Halo Wars 2 delayed to 2017, open beta available now [Update 2]
Halo Wars 2's release date has moved to February next year, but you can get a taste right now.
Halo Wars 2 delayed to 2017, open beta available now
Update 2: The beta has been extended once more, for one day. It will now end Friday, June 24 (midnight PST June 23). Halo community manager Andy Dudynsky said on Twitter that some fixes will be deployed and are in need of testing, which is the reason for the extension.
Update: 343 Industries has confirmed that the beta will now run until Wednesday, June 22, instead of the previously announced June 20 date.
Original story: Microsoft has shared an update about Halo Wars 2 during its E3 2016 press briefing. The Creative Assembly RTS will now be released February 21, 2017 on Windows 10 and Xbox One.
Halo Wars 2 is part of Microsoft's Play Anywhere programme, which means achievements and save files carry over across Windows 10 and Xbox One. You also get copies on both systems when you buy it on either one.
In addition, starting today and until Monday, June 20, a multiplayer beta for the game is available to download on Xbox One only. The 13 GB download was also among pre-show leaks.
The beta includes access to two game modes, Domination (available until June 16) and Deathmatch (available June 17-20).
Catch the brief beta trailer below:
More details of the retail version of Halo Wars 2 will be released tomorrow, and Microsoft teased Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, which is included in the game's Ultimate Edition.
Be sure to check out our E3 2016 hub for all the news, videos, screenshots, interviews and much more, live and direct for this year's show.