New weapons, game types, armor abilities, maps, matchmaking, and a Spartan credit and customization system are all available -- and that's just a sample of what's to come.
"Starting today and concluding on May 19, the beta is a chance for millions of people to experience a portion of the competitive multiplayer offering in Halo: Reach, and an opportunity to test and help perfect the definitive multiplayer experience," Microsoft said in a statement.
To get you prepared for the changes, Microsoft enlisted the help of Halo fan and actress Aisha Tyler to host its six-minute video, Welcome to the Beta.
Halo: Reach is set to launch this fall for the Xbox 360.
Sharkey says: I got in on the friends and family early beta this weekend and had a blast. The armor abilities add a much needed new layer to gameplay, with players switching from Jet Pack to Sprint on the fly depending on the tide of battle. And the Magnum and DRM are a great addition to the Halo arsenal, so much so I found myself rarely if ever using the Battle Rifle. Looking forward to playing with a couple million more Spartans today.
