Halo fans eager to see what the franchise's new installment will be like now have their chance to try out the multiplayer beta version.
Access to the "Halo 5: Guardians" beta is available starting today on the Xbox One until Jan. 18 for those who've bought "Halo: The Master Chief Collection," according to PC Magazine. Microsoft said players will be able to take part in 4 vs. 4 matches and have three game types and different customizable armor sets to choose from.
The beta launch comes on the same day that the Redmond, Wash.-based tech giant started pre-orders for the full version of the new game. Players will be able to choose from three different pre-order editions: the $60 Standard Edition, the $99 Limited Edition and the $250 Limited Collector's Edition.
Those who pre-order the Standard Edition will also get an exclusive poster, PC Magazine reported. The Limited Edition comes with the poster "plus digital content to enhance Spartan combat and exclusive items wrapped in a uniquely designed steel book." The Limited Collector's Edition will come with all of this plus a commemorative numbered statue that 343 Industries designed.
A tweet from the official Halo Twitter account says that players will be able to download the beta starting at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST, GameSpot reported.
The only other way to try out the Halo 5 beta right now is to be a member of Microsoft's Xbox One Preview Program.
Xbox One owners also won't have to worry about losing unlocked content while playing the multiplayer beta, as that content will be carried over to the game when it makes its debut in stores in fall 2015, PC Magazine reported.
"The beta represents only a small portion of the epic plans we have for multiplayer in 'Halo 5: Guardians,'" Microsoft said.
