GAMERS get their first proper chance to try Halo Infinite this weekend.
A multiplayer preview of the long-awaited Xbox blockbuster is about to begin.
- Read the latest stories for PS5
- Keep up-to-date with all the Xbox news
- Read the latest gaming news
The preview kicks off on July 29 and ends on August 1, so it’s only a very brief preview.
But it’s the first real opportunity to try the game.
Better yet, if you sign up now then you’re in with a chance of trying out future previews too.
The event is described as a Technical Preview of the multiplayer portion of the game.
“We’ll…take a closer look at the content and experiences included in this inaugural tech preview,” said 343 Industries.
“Which will focus on Bots and Weapon Drills – two brand new additions to Halo.”
How to register for Halo Insider
First, use your Xbox gamertag to register for Halo Insider here.
Next, verify your email and then opt-in for communications.
If you don’t verify and check the “I would like information, tips, and offers about the Halo franchise” box, you won’t be able to gain access to Halo previews.
Then opt-in for “flighting” on your machine of choice – Xbox or PC.
If you want to try Halo on PC, you’ll need to upload your DxDiag (Microsoft’s diagnostic tool readout) and connect your personal Steam account.
The bad news is that registering for Halo Insider doesn’t guarantee you’ll get access to technical previews.
But it’s the best way of getting into one, so you’ll definitely want to sign up if you’re keen to play Halo Infinite ahead of time.
What is Halo Infinite?
The game was originally expected to land alongside the Xbox Series X in late 2020.
But the next-gen console launched with arguably its biggest blockbuster totally absent.
Halo is a hugely popular franchise – and is a major draw for Xbox gamers as a console exclusive.
But in August, Microsoft warned that the console wouldn’t launch in November as intended.
Game-makers blamed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic for the setback.
Now Halo developer 343 Industries has confirmed that Halo Infinite won’t arrive until an unspecified date in autumn next year.
“I joined 343i right as the team was wrestling with feedback from the July campaign demo,” said Joseph Staten, creative director at 343 Industries.
“This discussion boiled down to one fundamental truth: we needed more time to do things right.
“That included pushing hard in the Fall, giving the team time to recharge over the Holidays, and then coming back in January to finish the game at a healthy pace.”
The blog post went on to say that developers hope this will be “the best-looking Halo game ever”.
For the unaware, Halo Infinite is an upcoming first-person shooter game published by Xbox Game Studios.
It’s the sixth main entry into the Halo franchise, but the 14th game overall.
It’s being developed by 343 Industries and SkyBox Labs, and continues the story of the Master Chief – directly on from Halo 5: Guardians.
The game will be available on Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and the upcoming Xbox Series X.
Master Chief is back, and serves as the playable protagonist for the story.
You’ll get to explore a Halo ring – massive installations created by the Forerunners that were designed to kill the Flood.
“When all hope is lost and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, the Master Chief is ready to confront the most ruthless foe he’s ever faced,” Microsoft explains.
“Begin anew and step inside the armour of humanity’s greatest hero to experience an epic adventure and finally explore the scale of the Halo ring itself.”
