Destiny 2 PC beta: preload today to join the fun next week – everything you need to get started
The Destiny 2 beta comes to PC on Monday. Be ready as soon as the flag drops.
Destiny 2 is almost here, but before we can all go gangbusters on it there's one more round of beta testing – for the PC crowd, this time.
We've got all the details you need to ensure you're prepped and ready for the Destiny 2 pc beta – system requirements, controls, capture overlay compatibilities, registration and preload instructions, known issues and more.
Dive on in and you'll be able to enjoy the Homecoming story mission and Inverted Spire strike, plus PvP (Crucible) modes Countdown on the Midtown map and Control on Javelin-4. Sounds good, right? You want a piece of that? Awesome. So when can you actually play the Destiny 2 PC beta?
PC beta start times and dates
The Destiny 2 beta will go live at 10am PT/1pm ET/6pm UK, but the day you can start playing depends on whether you've pre-ordered Destiny 2 on PC (there are other bonuses too; get the details in our Destiny 2 guide). Anyway, here's the schedule:
- Early access (pre-orders): August 28
- Open beta: August 29
- Beta ends: August 31
We can probably expect Bungie to uphold tradition and extend the Destiny 2 PC beta past the announced end date.
Beta client preload
You will be able to preload the Destiny 2 beta client in advance of the test, starting at 10am PT/1pm ET/6pm UK August 25.
In order to preload – and to participate in the Destiny 2 PC beta in general – you'll need to register for Blizzard's Battle.net and download the Battle.net desktop client.
That's because Bungie, a console developer for many years, has elected to lean on its stablemate for support; Destiny 2 will make use of Blizzard's infrastructure.
You can find assistance in setting up a Blizzard account here. Assuming you're all set, here are Bungie's instructions for preloading the Destiny 2 PC beta:
To pre-install, you must go to Blizzard's Battle.net app and click the big ‘Install' button. If you pre-ordered at retail, take the Bungie code you got from your retailer and go to www.bungie.net/redeem to get your PC Beta early access code.
System requirements and controls
PC gamers don't just plug and play like console fans do. Let's take a look at what your PC needs inside in order to run the Destiny 2 beta.
[list]Beta recommended specs
