A brand new Halo Wars 2 beta is coming to Xbox One and PC on January 20th. Fans will get a chance to try the game out one more time before its final release date of February 21st, 2017. This new Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta will focus on a new game mode called Blitz, which is pretty different from anything you’ve seen from this series so far.
“Blitz is our new twist on RTS gameplay that combines the deck building and split-second decision making of card-based strategy play with explosive tactical combat in the Halo universe,” reads the announcement on Halo Waypoint. “Your card deck, along with your faction leader, are your greatest resources as you assemble a collection of air, ground and infantry units and seek to out-think and out-maneuver your opponents on the battlefield. We’re really excited about this new mode and look forward to unleashing Blitz upon the community to play and run through its paces prior to launch.”
Cards have become a big part of many multiplayer games, including Halo 5 and Gears of War 4. Allowing players to put together decks of cards that will help them in battle, in various ways. Sometimes these lead to microtransactions, though the previous examples have been good about avoiding pay-to-win scenarios.
“The Halo Wars 2 Blitz Beta will officially begin on Friday, Jan. 20 and is slated to run through Jan. 30, 2017. The Blitz Beta will take place on the map “Proving Grounds,” and will offer 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 gameplay via matchmaking on both Windows 10 PC and Xbox One.” 343 Industries also points out that this beta is close to the final build, allowing them to include all of the final faction leaders and Blitz cards that will be found in the finished release.
Your progress during the Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta will not carry over to the final game, but playing it will unlock special in-game rewards. “As a special incentive and thank you, everyone who participates in the Blitz Beta will be awarded up to two free in-game Blitz card packs in the final retail version when it ships in February. You’ll earn one card pack just for logging into the Blitz Beta and another one after you’ve completed your first match.”
Halo Wars 2 hits Xbox One and Windows 10 PC on February 21st. The beta will run from January 20th to the 30th.
