Tips and Tricks - Getting started with the Halo: Reach beta

If you're a little lost starting out with the Halo: Reach beta, join the club. We have jackets - well, avatar t-shirts anyway. It is called beta testing for a reason, but a little prep can make the experience a whole lot better. Here's what you should know before jumping in:

• Controls. These have changed (again). By default, reload has moved to X, melee is on the right bumper, equipment is on the left bumper, grenades are fired with left trigger and grenade swapping is B.
• Loadouts. Before the match and each spawn, you get to choose a loadout. These can all look the same at first glance, but grant you a different mix or default weapons and armor abilities. Different game types offer different loadouts.
• Armor Abilities. These are the new thing you'll notice most, once you figure them out. These abilities have a power gauge that depletes from use and recharges over time. Jet Pack grants the power to fly, providing a tactical advantage but it might make you an easy target until you master it. Sprint lets you run fast (great for Capture the Flag runners or anyone who wants to get away fast). Active Camo turns you mostly invisible. Armor Lock lets you be invincible but you can't fire or move while using it. And the Elite-only Evade gives you that nifty dodge/roll maneuver they're known for.
• Health Kits. All except Elites can heal using health packs stationed on walls around the map. You do need to press the action button (X by default) when standing next to one to activate it.
• Takedowns. These are stealth melee attacks that occur when you sneak up behind an opponent. They look cool but can leave you open to attack for longer than a standard melee.
• Game Types. At launch, there are three playlists. Grab Bag includes 1 Flag CTF, Stockpile, Oddball, Team Crazy King, 3 Plots, Team Slayer, Team SWAT and Covy Team Slayer. Free-For-All offers Slayer, Slayer Pro Round, Classic Slayer, Oddball, Crazy King, Juggernaut and Headhunter. The Arena is Classic Slayer, Team Slayer and Team Slayer Pro. Starting May 7, the Invasion playlist will add Invasion and Invasion Slayer. And on May 14, the new Generator Defense game type will be added.

To get your avatar t-shirt, quit the beta and go back to the dashboard after completing at least one match. Go the Community section and load Halo Waypoint. Ask Waypoint to scan your career and you'll be awarded the t-shirt (along with any other goodies you might have earned playing the various Halo games). Now go back to the dashboard to dress up your avatar...