The second and seemingly final beta test for Halo Wars 2Â is expected to go live on January 20, when the focus will be placed squarely on the game’s all-new, card-based Blitz mode.
Slated for both Xbox One and PC, the upcoming tech test represents the community’s first chance to go hands-on with Halo Wars 2 since its presence at E3 last June, and developer 343 Industries has promised a more polished and refined gameplay experience over the previous build. That’s because the dev team has spent the past few months gathering feedback and implementing a variety of changes, meaning participants needn’t worry too much about those connectivity issues and UI glitches rearing their head once more – at least, that’s the idea.
It’ll run through until Monday, January 30, when players will step foot on the Proving Grounds map. Daily and weekly challenges will also be available, while 343 notes that the beta will offer an early peek at all of the Faction Leaders and Blitz cards set to feature in the final game.
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. 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.
It has all the makings for a frantic, nail-biting game mode, but Blitz isn’t the only exciting addition to Halo Wars 2; 343’s RTS sequel also touts a full-fledged campaign – one that can be enjoyed solo or with friends – along with additional multiplayer modes such as Domination, Strongholds and Deathmatch.
Halo Wars 2 will report for duty on both Xbox One and Windows 10 on February 21, with the latter platform in line for a physical release.
