We’re still about a week removed from the launch of the Destiny 2 open beta. But a new report from Polygon suggests Sony and Microsoft are planning to get ahead of the inevitable PSN and Xbox Live traffic spikes by allowing some fans to start preloading the game’s beta build. Some will still have to wait until next week. But those who’ve already pre-ordered their copies of Destiny 2 should have the beta files downloaded well before testing begins on July 18.
Last week, Bungie offered a comprehensive breakdown of all the content we can expect to find waiting for us when the Destiny 2 open beta begins. Beta participants will get a chance to play through the game’s opening mission, which sees Ghaul and the Red Legion lay waste to the Tower, along with one of the strikes from the final game. Destiny 2 beta testers will also have unlimited access to the Crucible, though we certainly expect the map rotation and match types to be limited in some way. The only thing Bungie and Activision didn’t cover in the trailer was a timeline for pre-loading. Polygon was able to get clarification from the Destiny 2 publisher.
According to Polygon, PS4 and Xbox One pre-loads will begin at 1 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, July 13. The files will only be available to those who’ve pre-order Destiny 2, and redeemed their beta code on the game’s website. Activision hasn’t confirmed a download size for either platform but it’s probably safe to assume the Destiny 2 beta will be significantly smaller than the final build. There’s also no word on when those without a pre-order will be able to download the beta. PS4 and Xbox One owners will all be granted access to the game on July 21 and everyone will lose access at midnight on Monday, July 24. But it’s possible they’ll be forced to wait until next week before the Destiny 2 beta can be freely downloaded from PSN and Xbox Live.
For more on the upcoming Destiny 2 testing period, take a few minutes to review the open beta trailer published last week. Then head down to the comments section and let us know if you’re planning to participate in the Destiny 2 beta when it begins next week.
Destiny 2 is in development for PS4, Xbox One and PC. The upcoming Destiny sequel heads to consoles on Sept. 6 and the PC port debuts Oct. 24.
Be sure to check back with Player.One and follow Scott on Twitter for more Destiny 2 news in 2017 and as long as Bungie supports Destiny 2 in the years following launch.
