The multiplayer beta of Halo Infinite is now underway and this free-to-play standalone picks up where the previous Multiplayer Technical Previews of the game left off. However, while the multiplayer beta will not be providing the full Halo Infinite experience, it will be offering players the complete selection of maps and modes that will be available at launch. This means that players shouldn't expect to see any new maps or modes when December 8 rolls around.
As the Halo Infinite multiplayer beta is still a beta meant to ensure all the game's systems are good-to-go, players may notice some technical issues at launch. The beta is still be considered the official start of Halo Infinite Season 1, however.
Players are be able to get their hands on all of Halo Infinite's day-one maps and modes as well as the full Season 1 Battle Pass as part of the multiplayer beta. Additionally, all Battle Pass and customization items earned or purchased by players during the beta will remain once the game launches. This is fortunate, as Halo Infinite Season 2 will reportedly be delayed until May 2022 rather than coming out in three months as originally planned. While no new maps or modes will be added at the game's official launch, new playlists are still on the table.
Although the decision to extend Halo Infinite Season 1 may be disappointing to some fans, 343 Industries has made it clear that the developers won't simply be stretching out the original plans for Season 1. Instead, the company is planning to take this as an opportunity to add in new events, customization items, and other content to enrich the experience of Season 1. Throughout the first week, players will be able to unlock a free collection of Halo 20th anniversary-themed cosmetics by logging in to Halo Infinite, with the Season 1 opening event Fracture: Tenrai kicking in afterward.
As of writing, the Halo Infinite multiplayer beta introduces the new Academy, Arena, Big Team Battle, and complete Season 1 Battle Pass to players everywhere. While the game's final release date is still scheduled for next month, the first milestone has been reached and it comes with its share of rewards for participating gamers. Halo Infinite's single-player story campaign will be available to all players on December 8, accompanied by whatever new features, cosmetics, and other additions 343 Industries decides to pack into the launch update.
Halo Infinite's Multiplayer Beta is available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with the full game launching on December 8.
Source: Halo Waypoint