The Halo Infinite beta is live on Xbox and PC, focuses on Arena PvP

What you need to know

• The Halo Infinite beta is now live on Xbox and PC.
• The test will run throughout the weekend, but there will also be another test next weekend.
• This weekend's test focuses on Arena PvP, while next weekend's will focus on both Arena and Big Team Battle.
• The beta also has a training mode where players can play against bots offline with "training wheels" features like god mode and infinite ammo.
• PvP and bot AI matchmaking begin on Sept. 24 and are only available between the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET. Training mode and weapon drills are always available.
• This weekend's test includes a new map called Behemoth as well as a new weapon called the Shock Rifle.

The Halo Infinite beta is now live on both Xbox and PC, provided you signed up to be a Halo Insider and were invited to participate in the test. Based on what the developer has shared regarding the Halo Infinite beta schedule, the beta will be available until Monday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. At this time, access to the test build will close. Access will reopen during the following weekend from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, however.

In terms of what content players can enjoy during the beta test, 4v4 Arena PvP will be available during this weekend's test while 12v12 Big Team Battle and Arena will be available next weekend. Players will be able to play on a new vehicular Arena map called Behemoth, and will also be able to use a new weapon called the Shock Rifle that deals lots of damage and can arc off of players and map objects. Additionally, players will also have access to matchmaking against AI bots as well as an offline training mode that allows players to play against bots with "training wheel" features like invincibility or infinite ammo.

Unlike the previous Halo Infinite beta test, matchmaking against other players and AI bots will only be active during certain hours on each testing day. Specifically, matchmaking will only be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET. Players are be able to access the training mode, weapon drills, and customization content before, after, and between these playtimes.

If you signed up for the Halo Insider program before Sept. 13, 2021, you'll be able to participate in this beta test. Make sure you check your email and your Halo Insider profile for everything you need to get in the game (also, refer to our Halo Infinite beta download guide).

Halo Infinite is expected to launch in full on Dec. 8, 2021. The campaign costs $60, but the multiplayer suite will be completely free-to-play. Halo Infinite preorders are also available now, and there are a few different editions to choose from that come with special bonuses and collectibles.