Uncharted 3 Beta Launches Today

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.