As everybody is aware by this point, Respawn Entertainment will be running a beta program (or ‘technical test’ as EA are choosing to label it) for the sequel to 2014’s sci-fi shooter Titanfall.
Planned to run over two weekends, this beta will first be accessible from this Friday, August 19th, with two game modes and two maps available. The second weekend will run from August 26th – 28th.
Two new titan classes – Ion and Scorch – have been confirmed, along with two new weapons which will be available for use in the beta; the Mastiff (a horizontal-spread shotgun), and the Alternator (a dual-barrel SMG). Some of these exciting new additions can be seen in the multiplayer trailer:
The new game modes and maps are as follows:
Modes
- Bounty Hunt (5v5): A brand new mode that pits Pilots and their teammates against an opposing team as well as the Remnant Fleet. Earn bonuses by killing grunts and enemies, but make sure and deposit all your points at the bank between waves without getting killed.
- Pilots vs. Pilots (8v8): Players can be the best Pilot on the Frontier and put their combat and mobility skills to the ultimate test in this classic 8 vs 8 Pilots only mode.
- Amped Hardpoint (6v6–second weekend only): A new twist on Hardpoint Domination from the original game; now defending a Hardpoint will let you amp it, giving your team double score. Team work is the key to securing victory.
Maps
- Boomtown: A secret underground IMC facility where the latest in R&D is put to the test. In this facility Pilots can use the many peaked roofs to use as cover against combatants below. With tight lanes through the middle, Titans can also be easily ambushed.
- Homestead: The IMC have claimed Imminent Domain on a small commune’s plot of land. With a series of raised, rocky plateaus and a river running down the middle, Pilots are mostly safe from Titans among the rocks and trees but they also can duck into the caves and building when needed. However, the Titans control the large rolling fields.
- Forward Base Koda (second weekend only): Militia forces have taken over an IMC substation and set up a forward operating base. Pilots can find safety from Titans in the hallways and chambers of the main building, while Titans can walk over the roof to get a better view of the action.
Respawn have elected to make the beta console-exclusive, as they have not yet optimised the game for the almost indefinite amount of possible PC hardware configurations.
The full game releases on October 28th.
-JP