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{{Era|RE|RW}}
{{Title|''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''}}
{{Ratings}}
{{Status|RealWorld}}
{{New Content}}
The '''''Halo: Reach Multiplayer Beta''''' is a phase of the development of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', produced by [[Bungie|Bungie, LLC]] and organized by [[Microsoft|Microsoft Game Studios]]. The beta will be released to the public on May 3, [[2010]]<ref name="First">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=HaloReach_X10 '''Bungie.net:''', ''Halo: Reach Rolls Into Fog City'']</ref>, 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.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.org/images/halo2offer.png '''halo.bungie.org:''' ''Halo 2 Offer'']</ref>
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==
The beta will introduce a variety of new user-interfaces such as an expanded player customisation system and player investment system, gametypes such as [[Headhunter (Game Variant)|Headhunter]] and [[Invasion]] and a re-innovated gameplay feature called [[Armor Abilities]]. [[Bungie]] has also confirmed that the beta will feature several new [[weapons]] and [[vehicles]] as well as four [[multiplayer]] [[maps]], [[Boneyard (Level)|one]] of which has been described as a large, [[vehicle|vehicula]]r-based map.
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]].
 
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.
 
New gametypes were also introduced. [[Headhunter (game variant)|Headhunter]] is a [[Free-For-All|free-for-all]] gametype in which players must collect [[skull]]s dropped by fallen opponents and bring them to collection points. In [[Invasion]], a team of [[SPARTAN Program|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==
==Included Features==
The beta test featured the majority of features from the final [[Multiplayer]] experience, though it had been hinted that not all will be shown. The features are:  
The beta test featured the majority of features from the final multiplayer experience. The features were:


{{Col-begin}}
{{Featurelist|secondcolumn=title-5|title-1=Weapons|
{{Col-2}}
*[[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>
===Weapons===
*[[M319 grenade launcher]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
'''UNSC'''
*[[M392 DMR]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Combat Knife]]<ref name="weapons">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=25376 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.02.10'']</ref>
*[[M41 rocket launcher]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M45 shotgun]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M6 Spartan Laser]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M6G magnum]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M90 Close Assault Weapon System]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M9 fragmentation grenade]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M392 Designated Marksman Rifle]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[MA37 assault rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[SRS99 Special Applications]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Anskum|plasma grenade}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M319 Individual Grenade Launcher]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-1 energy sword]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M41 SSR MAV/AW]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Gravity hammer (fiction)|gravity hammer]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6 Grindell/Galileian Nonlinear Rifle]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-25 plasma pistol]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*{{Pattern|Gadulo|needle rifle}} {{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[Type-33 Needler]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*{{Pattern|Nakata'vho|plasma repeater}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*{{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}} {{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*{{Pattern|Pek|plasma cannon}}
*{{Pattern|Kopasa'mada|plasma launcher}}{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}


'''Covenant'''
|title-2=Vehicles|
*[[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M12 Chaingun Warthog]]
*[[Type-1 Energy Weapon/Sword]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[M808 Scorpion]]
*[[Type-2 Energy Weapon/Hammer]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-26 Banshee]]
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Zurdo|Wraith}}
*[[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*{{Pattern|Karo'etba|Ghost}}
*[[Type-31 Rifle]] <ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-33 Light Anti-Armor Weapon]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-51 Directed Energy Rifle/Improved]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-52 Special Applications Rifle]] <ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Type-52 Guided Munitions Launcher/Explosive]]<ref name="weapons"/>


{{Col-2}}
|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>
*[[Overlook]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}
*[[Powerhouse]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}
*[[Sword Base]]{{Ref/Reuse|Maps}}


===Vehicles===
|title-4=Multiplayer|
'''UNSC'''
*[[Armor abilities|Armor Abilities]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]]<ref name="Reveille">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/reach/vidaudio.aspx?c=58 '''Bungie.net''': ''Halo: Reach MP Trailer'']</ref>
*[[Loadout]]{{Ref/Reuse|weapons}}
*[[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle]]<ref name="Reveille"/>
*[[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>
*[[M808B Main Battle Tank]]<ref name="Reveille"/>
*The Arena<ref name="shacknews">[http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=1315 '''Shacknews''': ''Halo: Reach's Arena System In-Depth'']</ref>
*[[M831 Troop Transport]]<ref name="Reveille"/>


