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Halo: Reach Public Beta Now Live

by Matt Miller on May 03, 2010 at 03:02 PM

4,221 Views

The wait is over, and owners of Halo 3: ODST can now download and play the Reach multiplayer beta that's been getting teased for months.

Microsoft confirmed for us that the public beta is now up and running. Microsoft believes that this should be the largest console beta program in history, presumably based on the number of ODST units sold to consumers. If a large number of those ODST owners log in to the new Reach beta, it should be a fine stress test for Bungie to see how their multiplayer system handles a lot of users. On top of that, such a broad beta program should be an excellent marketing opportunity for the game's full retail release later this year. The beta program will run for just a few short weeks, and conclude on May 19th.

Players can access and download the new beta by powering up their ODST disc and finding the beta info in the game menu. After a hefty download, the beta should be available for play right away. While you wait for your download, feel free to check out our impressions of the first five hours of beta play from when we got an early glimpse last week.

Will you be playing the Halo: Reach beta?

Email the author Matt Miller, or follow on Game Informer.

Filed under: News, Microsoft, bungie, Halo: Reach

Comments

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by eyros2k Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:33 PM

That's the plan after work today. Crossing my fingers, hoping Halo will be more multi-dimensional this time around.
by OneThreeSeven Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:37 PM

Waiting for 5 to go home and give this a whirl. Heard the servers are already down, though. Sounds like EA aren't the only ones with some launch issues...
by Spartan117458 Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:40 PM

I was able to download it, but the servers aren't available right now, so it's menu-surfing only.
by laxgodGaMeR18 Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:41 PM

sick!!!!! even though i cant play my 360 yet, i am going over my friends house to play it on friday after school. YEEAAAHH!!!!! i cant wait!!! I am so pumped!!! the first gameplay videos are appearing on YouTube!!!!!!!!!!!
by Jeremyx5 Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:44 PM

after work it halo time lol
by **BANNED** Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:48 PM

-_- I bet I wont be able to play because the download will be too big.
Stupid NZ internet..... *crys* I want to move somewhere else.
by mattpanda Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:48 PM

it won't let me play beacuase the servers are down
by Shamu4Life Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:56 PM

downloading now. hope it's as good as it sounds!
by CondolentSarge Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:56 PM

I am locking myself in my room and playing this all day.
by OmegaSpartan08 Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:58 PM

I WANNA PLAY! but sadly some obstacles are blocking my path, figuratively speaking. at least there's September.
by Cloud_Nine Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:59 PM

If only MW2 had a public beta then imagine what life would be like.
by Cloud_Nine Monday, May 03, 2010 at 03:59 PM

Edit double post
by Mike Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:00 PM

Man, I started downloading this the second it went live, then right at the beginning of my second match, I lost power for 3 hours.
by jeedmanjones Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:06 PM

so far there's issues with the server, had it for like 4 hours now and only played ab 5 games bc it keeps saying servers arent available
by Kornd0g Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:09 PM

Stress test = fail. I will play when it works though.
by Matt Smith Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:10 PM

Everything is working amazingly for me. It says "servers are down," but if you give it some time, everything starts working. Make sure you get in a party though because everything becomes much faster if you're in one. I've been impressed and have enjoyed the six games that I've played so far. It combines the best from Halo and MW2. If this is just the beta, I can not wait for the finished product.
by Jordan Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:14 PM

Glad I played prior to today ;) With everyone on right now, Bungie's Halo:Reach servers had a severe meltdown.

Decided to hold off playing with friends that finally have access until later tonight.. Probably streaming on JTV again :D.
by Awkward Silence Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:15 PM

Would be great except for the fact that the *** servers are down from all the traffic.
by maddenfreak23 Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:15 PM

No. But I hope you will give this game a good review.
by Rock Monday, May 03, 2010 at 04:18 PM

Its still loading my playlist, and I've been waiting for over ten minutes