Pre-load the Destiny 2 beta today on PS4 and Xbox One, exclusive to players with pre-order early access codes

Sometimes it pays to pre-order. Especially when there are Destiny 2 beta codes at stake.

The Destiny 2 beta kicks off next week for console players, with those who have pre-ordered getting early access before it opens up to everyone on the weekend.

PS4 pre-order early access begins on Tuesday 18, with Xbox One pre-order early access starting the day after, on July 19. Everyone else can join in the fun on July 21 before it comes to a close on July 23. For exact times, head over to our Destiny 2 beta start times for PS4, Xbox One, PC and pre-orders.

PC players will have to wait until August to get their turn.

If you've redeemed your pre-order code at Bungie.net, you can head over now and generate a console network code. Need some help with that? We've got full instructions for redeeming codes and downloading the Destiny 2 beta client.

Once you've checked all of the appropriate boxes in readiness for next week, you can go ahead and pre-load the Destiny 2 beta today. The pre-load will go live at 10AM PDT/ 1PM EDT/ 6PM BST but only players with pre-order early access codes can pre-load it. Keep an eye on your inbox as we'll hopefully start seeing Destiny 2 beta codes being sent out today; contact your retailer if you're still waiting on yours.

If you're wondering what kind of content will be included in the beta, you can find a detailed rundown here, but we'll see the Homecoming opening mission, two Crucible modes, a Stike, and a look at the new social space The Farm.

Destiny 2 releases on PS4 and Xbox One on September 6, with the PC release slated for October 24.

Let us know if your code arrives and whether you've pre-loaded the beta in the comments, so we can all be appropriately jealous.