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Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta: Difference between revisions

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{{Title|''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''}}
{{Title|''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''}}
{{Era|RW}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}


The '''''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''''', also known as the '''''Halo: Reach Beta''''', was a phase of the development of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', produced by [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC]] and organized by [[Microsoft|Microsoft Game Studios]]. It is announced by the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Trailer]] posted on [[Bungie.net]]. The beta ran from [[2010|May 3 through May 20, 2010]].
The '''''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''''', also known as the '''''Halo: Reach Beta''''', was a phase of the development of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', produced by [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC]] and organized by [[Microsoft|Microsoft Game Studios]]. It is announced by the [[Halo: Reach Multiplayer Trailer]] posted on [[Bungie.net]]. The beta ran from [[2010|May 3 through May 20, 2010]].


==Details of the Beta==
==Details of the Beta==
 
Although the beta only featured [[Multiplayer|Matchmaking]] and [[Theater]] modes, it introduced a variety of new features, such as expanded customization options, a "[[Credit]]s" system for [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|unlocking and purchasing armor pieces]], and a [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|new ranking system]].
Although the beta only featured [[Multiplayer|Machmaking]] and [[Theater]] modes, it introduced a variety of new features, such as expanded customization options, a "[[Credit]]s" system for [[Armor permutations (Halo: Reach)|unlocking and purchasing armor pieces]], and a [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|new ranking system]].


Gameplay saw the introduction of [[Loadout]]s; when spawning, players can choose from preset combinations of starting weapons and [[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]] (a retooled iteration of [[Halo 3]]'s [[Equipment]]) as well as [[Spawning|spawn location]] (available only in select gametypes). In Matchmaking, instead of simply [[halo 3#Veto|vetoing]] a map and gametype, players are now able to vote for their desired map and gametype from a short list presented in the Lobby.
Gameplay saw the introduction of [[Loadout]]s; when spawning, players can choose from preset combinations of starting weapons and [[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]] (a retooled iteration of [[Halo 3]]'s [[Equipment]]) as well as [[Spawning|spawn location]] (available only in select gametypes). In Matchmaking, instead of simply [[halo 3#Veto|vetoing]] a map and gametype, players are now able to vote for their desired map and gametype from a short list presented in the Lobby.
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{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Weapons|
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Weapons|
*[[Combat knife]]<ref name="weapons">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=25376 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.02.10'']</ref>
*[[Combat knife]]<ref name="weapons">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=25376 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.02.10'']</ref>
*[[M319 grenade launcher]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M319 grenade launcher]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M392 DMR]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M392 DMR]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M45 shotgun]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M45 shotgun]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M6G magnum]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M6G magnum]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-1 plasma grenade]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-2 gravity hammer]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-31 needle rifle]] <ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}} {{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-33 Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-51 plasma repeater]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-52 focus rifle]] <ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}} {{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-52 plasma cannon]]
*{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
*[[Type-52 plasma launcher]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Kopasa'mada|plasma launcher}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}


|title-2=Vehicles|
|title-2=Vehicles|
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*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-26 Wraith]]
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Type-32 Ghost]]
*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}


|title-3=Maps|
|title-3=Maps|
*[[Boneyard]]<ref name="Maps">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_040910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.09.10'']</ref>
*[[Boneyard]]<ref name="Maps">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_040910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.09.10'']</ref>
*[[Overlook]]<ref name="Maps"/>
*[[Overlook]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}
*[[Powerhouse]]<ref name="Maps"/>
*[[Powerhouse]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}
*[[Sword Base]]<ref name="Maps"/>
*[[Sword Base]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}


