What you need to know
- The first invite-only Halo Infinite multiplayer test, dubbed its technical preview, is slated to launch on July 29 on Xbox consoles and PC.
- 343 Industries has remained vague when discussing release times, with ongoing dedicated server issues currently putting the rollout on hold.
- We expect 343 Industries to issue further updates on the test shortly.
Update July 29 (7:15 p.m. ET): Ongoing Halo Infinite server issues continue to impact the rollout, with 343 Industries community director, Brian Jarrard, stating the release is expected to push several hours behind schedule.
The first Halo Infinite technical preview is slated for an imminent launch, with an invite-only multiplayer test scheduled through August 1. The four-day trial aims to provide developer 343 Industries with large-scale testing among the public while doubling as the first hands-on opportunity for eager fans ahead of the title's launch later this year. While the studio has kept the Halo Infinite beta start time intentionally vague, server issues have now seemingly put its rollout on hold.
The Halo Infinite beta test aims to deliver a sample of its online experience, with three multiplayer maps on the docket, dedicated shooting-range style "weapon drills," and ancillary systems like a small-scale battle pass beta. While scheduled to kick off on July 29, the studio stopped short of a formal release time, implying a global release "sometime after" 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. UTC.
With the Halo Infinite beta still yet to go live, 343 Industries community director, Brian Jarrard, has provided additional context around the approach to the rollout. "As we are all eager and increasingly impatient, just a friendly PSA this is a technical test at a scale unlike anything we've done to date," Jarrard stated on Twitter. "Driven by production. Not a game launch. Things are proceeding but there are many steps to navigate."
"At this exact moment, the team is working through an issue that required rebuilding/re-deploying/re-verifying dedicated servers. This takes time and then, if it's looking good, we hopefully are a go. Would def be worse if we'd released then found this out. More to come," Jarrard said in a later tweet.
The ongoing issues are to be expected, as the first public flight available for Halo Infinite. The upcoming shooter is among the most-anticipated releases of 2021, with many players excluded from initial testing due to high demand. Recent comments from Jarrard echo past statements from 343 Industries, warning of more hiccups than your traditional polished "beta" before launch.
Update July 29 (7:15 p.m. ET) — Halo Infinite rollout issues push beta into "evening" PT release
343 Industries community director, Brian Jarrard, has issued further updates on the Halo Infinite technical preview rollout. The studio has warned that ongoing server holdups remain at large, with its initial fix failing to correct the issue.
"The initial fix for the issue didn't work as expected. After further investigation a new approach was implemented and is being tested. Unsure if it will require another full re-deployment, awaiting test pass completion," Jarrard stated on Twitter.
The Halo Infinite has now been delayed beyond the initially planned "afternoon" target, with expectations of evening availability for the Seattle-based studio. The team continues to issue updates as preparations continue.
"We are proceeding with a full global server re-deploy as part of this fix, which will take time," Jarrard stated in a follow-up tweet. "As soon as we get USWest online we can start prelim testing there in parallel. Team is working nonstop, as fast as they can. Our 'afternoon' PT target is pushing into 'evening.'"
We'll continue to update our coverage with the latest updates as available.
