

Check out one of our Bounty Hunt matches in Titanfall 2 played on Homestead!



The fun continues! Watch one of our Amped Hardpoint matches on Forwardbase Kodai

The open multiplayer tech test for Titanfall 2 is comprehensive. Across two weekends it’ll feature three modes and as many maps, with a level cap initially restricted to 10, but increased to 15 before the trial reaches its conclusion. It will be available to play on PS4 and Xbox One, but not on PC. Respawn cited technical issues with the variety of hardware, as well as concerns savvy PC players might be able to find and leak campaign information as the reasons for console exclusivity. But let’s be honest: giving PlayStation 4 players the chance to experience Titanfall for the first time in an extended demo is just as valuable as testing the servers.As with the original game, we’re able to confirm Titanfall 2 will run on dedicated Australian servers based in Sydney, and these will be operational during the tech test. Multiplayer betas ahead of release have become standard practice this generation, but Titanfall 2 is taking it a step further.Here’s the breakdown:This weekend, you’ll be able to play two modes: the signature Bounty Hunt, new in Titanfall 2, and the returning Pilot vs. Pilot. These can be played across two maps, Boomtown and Homestead, up to a level cap of 10. Next weekend both modes will return and be joined by a third, Amped Hardpoint. The level cap will be increased to 15 for the second weekend, and it will be joined be an additional map, Forwardbase Kodai, to play across all three modes.That should be more than enough time for Respawn to ensure its servers will perform at launch on October 28.Bounty Hunt was the mode on-show at E3 and our pick of the three available during the tech test. It adds a tactical nous to Titanfall by having you earn cold hard cash for every pilot, A.I. grunt or spectre and titan kill. Every so often the bank opens and it’s time to deposit what you’ve earned to add it to the team’s total. But you’ll only be able to bank what is rightfully yours. For each death, your cash balance will be cut in half.Running around with $50, it barely entered my thought process. But when it hit $500, I was terrified of having it slashed to $250 and then $125 by dying before I could deposit and add it to the team total. That’s the intriguing dilemma; do I play for more cash, or earn a set amount and then become conservative? I found it to be a critical time to call a titan. Whereas the lumbering titans are normally obvious targets for attack, players were more conservative in Bounty Hunt compared to other modes; they didn’t want to risk their stash either. While the extra firepower of a titan could be used to earn more cash, I had to consider electing to retreat from battle and bask in the safety of a robotic stronghold until the bank next opened. Even now I’m not sure which is my preferred option.It’s a mode I can foresee becoming a fan favourite. It suits Titanfall’s unique blend of speedy mobility, as a pilot, and hulking power, as a titan. The balance between getting another kill and protecting your own life is made so much more meaningful than merely protecting a kill/death ratio.The barebones mode returns from Titanfall 1 more or less exactly as you remember it. Pilot vs. Pilot removes the titans and the A.I. cannon fodder to offer a more streamlined PvP experience.Quite frankly, it’s the most generic mode. Without titans on the field of play, it reduces Titanfall to something akin to every other wall-running FPS out there; but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Its appeal will lie with players who crave team deathmatch. It’s a great way to learn the basics of playing as a pilot for new players – it’s easy to pick up if you’ve played any other shooter with double jump this generation – without the complications of simultaneously learning the intricacies of controlling a titan.Joining the tech test in the second weekend, Amped Hardpoint is similar to Hardpoint in Titanfall 1, with an extra coating. After capturing a point it’s able to be “amped” – essentially captured again, but this second layer only lasts while allies remain at the point and then begins to dwindle. Think of it like putting a temporary shield on top of HP.Hardpoint is the indispensible mode for many players, and amping adds a minor yet meaningful twist. Completely capturing a point takes a little more time, but not so much that it feels like an extra burden. It might even encourage some players to remain more defensive, as lingering at an amped captured point will deliver the most value to your team, and make it harder for the opposition to take control. The three maps all strategically keep titans at bay just outside the control points and provide enough internal cover so a defensive player can’t hang back and easily destroy attacking pilots with the fury of a titan.Playing across all three modes for about three hours, Titanfall 2 is noticeably more controlled than its predecessor. The speed of combat has been reduced; it takes a little longer to spring from one side of the expansive maps to the other – and these are massive arenas for this type of frantic shooter.That isn’t to say it’s all been relaxed. While general movement is a little tamer, the introduction of a grappling hook increases vertical speed, especially for players still learning how to bounce off walls. Respawn told me it was added as a means for lesser skilled played to move around the environment, so more experienced opponents don’t have a significant advantage just because they have perfected wall-running.The grappling hook is one of several perks, but was a clear favourite during our tech test session. It works extremely well and latches onto the side of walls and buildings without a hitch. It’ll take some practice to combine it into a seamless repertoire of wall-running, double jumping and grappling without breaking stride, but it’s a majestic accomplishment when it all comes together.The new Networks system builds active communities within Titanfall 2. Like Xbox One’s new Looking for Group feature, it aims to make connecting with similar players much more intuitive. An AusGamers Network, for example, would allow the AusGamers community to easily play together and see who else is online like an old school clan. Players can be members of several Networks and communicate via voice chat or text messages, which can be sent via Titanfall.com as well as consoles. Respawn hopes being able to track stats, arrange matches and chat on PC or mobile via the official website (rather than an app) will make it easier than having to fumble around with a controller between matches.I tried Networks in a closed local environment, so can’t be sure how it will actually work; but that’s exactly what the tech test is for. You’ll be able to put Networks to the full test, including making your own. Along with migrating existing communities into Titanfall 2, you could form new ones targeted to specific demographics. Perhaps you want a Network exclusively for Australians, or just for female players. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be ticking “no mics” so you don’t have to bother muting the imbeciles on Xbox Live. These options, and plenty more, are available through a simple checkbox system.Your chance to play is almost here. Simply put, the tech test is massive. It includes three modes, three maps, new titans, new weapons and abilities, the Networks system and a leaderboard training mode – and the first chance to play on PlayStation 4. It’s going to be a massive couple of weekends.