Halo Infinite's beta has PvP multiplayer for a limited time

Forget the bots. Bring on the players!

What you need to know

• The first Halo Infinite technical preview began on July 29 and is scheduled to run until August 2, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT.
• As a final addition to the test, 343 Industries has enabled PvP multiplayer matchmaking until 12 AM ET/9 PM PT.
• Players will be able to compete against one another in 4v4 Arena across the Live Fire, Recharge, and Bazaar maps.

The first run of the Halo Infinite beta is ending soon, and as a final test, 343 Industries has chosen to briefly enable 4v4 Arena multiplayer in the game. This gives players an opportunity to try out the multiplayer against other players instead of bots, which is no doubt something that many have been waiting for.

Like the matches against bots, players will be able to duke it out across three different maps in PvP: Live Fire, Recharge, and Bazaar. All three maps have unique layouts and plenty of weapons and equipment pieces to use, and it'll be exciting to see how well the Halo Infinite sandbox holds up in a PvP environment. Note that the PvP will only run for a short time according to 343 Industries; it's planned to close at 12 AM ET/9 PM PT on August 1.

In my Halo Infinite hands-on preview, I said that the game's weapon and equipment sandbox was a joy to engage with while playing against bots. Hopefully this holds true in the PvP environment as well.

Are you excited to jump into PvP? How are you liking Halo Infinite so far? Let us know. For more on the Halo Infinite beta, don't miss our list of the Halo Infinite beta known bugs and launch issues, our Halo Infinite equipment guide, and our complete Halo Infinite weapons list. Also, check out our roundup of some of the Halo Infinite beta's strange and goofy quirks for a good laugh. If everything goes well, these beta tests will help 343 Industries shape Halo Infinite into one of the best Xbox games ever.

The next adventure in the saga

Halo Infinite

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A new Great Journey awaits

Halo Infinite is sure to be an incredible game filled with wonder, adventure, and more. Based on the beta and what was seen at E3 2021, we can't wait for the full release.