this the same experience as before?

A: We have implemented changes based on user feedback from our first Closed Beta. Along with multi-city interaction, players who participated in the first Closed Beta will notice improvements in the game when they use the zoning and road tools, along with hundreds of bug-fixes.

Q: I’ve already pre-ordered the game through Origin, will I get a code?

A: Yes, while supplies last, Origin will be offering Closed Beta codes to those who have pre-ordered any version of SimCity. Certain exclusions apply. Visit Origin for more details: store.origin.com/simcity

Q: Why is this beta only 24-hour when the previous one was two days?

A: This Closed Beta was created specifically to test the server. We will only need a 24 hour period in order to do it and we chose a day that will allow for a largest number of players.

Q: I played the first beta, can I play again?

A: You will need a brand new code to play, but it is possible to play again if you are selected.

Q: In the SimCity Closed Beta, there were two servers available? What does this mean?

A: As with many other online games, SimCity will be running on parallel servers at launch.

Q: I thought SimCity was a single server game. Is that not the case?

A: Over the course of the development, the studio team has looked at the server configuration that will provide the most stable and smooth experience for players. We have decided to launch with a parallel server model as it provides the most stability.

Q: Will other items be unlocked?

A: Previous items that were locked in the first Closed Beta are still locked. However, this is a new build that is incorporating a number of fixes resulting from found bugs and feedback from the first Closed Beta.

Q: What’s new in this SimCity?

A: SimCity delivers unprecedented depth of simulation with the new GlassBox Engine, where everything is simulated, from up to 100,000 individual Sims in a city, to every Kilowatt of power pulsing through a region of cities. The model-like world and detail of the simulation make this the most responsive and personal SimCity ever. This is also the most expansive city management game yet where multi-city gameplay across regions delivers a larger playing field. Play a single city or up to 16 cities at once each with different specializations, it’s your choice.

Multiplayer is also a first for the series, adding a new dimension to the game, as decisions impact both the city and the region, creating new ways to play by collaborating or competing to earn achievements. Finally, SimCity is a live service that simulates real-time updates and pushes them to players in the form of new challenges. Through this platform, Maxis is also able to provide a continuous stream of new gameplay features and content. Whether you play by yourself, with your friends or the rest of the world, SimCity introduces an infinite world of possibilities.

Q: How does multi-city work?

A: Simple – from your first city, Clearwater, enter region view, select Norwich Hills, and then claim it. From there, you can start building in your new city as well as switch back to your original city at any time.

Q: How come I can’t also claim Trinity Point?

A: For our one hour beta experience, we wanted to give players a small taste of multi-city play and feel the interaction between two cities is the perfect fit for the allotted time.

Q: How come trading between the cities doesn’t always show up right away?

A: Because we're simulating all the trading (power, water, etc) it takes time for the resource to travel to your city, just like it would in the real world. Give it some time and you'll see your trade travel directly in from your neighboring city.

Q: What’s in the beta?

A: Here’s the answer straight from Lead Producer Kip Katsarelis: The Closed Beta is an important step for us as we approach our launch date for SimCity. We’ve crafted a one hour replayable experience that will let you enjoy the magic of the game and allow us to test critical features. Everyone will go through our “Getting Started Scenario”, which takes you through the basics of how to play the game and gives you a sneak peak at some late game content. After that, you’re free to start your own city and play for one hour. We’ve given you all the tools to build up a medium density city, given access to the Casino Big Business, all of the basic services, loads of public transportation options, and several options on how you can power your city. You can start up as many cities as you like during the beta. We encourage you to try to build different types of cities, explore the leaderboards and try to beat the Global Challenge! By putting these features through a rigorous test, you’re doing us a huge service. Your feedback will go directly to the Development Team and make an impact on future updates. By playing the game you’ll be testing our online servers, helping ensure a smooth launch.

Q: Is the beta English only?

A: This Closed Beta will offer multi-language support.

Q: Is there a Mac beta client?

A: No, this beta is exclusively for PC users.