Halo Infinite beta preloads live on Xbox, available to all players

What you need to know

• 343 Industries has announced that preloads for the next Halo Infinite beta test happening next weekend are live now on Xbox.
• The build can be downloaded from the Xbox Insider Hub, and all Xbox players are able to install it, regardless of whether or not they're a Halo Insider.
• The test will feature both Arena and Big Team Battle PvP, as well as matchmaking against bots, Training Mode, Weapon Drills, and customization menus.

Halo developer 343 Industries has announced that the build being used in the Halo Infinite beta test that's slated for Sept. 30 through Oct. 4 can be preloaded now on Xbox consoles so that you don't have to spend time installing the build after the test begins. Notably, unlike previous tests that required participants to sign up with the Halo Insider Program, all Xbox players are eligible to download and participate in this test. It's not necessarily an open beta since the developers have confirmed that there will be a player cap of some sort, but all Xbox players will at least have a chance to play the game.

To download the build, open the Xbox Insider Hub app on your Xbox console (download it from the Store if you don't already have it, it's free). Within the app, you'll be able to find the Halo Infinite beta build available for download and installation. According to the Halo Infinite beta schedule, access to the build will open on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 30, although players will only be able to play Weapon Drills and Training Mode at this time. Matchmaking servers will then be active Oct. 1-3 during the hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET. Access to the build will then close in the morning on Monday, Oct. 4.

In terms of what content will be in the upcoming beta test, players can expect access to both 4v4 Arena PvP and 12v12 Big Team Battle PvP during matchmaking hours. Additionally, players can also play matchmade games against bots. Outside of these hours, players are also able to access Weapon Drills, Training Mode, and the customization menus.

We expect that the developers will also allow any Steam player on PC to install the beta build before it goes live, though there haven't been any official communications about this yet. For details on downloading and installing Halo Infinite builds as a Halo Insider, check out our Halo Infinite download guide.