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Make Sure You're Ready For The Destiny Beta
Destiny's public beta starts tomorrow on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 (the Xbox One and Xbox 360 starts on July 23rd) and we're pulling together all of the details. Find out how to get a key if you don't have one already, read our hands-on previews from the alpha, watch the game in action in an episode of Test Chamber, and even read the entire cover story on from our January 2014 issue. We've got it all right here right at your fingertips.
How do I get a beta key?
Pre-order Destiny at a retailer participating in the beta promotion. Approved retailers are listed here. The key comes in the following 9-digit format: XXX-XXX-XXX. You must enter in the key at destinythegame.com/beta and then select which platform you'd like to play the beta on. If you'd like to play the beta on more than one system, you'll have to get another key and enter it at the beta site. Players could conceivably get their hands on four different keys and gain access to the beta on all four platforms. Every key entry will result in three access codes so you can invite two friends to the beta as well if they don't have their own key. Conversely, if you don't have a key of your own, start shaking down your friends for access now!
How long does the beta last?
The beta starts first on PS4 and PS3 at 10:00a.m. PDT on July 17. From July 21-22, the beta will be down for scheduled maintenance. The Xbox One and 360 beta period begins at 10:00a.m. PDT on July 23. All beta sessions end at 11:59p.m. PDT on July 27.
What can I expect from the beta?
The beta trailer
Bungie promises a variety of game modes including access to the Tower (social and shop area), story campaign, competitive multiplayer, cooperative missions, and free roaming exploration.
What class should I play?
You'll have access to all three classes: the Warlock, Hunter, and Titan. Matt Miller did an in-depth look at all three of them to help you decide ahead of time.
What was the alpha like?
We played the hell out of Destiny's alpha and wrote up an extensive hands-on. We also took a separate look at competitive multiplayer and wrote a bunch on that. Maybe you just wanna watch the alpha in action and not bother with all of those words. You should watch our Test Chamber episode that runs around 35 minutes. If you're curious about the number of primary weapon kills, orbs of light gathered, and like, be sure to check out the full stat rundown on the alpha.
What did Bungie show at E3?
Destiny had a major stage presence at Sony's press conference where Bungie announced content exclusive to PlayStation systems including maps, missions, weapons, and armor. For a full 7-minute rundown, why not watch the video above narrated by none other than Bungie head Jason Jones?
Which version should I pre-order?
Most people will probably go for the standard edition of Destiny, but if you're looking for more goodies there are plenty of options. Below is an excerpt from our report on the announcement of the special editions of Destiny. You can also watch Bungie's video tour of all the special edition offerings.
The limited edition for Destiny includes a metal case, an arms and armament field guide, novelty postcards, an antique star chart, an exclusive player emblem and ship variant, and access to both Destiny expansion packs. PlayStation users will have access to exclusive content from the expansion packs at least until fall 2015. The limited addition will run you $99.99.
The Ghost edition (seen above) will include all of the above as well as a Ghost model replica, featuring motion-activated lights and voice recordings from Peter Dinklage, the voice of Ghost. This edition will also include a letter of introduction, as well as more novelty items from the Golden Age, such as pictures, patches, stickers, and more. The Ghost edition will be available for $149.99.
Those who pre-ordered the digital-exclusive Destiny Guardian edition will have access to the expansion packs as well as an exclusive digital content pack. This edition will be $89.99. The two expansions can be pre-ordered for $34.99 as a bundle and will be priced individually at $19.99 each and will include new story missions, co-op activities, multiplayer stages, and additional armor, weapons, and gear.
Didn't you guys do a cover story on Destiny?
Why yes, we did. Thanks for asking! In fact, the entire cover story is now online for absolutely everyone to read. Even though there's a ton of information there, you'd be a fool to skip our cover story hub. It's full of video interviews, details on enemies, locations, and character progression, and a special edition podcast with real Bungie staffers.
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