Halo: Reach title update beta dropping October 4

Halo fans still have a solid two months to go before Microsoft releases its Combat Evolved revamp. Good news, then, that 343 Industries also continues to hone the Bungie-developed Halo: Reach. Today, Microsoft announced that beta playlists for the upcoming Halo: Reach title update will be available to Xbox Live Gold members who own the game beginning October 4.

First announced at last month's 2011 PAX Prime, the title update brings with it a number of updates to Halo: Reach's online multiplayer modes. Among these changes are the addition of Halo: CE's magnum pistol, a rebalancing of armor abilities, and the introduction of classic playlists.

The title update will exit beta alongside the launch of Halo: CE Anniversary on November 15. As for that launch, Microsoft confirmed today that Halo 2's Breakneck multiplayer map will be reinvented and included in the Anniversary package. Renamed Headlong, the large-sized map accommodates 8 to 16 players and features the ruined cityscape of New Mombasa.

For more on Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary and Halo: Reach, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.