So it’s come to this

343 Industries has had enoughissueswithHalo: The Master Chief Collectionthat, two months after release, it’s come to this: public beta testing for an impending large-scale content update.

Testers will be chosen from a pool of North American players with high levels of engagement who have also opted into the Xbox One Preview Program. The beta is happening Friday and, depending how everything goes, the public at large will presumably get the update not long after.

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According to 343, there will be “changes to the matchmaking experience and party system.” At this rate, exceptions aside, there shouldn’t be much trust left in stable day-one game releases.

The opening area of the Whisper mission, in a small grove.

The Divide in the Cosmodrome, where the Guardian was resurrected.

A holofoil Ribbontail, as seen in collections.

The Phoneutria Fera hand cannon, inspired by the Season of the Haunted armor set. It has a unique, galactic glow.

Three Fuses appear in a match of Apex Legends' Wild Card mode.

Mad Maggie opens a supply bin and an item with a symbol indicating infinite ammo appears.

Legends slide through a zipline in King’s Canyon in Apex Legends.

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The Yeartide Apex tex Mechanica SMG with a Holofoil glow.