|title-4=Multiplayer|
|title-4=Multiplayer|
*[[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Loadout]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Loadout]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Armor permutations (Halo: Reach)|The Armory]] <small>(Player customization)</small><ref name="customise">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_032610 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 03.26.10'']</ref>
*[[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|The Armory]] <small>(Player customization)</small><ref name="customise">[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_032610 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 03.26.10'']</ref>
*The Arena<ref name="shacknews">[http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1315 '''Shacknews''': ''Halo: Reach's Arena System In-Depth'']</ref>
*The Arena<ref name="shacknews">[http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1315 '''Shacknews''': ''Halo: Reach's Arena System In-Depth'']</ref>


|title-5=Gametypes|
|title-5=Gametypes|
*[[Generator Defense]]<ref name="1UP">[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3178811&p= '''1Up''': ''Halo Reach (Xbox 360) Preview'']</ref>
*[[Generator Defense]]<ref name="1UP">[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3178811&p= '''1Up''': ''Halo Reach (Xbox 360) Preview'']</ref>
*[[Invasion]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*[[Invasion]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}
*[[Headhunter (game variant)|Headhunter]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*[[Headhunter (game variant)|Headhunter]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}
*[[Stockpile]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*[[Stockpile]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}


|title-6=Playlists|
|title-6=Playlists|
*[[Matchmaking|Arena]]<ref name="playlist">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=playlists '''Bungie.net''': ''Beta Playlist'']</ref>
*[[Matchmaking|Arena]]<ref name="playlist">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=playlists '''Bungie.net''': ''Beta Playlist'']</ref>
*[[Invasion]]<ref name="playlist"/>
*[[Invasion]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*Grab Bag<ref name="playlist"/>
*Grab Bag{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*[[Generator Defense|Network Test 1 (Generator Defense)]]<ref name="playlist"/>
*[[Generator Defense|Network Test 1 (Generator Defense)]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*[[Free-For-All]]<ref name="playlist"/>
*[[Free-For-All]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}


|title-7=Saved Films|
|title-7=Saved Films|
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*An invitation to the beta was included with all new copies of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]].''
*An invitation to the beta was included with all new copies of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]].''
*Multiple invitations to the beta were randomly distributed to [[Xbox LIVE]] users by [[Microsoft]] as gifts for being loyal [[Xbox LIVE]] customers.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/images/halo2offer.png '''halo.bungie.org:''' ''Halo 2 Offer'']</ref>
*Multiple invitations to the beta were randomly distributed to [[Xbox Live]] users by [[Microsoft]] as gifts for being loyal [[Xbox Live]] customers.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/images/halo2offer.png '''halo.bungie.org:''' ''Halo 2 Offer'']</ref>
*In the few days before the beta, Bungie not-so-subtly gave out entire lists of beta codes which were quickly taken.
*In the few days before the beta, Bungie not-so-subtly gave out entire lists of beta codes, which were quickly taken.
*The beta required an [[Xbox LIVE]] Gold account to play Matchmaking. However, it was still possible for players to run the beta and customize their SPARTAN's appearance with only an Xbox LIVE Silver account.
*The beta required an [[Xbox LIVE]] Gold account to play Matchmaking. However, it was still possible for players to run the beta and customize their SPARTAN's appearance with only an Xbox LIVE Silver account.
*The playlist game type Generator Defense is a reference to [[Beta-Red|Team Beta]]'s mission during the [[Fall of Reach]].
*The playlist game type Generator Defense is a reference to [[Beta-Red|Team Beta]]'s mission during the [[Fall of Reach]].
Line 86: Line 85:
*After July 21, 2010, [[Bungie]] stopped supporting stats and files from the beta.
*After July 21, 2010, [[Bungie]] stopped supporting stats and files from the beta.
*There were [[John-117|117]] days between May 20, the beta's closing date, and September 14, ''Halo: Reach'''s release date.
*There were [[John-117|117]] days between May 20, the beta's closing date, and September 14, ''Halo: Reach'''s release date.
*If a player has played the Beta using their current Xbox LIVE account, they will unlock a ''Halo: Reach Beta ''[[Nameplates|Visual Flair]], which is represented by an [[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System|Assault Rifle]] icon in ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Express Yourself'']</ref>
*If a player has played the Beta using their current Xbox Live account, they will unlock a ''Halo: Reach Beta ''[[Nameplates|Visual Flair]], which is represented by an [[MA37 assault rifle|Assault Rifle]] icon in ''Halo: Reach''.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_082010 '''Bungie.net''': ''Express Yourself'']</ref>
*The Noble 12, the last Halo 2 Xbox Live players, all received Halo Reach Beta keys because of their attempts to keep Halo 2 alive.
*The Noble 12, the last Halo 2 Xbox Live players, all received Halo Reach Beta keys because of their attempts to keep Halo 2 alive.