'''Covenant'''
|title-5=Gametypes|
*[[Type-25 Assault Gun Carriage]]<ref name="Reveille"/>
*[[Generator Defense]]<ref name="1UP">[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3178811&p= '''1Up''': ''Halo Reach (Xbox 360) Preview'']</ref>
*[[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft]]<ref name="Reveille"/>
*[[Invasion]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}
*[[Type-32 Rapid Assault Vehicle]]<ref name="Reveille"/>
*[[Headhunter (game variant)|Headhunter]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}
*[[Stockpile]]{{Ref/Reuse|1UP}}


===Maps===
|title-6=Playlists|
*{{Levelname|Boneyard}}<ref name="Maps">[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_040910 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 04.09.10'']</ref>
*[[Matchmaking|Arena]]<ref name="playlist">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=playlists '''Bungie.net''': ''Beta Playlist'']</ref>
*{{Levelname|Overlook}}<ref name="Maps"/>
*[[Invasion]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*{{Levelname|Powerhouse}}<ref name="Maps"/>
*Grab Bag{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*{{Levelname|Sword Base}}<ref name="Maps"/>
*[[Generator Defense|Network Test 1 (Generator Defense)]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}
*[[Free-For-All]]{{Ref/Reuse|playlist}}


===Multiplayer===
|title-7=Saved Films|
*[[Armor Abilities]]<ref name="weapons"/>
*[[Theater]]<ref name="GTTV">[http://www.gametrailers.com/episode/gametrailers-tv/89?ch=1&sd=1 '''GTTV''': ''Gametrailers TV with Geoff Keighley'']</ref>
*Loadouts<ref name="weapons"/>
}}
*The Armory <small>(Player customization)</small><ref name="customise">[http://www.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>


===Gametypes===
==Trivia==
*[[Generator Defense]]<ref name="1UP">[http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3178811&p= '''1Up''': ''Halo Reach (Xbox 360) Preview'']</ref>  
*An invitation to the beta was included with all new copies of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]].''
*[[Invasion]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*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>
*[[Headhunter (Game Variant)]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*In the few days before the beta, Bungie not-so-subtly gave out entire lists of beta codes, which were quickly taken.
*[[Stockpile]]<ref name="1UP"/>
*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]].
*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.<ref>http://mobile.pcmag.com/device2/article.php?CALL_URL=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2364136,00.asp</ref>
*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.
*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.


===Saved Films===
==Gallery==
*[[Theater]]{{fact}}
<gallery>
{{Col-end}}
File:Reach - Beta Menu.jpg|The Multiplayer Beta Menu.
File:Matchmaking on reach.jpg|Matchmaking Menu.
File:Social Prefrances From Halo Reach.png|Social preferences/settings.
File:HR SpaceDebris Concept.jpg|The art used in the matchmaking menu background.
File:Halo Reach Powerhouse.jpg|Powerhouse.
File:Halo Reach Sword Base.jpg|Sword Base.
File:Overlook.jpg|Overlook.
File:Reach mpbeta boneyard 02.jpg|Boneyard.
File:HRMPB SwordbaseStockpile.jpg|Swordbase Stockpile.
File:HRMPB Swordbase Headhunter 2.jpg|Swordbase Headhunter.
File:HRMPB Swordbase Headhunter FP.jpg|Swordbase Headhunter.
File:HRMPB SwordBase Headhunter.jpg|Swordbase Headhunter.
File:HRMPB Swordbase stockpile swordbase flag carrier.jpg|Swordbase Stockpile.
File:HRMPB SwordbaseArmorLock.jpg|Swordbase Armorlock.
File:HRMPB SwordbaseAssass.jpg|An assassination in the Beta.
File:HRMPB SwordbaseBoom.jpg|An explosion in the Beta.
File:MarkVIReach.jpg|Mark VI as it appeared though a glitch in the beta.
File:HR Beta Armor.png|Mark V (B) as it appeared in the beta.
File:Spartan variant.jpg|Mark V as it appeared in the beta.
</gallery>


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


==Related Articles==
==See also==
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3 Beta]]''
*''[[Halo 3 Beta]]''
*''[[Reach]]''
{{Halo Testing}}
[[Category:Halo: Reach]]
[[Category:Halo: Reach]]

Latest revision as of 13:16, 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]