It’s almost time to expose your exotic belt buckles and reminisce on barmaids in Lima as Naughty Dog prepare to launch the first beta stage for the upcoming Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.
Though the previous title in the series, Among Thieves, also featured multiplayer, it was largely overlooked, even after the game garnered dozens of GOTY awards back in 2009.
Stripping the flawless cinematic gunplay and set-pieces from the campaign, Uncharted 2’s multiplayer was an absolute blast, supported post-launch with two unconventionally-priced map packs and character skins.
This year Naughty Dog is building on the multiplayer experience, hoping to drive it between 2011’s hot contenders Battlfield 3 and Modern Warfare 3. Here’s everything you need to know about the beta, from launch times and game modes, to level caps and rewards.
- The Uncharted 3 beta launches today, June 28th, and will be exclusive to both PlayStation Plus subscribers and those who pre-ordered inFamous 2.
- The beta will enter its second stage come July 4th, being available to anyone with access to the PlayStation Store.
- The beta will close on Wednesday, July 13th.
- If you want an exact launch time for the beta in your timezone, refer to this schedule.
- Three maps and eight game modes will be available over the duration of the beta.
- 8 Boosters, 4 Power Plays, and 4 Kickbacks are enabled during the beta.
- The estimated download size of the beta file is 1.7GB.
- Not only will the beta include competitive multiplayer, three co-operative modes including Arena, Hunter, and Adventure will also be made available.
- Stereoscopic 3D is enabled for you fancy lot out there.
- Four basic character models will be available to play as, though there are dozens of customisation options to tamper with.
- Split-screen co-op will also feature in the beta, allowing you to track your Facebook friends too.
- 25 is the current beta level cap. This will not carry over into the retail version of the game, though performing specific in-game actions will unlock Uncharted 3 unlockables including exclusive decals, and avatar, and even bonus cash.
Haven’t got anyone to play with? Firstly, ha ha. Secondly, get yourself over to the TSA Meets section of the website and sign up for one of our many community-organise in-game events.
Deathbrin
So every PS+ subscriber gets one?
Akuar
Yep, each and every one of us.
hazelam
sweet. ^_^
yogdog
Not going to be playing this, as I want to keep it completely fresh for the release in November. Explorer edition ftw!
Jim H [Teabags]
Good idea, though some of us simply can’t resist the temptation!
kivi95
Very strong of you!!! Trailers on the other hand is something that i have yet to look on a single one of them.
stingraz
Same here, except I might as well play the online now, as it will be the story that I’m really holding back for.
First impressions of it, I think it’s pretty awesome. My concerns over UC2’s online, were that waiting for a game online was boring and lonely. Now it’s much more lively, and I’m liking the tv feature.
Having that us account really paid off! Got the 30 free psn+ on there tonight and downloaded this.
Kevatron400
Yeah I’m the same. I wouldn’t watch a film whilst it’s still in post production, and I don’t need to play a game before it’s finished. 1. Because I don’t want the experience to be tarnished by potential unironed-out bugs and 2. Because, like yogdog, I want to remain fresh for when it comes out.
Forrest_01
I’m the same & i won’t be playing it either – Just can’t get excited about beta’s for some reason.
I’ll just play the game when the rest of you have ironed out most of the bugs! Thanks in advance by the way! XD
easternjam
22:00 it goes live tonight in the UK, that sucks. It’s awesome they added some co-op though, I’ll be playing through them for sure.
Origami Killer
thats a tad late :( i wont have time to play it tomorrow or tonight
david
even though its late it does mean we’ll get a extra day which makes up for it
easternjam
Yeah, you’re not missing much at the minute anyway. A few people are complaining about server issues and the only match I got into lagged out on me. Probably best to give it until tomorrow so they can fix a few issues.
iAvernus
So if you have PS+ from the welcome back program, you’ll be able to download?
TSBonyman
I think not, us 30 day ‘blow-ins’ aren’t invited to this party, however we’ll be able to access it on July 4th.
david
I’m pretty sure it is all the welcome back plusers as well as infamous 2 buyers
TSBonyman
That’s great if true, i might be confusing it with some other beta..
iAvernus
I wish someone can confirm this. I don’t want to get my hopes up and no Uncharted Beta =(
david
naughty dog said on there twitter that it was all PS+, infamous buyers and code giveaway winners. and that was a response to a question about whether it would be open to the 1 month PS+ trail users. the only way to be sure though is wait till 22:00 and try and download it.
iAvernus
Nah well living in the Caribbean, it’ll be available around 5pm, so I’ll see then. I hope it’s true. Thanks for the info david.
iAvernus
I’m downloading it now, so yeah, even if you are a 1 month trial person, you can download it. Sweet!
Hamzz
I have access to it, and i have the 30 day trial.
I Downloaded it the second day it was released in the UK :)
fokkusu
Omigod! Let’s party! Although it’s so late here when it comes available.
mynameisblair
So my inFamous 2 code is pointless. Argh.
Deathbrin
I’m thinking the same.
Forrest_01
Yeah, it wasn’t exactly an inspired incentive to buy now was it?
Rocket_345
22:00 tonight. Well thats bollocks. Guess i’ll be playing all tomorrow then
jonny_bolton
Great time to move house and be without the internet until the 15th…
Dr_mohannad
Ouch
bacon_nuts
Sounds fantastic, loved the Multiplayer on Uncharted 2, this sounds awesome :)
TheJaguar
Is the download already up on the store?
Can’t wait to play this!
This and my quest for LA Noire platinum will be my Playstation gaming for the next two weeks!