We're still a little bit under a year away from the release of Halo 5: Guardians, but as its multiplayer beta kicks off, pre-orders open for its various special editions.

The Xbox Wire has announced that Halo 5: Guardians' multiplayer beta has started for those who own Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Pre-orders have started for Halo 5 as well. Guardians' main campaign will continue the story of Master Chief after the heart-breaking ending of Halo 4. With Chief missing in action, Spartan Locke must find him to stop this new Forerunner threat.

343 Industries has revealed that there are three different versions of Halo 5: Guardians they can reserve:

  • Standard Edition for $59.99 – Halo 5: Guardians plus an exclusive poster1, only available to those who pre-order.
  • Limited Edition for $99.99 – Everything in the Standard Edition plus new digital content to enhance Spartan combat and exclusive items wrapped in a uniquely designed steel book.
  • Limited Collector’s Edition for $249.99 – Everything in the Limited Edition as well as additional content such as a commemorative numbered statue designed by 343 Industries. More details on the design to be shared at a later date.
We have a feeling the Limited Collector's Edition statue will be of Agent Locke, but who knows. Owners of Halo: The Master Chief Collection have access to Halo 5: Guardians' multiplayer beta from now until Jan. 18. Any content unlocked during the beta will be officially carried over to Guardians when it launches sometime in fall 2015. Unfortunately, owning The Master Chief Collection is the only way for people to gain access to the beta.

Live action Master Chief:

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