‘Halo 5: Guardians’ Multiplayer Beta Goes Live, $250 Collector’s Edition Detailed

It’s a good thing that Lizard Squad-led attack on Microsoft’s Xbox Live online gaming service was short-lived, because one of the most anticipated beta releases in months is now open. Microsoft (via Xbox Wire) announced that the multiplayer beta for Halo 5: Guardians is now available. 

Microsoft is hoping to give gamers just a little taste of what to expect when the game officially hits store shelves in Fall 2015. The demo will allow players to take part in 4 vs. 4 arena matches across seven different maps. In addition, a “variety of different armor sets” will be available so that you can further customize your Spartan. 

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While Master Chief will continue to play a pivotal role in Halo 5: Guardians, a new character, Spartan Locke, will be tasked with lending in a hand when “humanity’s greatest hero goes missing.” 

In addition to the multiplayer beta, Microsoft announced that three different editions of Halo 5: Guardians are now available for pre-order. The Standard Edition contains just the game and an exclusive poster for those that pre-order. The Limited Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition, but adds fresh digital content and “exclusive items” that are encased within a steel book. 

The Standard Edition and Limited Edition sets will be available for $59.99 and $99.99 respectively. 

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However, for those that want to go all out and blow their hard-earned cash on the must feature-filled package, there’s the Limited Collector’s Edition. It includes everything from the Limited Edition plus a commemorative numbered statue along with additional exclusive content. The Limited Collector’s Edition will set you back a hefty $249.99.

Halo fans that have already purchased the oft-maligned Halo: The Master Chief Collection will be able to access the Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta from now until January 18, 2015.

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill

Brandon received his first PC, an IBM Aptiva 310, in 1994 and hasn’t looked back since. He cut his teeth on computer building/repair working at a mom and pop computer shop as a plucky teen in the mid 90s and went on to join AnandTech as the Senior News Editor in 1999. Brandon would later help to form DailyTech where he served as Editor-in-Chief from 2008 until 2014. Brandon is a tech geek at heart, and family members always know where to turn when they need free tech support. When he isn’t writing about the tech hardware or studying up on the latest in mobile gadgets, you’ll find him browsing forums that cater to his long-running passion: automobiles.

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