Why does my friend keep saying if I preorder the game I can play tonight?

Buddy of mine was in closed test, he keeps telling me I should preorder so I can play with him “tonight” but from what I’ve read you can’t actually play until this upcoming Friday? I’m not tight on cash and I do plan on preordering but I don’t wanna get my hopes up all day at work to go home and be edged for 2 days without being able to play. Sorry if this is a dumb question I’m just excited!