If you’ve already preordered your copy of Destiny 2, get ready for the title’s early access on July 19. You get a chance to get your hands on the game’s first mission, new classes, multiplayer and the new social area on July 23.
The main campaign’s first mission is the same explosive look as the Homecoming demo shown at this year’s E3 Expo in June. You’ll also get to have a good look at the title’s newest multiplayer mode, Countdown. In this mode, you’ll duke it out with other Guardians against a boss or to protect a base on a whole new crucible map.
Multiplayer combat is making a return with yet another new map, and new features. Those features haven’t been discussed just yet, but it’s a good chance to see what the new PVP will be all about. If that isn’t your cup of tea, head over to the Inverted Spire with your pals for a co-op attack on a Vex stronghold. But don’t worry if you’re all by your lonesome—there’s a matchmaking system in the works, too.
Don’t forget to try out all the new subclasses, which will all be available during the early access period. You’ll have your choice between the Dawnblade, Warlock, Arcstrider Hunter and Sentinel Titan classes. And, on July 23 at 1 p.m. EDT only, you’ll have a chance to check out The Farm, Destiny 2’s social space. You won’t be able to access any of the services, but Bungie is looking to test out how many players the server can handle at once.
As a note, your character progression from Destiny and this beta will not carry over into Destiny 2 when it releases Sept. 6. That stings, but to lighten the pain, Bungie will be giving out special Destiny 2 emblems for those who participate.