Halo 5: Guardians Beta early access begins today for Xbox One Preview members

This is the moment you've all been waiting for — the start of Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta. Okay, maybe this isn't the exact moment as the beta doesn't launch publicly until December 29; however, today marks the beginning of an early access period for members of Microsoft's Xbox One Preview program.

The early access period begins today, December 19, at 1:00pm PST (4:00pm EST) and runs through 11:59pm on Sunday, December 21. There's also no embargo on the coverage once the Early Access period begins so get ready for an influx of Halo 5 multiplayer content.

Unfortunately, the early access period will only offer content from Week 1 of the Halo 5: Guardians beta, whereas the full version will offer seven maps and three game modes spread across a three week period from December 29 to January 18. Remember, to gain access into the full beta on December 29, you must own Halo: The Master Chief Collection.