Halo Infinite beta gets big performance boost with new PC update
Less hitching, improved frame pacing, and up to 15% more frames.
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What you need to know
TheHalo Infinite betareturns on Thursday, marking the second weekend of multiplayer testing ahead of the title’s slated Dec. 8 release. The ongoing technical preview provides the latest insight into its multiplayer offerings, and for many, they double as the first hands-on opportunity with the sci-fi shooter. This weekend’s next four-day testing window expands to its largest audience yet, including the debut of its 24-player Big Team Battle (BTB) mode.
Halo Infinite developer 343 Industries has deployed an update to all PC technical preview testers and promises performance boosts over last week’s beta build. The update comes as many PC players face low framerates and hitching, in contrast to an otherwise polished experience on Xbox consoles. The update is now available to download via Steam for all with a current Halo Infinite technical preview installation.
We’ve released a small update for the#HaloInfiniteMultiplayer Technical Preview on PC. It should reduce hitching and improve performance for some PC players. There is no update on Xbox.We’ve released a small update for the#HaloInfiniteMultiplayer Technical Preview on PC. It should reduce hitching and improve performance for some PC players. There is no update on Xbox.— Halo Support (@HaloSupport)September 30, 2021September 30, 2021
The update increases framerates up to around 15%,accordingto Halo community manager John Junyszek, while also tackling issues with frame-pacing and hitching. These latest fixes arrive as Halo Infinite multiplayer testing looks set to resume on Thursday, with matchmaking tied up to strict beta start times and dates through Oct. 4.
An extensive list of known bugs and issues still comes attached to the Halo Infinite preview, as expected with any work-in-progress software. Hot topics include poor performance via unsupported NVIDIA 900 series cards or AMD graphics drivers earlier than version 21.6.1. 343 Industries also warns of crashes impacting AMD 6700 and NVIDIA 970 GPUs when starting the latest preview build.
The next Halo Infinite beta marks the broadest flight to date, with access recentlyexpanding to all Xbox console ownersvia the Xbox Insider Hub app. Those on PC can also circumvent the Halo Insider program sign-up process through a new friend code system, allowing existing testers to invite one buddy to the flight. TheHalo Infinite beta downloadremains live, ahead of another four days of testing this weekend.
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Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central’s Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft’s gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter@mattjbrown.
