Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta

The Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta is a phase of the development of Halo: Reach, produced by Bungie, LLC and organized by Microsoft Game Studios. The beta will be released to the public on May 3, 2010, and will be used to test different aspects of Halo: Reach multiplayer with the public, judging what to change based on public demand. An invitation to the beta is included with all copies of Halo 3: ODST. Additionally, multiple invitations to the beta will be randomly distributed to Xbox LIVE users by Microsoft as gifts for being loyal Xbox LIVE customers.

The beta will contain several maps and gametypes never seen before, such as Headhunter, Invasion, and Spartans vs Elites. It will showcase the new gameplay features in Reach. There will be at least a 16 player multiplayer. Theater mode has also been confirmed and will be returning in the beta. Bungie has also stated that the beta will include many more vehicles, leading to believe that some maps will be larger and more vehicle-based. Bungie later revealed Boneyard to be the large, vehicular-based map. The player will also be able to use a section of the character customization to customize their Spartan and Elite character called The Armory, similar to Halo 3's Appearance menu, but more customizable and using the Player Investment system.

Four maps will be featured in the beta. Boneyard, Overlook, Powerhouse and Sword Base. Loadouts will also be featured, but Bungie has stated that players will NOT get to customize loadouts, but pick from a pre-determined list. The loadouts change for the player species and game-type you will be playing. Load-outs include armour Abilities. These abilities include Sprinting, (SPARTANs only), Evading (Elites only), Jetpacks, Active Camo, and Armour Lock. Active Camo will recharge after a while and when activated will deplete faster as you move. Jetpacks have limited fuel until they recharge and if all fuel is used at once, the player will suffer fall damage. Armour lock temporarily makes you invincible, but you will be stuck to the ground untill the ability runs out of charge or you stop it your self.