'Destiny 2' beta: Here's how and when you can play
The blockbuster action game Destiny 2 won't reach PlayStation 4 or Xbox One until September 6. But you can try out an early slice of the game as soon as Tuesday.
Bungie, the game's developers, are rolling out a beta for Destiny 2 on the video game consoles, giving players a chance to enjoy the game two months early.
The beta starts on July 18, and runs until July 23. A separate beta for the PC version of Destiny 2 will launch next month.
The game features Guardians, protectors of the last city on Earth. In Destiny 2, that city is overrun, requiring players to regroup and counter this new threat.
Here's what you need to know about the beta:
How do I get access?
If you own a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, you can play this week. However, depending on whether you pre-ordered the game (and on what platform), you may get a chance to start earlier.
If you pre-ordered through an online store like PlayStation Store, Xbox Store or the Blizzard Shop, you're automatically entered. If you pre-ordered at a physical retailer, you receive a redemption code to plug into the Bungie website to gain entry.
When can I play?
If you pre-ordered the game for PlayStation 4, you can start playing Tuesday. Xbox One owners who pre-ordered Destiny 2 must wait a day later, July 19. Everyone else gets access on July 21. The beta ends on July 23.
What's available on the beta?
Players have three options. The first is Homecoming, a campaign mission where players must respond to an emergency distress call. The second is a cooperative strike called The Inverted Spire. Players team up with friends online to take down an enemy stronghold. The third is Crucible, Destiny's competitive hub. Players will get to join in a match type called Countdown, where one team sets a series of bombs, and their opponents attempt to diffuse them. Teams get one point for each winning round, with the first to six winning the match.
Why are they doing this?
One big reason is to make sure developers are capable of hosting a lot of players at once before the game launches in September. Destiny 2 is a shared-world experience, which means many players will appear online competing in matches simultaneously. This beta allows them to work out any kinks before they go live for real. Plus, you get to play a blockbuster video game early, so it's an added bonus.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.