Rift Launch Details - Early Access

Head start is scheduled to commence Thu 24th Feb 6:00pm GMT; all information and instructions on how to pre-download the live client will be issued before the event kicks off.

If you want to participate in the head start program, you need to pre-order the game. If you don't, you'll still have the opportunity to jump into Rift with the general public when the game officially launches in Europe on March 4th.