Microsoft and 343 Industries will hold a second open beta for Halo Wars 2 that will focus on a brand new game mode.

Halo Wars 2 is only a month away from release, and 343 Industries want the launch to be perfect. As such, the team is hosting a second open beta that will be available on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs starting January 20.

The twist here is that the beta will focus on a brand new card-based game mode, Blitz. Blitz is a twist on the conventional RTS gameplay mechanics that adds in the deck-building and split-second decision of a card-based strategy game. You'll build a card deck of air, ground, and infantry units as you seek to out-maneuver your opponents and hand them defeat. Blitz will be only mode offered in this beta.

The Halo Wars 2 Blitz beta kicks off Friday, January 20 and runs through Monday, January 30. All the action will take place on the Proving Grounds map with players engaging in 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 battles. While progress and cards collected during the beta won't carry over to the full game, 343 Industries does have some special incentives for trying out the beta. Players can earn up to two free in-game Blitz card packs for participating. The first one is given just for logging in, and the second after completing the first match.

Halo Wars 2 is out February 21 on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs. Be sure to hit up the Xbox Live Marketplace on January 20 to check out the beta.

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