Avengers beta details, Hawkeye enters as post-launch unlockable hero

Square Enix wrapped up another episode of the Marvel’s Avengers Wartable earlier today. It featured a closer look at the campaign, showing off missions that can be played solo or co-op. The highlights of the show, however, dealt with both the upcoming beta, as well as a tease of our favorite sharpshooter. On August 7, Square will launch the beta into the wild. But after the game releases in September, we’ll be able to get our hands on Hawkeye as an unlockable, post-launch hero.

The beta for Marvel’s Avengers looks like a chunky one. It’ll offer four heroes: Iron Man, Black Widow, Ms. Marvel, and the Hulk. You can play the beta as any of these four heroes either on your own or in co-op with your buddies. You’ll also get a taste of the progression system in the beta. Each hero will have access to three pages of abilities via a skill tree, though the beta only includes one. The beta will have several mission types to clobber your way through, including HARM Rooms, Dropzones, and Warzones.

You can watch an example of the beta in action with the latest trailer released following the show:

“We really want to give fans an in-depth look at what they can expect when they get their hands on the beta starting on August 7,” said Scot Amos, co-head of Crystal Dynamics in a press release. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work the team has done getting Marvel’s Avengers ready for players, and can’t wait to see their reactions.”

Never miss the target

Oh, right, there’s also Hawkeye to talk about. The sharpshooting Avenger has been notoriously absent in a lot of reveals for the game up until now. Apparently, developer Crystal Dynamics had been holding that particular card close to the chest. Hawkeye will indeed be included in Marvel’s Avengers, but not at the start. He’ll be available as a playable hero, free to download sometime after the game releases. In addition, he comes with his own set of story missions that can be played solo or cooperatively.

For the entire Marvel’s Avengers beta Wartable, head on over to the saved livestream at its YouTube channel. Just make sure you clear an hour off your schedule before you start. The game releases for PC on September 4.