Line 113: Line 112:


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


==Related Pages==
==See also==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''

Latest revision as of 14:16, October 12, 2022

The Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta, also known as the Halo: Reach Beta, was a phase of the development of Halo: Reach, produced by Bungie, LLC and organized by Microsoft Game Studios. It is announced by the Halo: Reach Multiplayer Trailer posted on Bungie.net. The beta ran from May 3 through May 20, 2010.

Details of the Beta[edit]

Although the beta only featured Matchmaking and Theater modes, it introduced a variety of new features, such as expanded customization options, a "Credits" system for unlocking and purchasing armor pieces, and a new ranking system.

Gameplay saw the introduction of Loadouts; when spawning, players can choose from preset combinations of starting weapons and Armor Abilities (a retooled iteration of Halo 3's Equipment) as well as spawn location (available only in select gametypes). In Matchmaking, instead of simply vetoing a map and gametype, players are now able to vote for their desired map and gametype from a short list presented in the Lobby.

New gametypes were also introduced. Headhunter is a free-for-all gametype in which players must collect skulls dropped by fallen opponents and bring them to collection points. In Invasion, a team of SPARTANs must prevent invading Sangheili from stealing a data core. Generator Defense is a similar gametype in which a team of SPARTANs must defend three generators against Sangheili. Stockpile is a multi-flag gametype in which each team must bring neutral flags to their own collection points to score.

These new gametypes along with existing ones made their debut upon the beta's May 3 release. Invasion and Generator Defense were introduced later on May 7 and May 14 respectively.

Included Features[edit]

The beta test featured the majority of features from the final multiplayer experience. The features were:


Multiplayer

Saved Films



Trivia[edit]

  • An invitation to the beta was included with all new copies of Halo 3: ODST.
  • Multiple invitations to the beta were randomly distributed to Xbox Live users by Microsoft as gifts for being loyal Xbox Live customers.[8]
  • In the few days before the beta, Bungie not-so-subtly gave out entire lists of beta codes, which were quickly taken.
  • The beta required an Xbox LIVE Gold account to play Matchmaking. However, it was still possible for players to run the beta and customize their SPARTAN's appearance with only an Xbox LIVE Silver account.
  • The playlist game type Generator Defense is a reference to Team Beta's mission during the Fall of Reach.
  • Players who played the beta and then signed onto Halo Waypoint received an exclusive hoodie for their avatars.
  • The beta was initially intended to end on May 19, 2010, but Bungie decided to push the end date by one extra day.
  • During the beta's two-week run, over 2.7 million unique players played a total of over 6 million gameplay hours in the beta, making it one of the most played beta programs on any platform. Overall, there were over 1.1 billion kills registered in the beta.[9]
  • After July 21, 2010, Bungie stopped supporting stats and files from the beta.
  • There were 117 days between May 20, the beta's closing date, and September 14, Halo: Reach's release date.
  • If a player has played the Beta using their current Xbox Live account, they will unlock a Halo: Reach Beta Visual Flair, which is represented by an Assault Rifle icon in Halo: Reach.[10]
  • The Noble 12, the last Halo 2 Xbox Live players, all received Halo Reach Beta keys because of their attempts to keep Halo 2 alive.

Gallery[edit]

Sources[edit]

See also[edit]