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Starhawk Beta Now Open To All PlayStation Network Members

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Lightbox Interactive has released the Starhawk beta to all PlayStation Network members starting today. There’s no need to redeem a code or jump through any additional hoops to access the Beta, all you have to do is follow these three easy steps:

1. Fire up your PlayStation 3 and log into the PlayStation Network (once the store updates in your region)
2. Download the Starhawk Multiplayer Beta from the PlayStation Store.
3. Have fun!

In the coming weeks the Beta will be upgraded with a new map, new vehicles, new weapons, 32-player max matches and more. Remember, this is still a beta, not a demo.

If you’re new to the Beta or would like additional tips and tricks, here is an introduction and tips from the PlayStation Blog that will get you started.

General Starhawk Beta Tips

• Kill to build, build to kill. Kill enemies to get more Rift Energy to build more stuff to kill more enemies.
• Shoot glowing Rift barrels to collect more Rift Energy.
• Do not repeatedly build the same structures. Things like Garages or Launch Pads allow you to create new vehicles without building a new structure.
• If you stay in the vicinity of your base area and Rift Extractor you will auto-magically collect Rift energy.
• Each structure does something specific. Discover its purpose!
• Most all the structures have a glowing yellow panel. If you go up to one, you will be prompted to either create a new vehicle or remove the building. Removing repeated buildings is a great way to ease the strain on your structure cap.
• Use mics for the best experience….and sometimes to learn a few new words. :)
• Pick your Skill wisely. You can also change them during a match during respawn. Remember that you need enough XP points and the listed prerequisite for a Skill to unlock.

Top 10 Starhawk Beta Tips from Real Beta Players!

1. Wall Spam, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Nothing! If you place a ton of walls they will suck up structure cap space – and the enemy will fly over them anyway! Use them intelligently. Look to create choke points and use them efficiently. It’s very tempting to build them as they are relatively cheap and they scratch the “build a base” itch. Stand firm! Avoid spamming the battlefield with unwanted clutter! – From H-BOMM
2. Take My Knife, Please! When you’re knifing an enemy try to jump and knife at the same time. You can also get higher (stand on a rock, etc).
3. Sniper Time! If you aim the LR-3 Railgun for a long period of time the laser will show and your location will be revealed. Use it quick to avoid detection. – From Matt-Moore
4. Chose Your Friends Wisely! Working as a team is absolutely critical to have a shot at winning. Teamwork is key. – From Outast_Graves
5. Mic Up! Use your mic. Encourage your friends to use their mics and work together for optimal fun. — From Sharp Dagger
6. For The Love Of God, RUN! Hold R2 to run. Do it always. Never walk. Always run. Run, run, run. – From TuckTay
7. Enemy Mine! The mines are magnetic…you can stick them to your Hawk or Razorback. Get close enough to enemy Hawks or Razorbacks and they will “jump” onto them and explode. –From Seven11
8. To Build Or Not To Build. If you need a Razorback or a Mech, look around your base first. Don’t build another structure if they are there already. Run up to the yellow panel and build the vehicle. – From SmokScr
9. Sell You Down The River. You can sell and remove most buildings by using the yellow control panel. Just run up to it, choose to “remove” and down it comes — From Ikeler
10. Bite The Hand That Feeds. If you EVER see a player with the handles LBI (insert name here) or SONY (insert name here) kill, kill, kill…. – From RobbieK

Controller Layouts

Here are the Starhawk Beta controller layouts


Info and Background on Starhawk
Starhawk’s feature set begins with a host of weaponry and a multitude of vehicles for high-speed, extreme combat combined with intense vehicular warfare on both land and air. The game’s innovative Build & Battle system lets players alter the moment to moment action by giving them the ability to change the dynamic of the battlefield instantly with a selection of base structures at their disposal, all while in the midst of the fight. By the touch of a button players can violently deploy a number of buildings, vehicles, or artillery to strategically complete mission objectives and defeat enemies. Through the sophisticated architecture of the PS3 system, the instantaneous customization that Build & Battle provides, as well as the breadth of gameplay that spans multiple modes, is made possible.

Utilizing state-of-the-art visual technologies, the development team has made every effort to give players the realistic feel of actually being on the battlegrounds with vibrant characters and environments, coupled with dynamic lighting effects. Starhawk includes a full-fledged single-player story mode with various missions set in a number of diverse interstellar environments. The title also boasts a strong online mode where users can battle head-to-head in epic 32-player matches, up to four-player online and offline co-operative play, and split-screen gameplay within multi-player and co-op modes, always against an endless attack of enemies.

The Starhawk universe is set in the distant future, out in the far reaches of space where factions battle over a rare and dangerous resource known as Rift Energy. In this galaxy, colonies of humans, called Rifters, explore a scattering of planets, known as the Frontier, in attempt to mine this energy to make an honest living, but find their way of life threatened by the Outcast, a ruthless species of humans who have mutated into psychotic monsters due to exposure to this very same Rift Energy. Caught in the middle is Emmett Graves, a hired gunslinger ostracized from society because of his own exposure to Rift Energy, leaving him partially mutated, but still able to retain his humanity. Starhawk allows you to take on the powerful role of Graves who is drawn back to his home settlement of White Sands on the Planet Dust to face a mysterious outlaw and his war band of Outcast warriors only to discover that this job may mean more to him than he could have ever imagined. He will soon find out that his family is involved in the clash between the Outcast and the Rifters and therefore must decide between those close to him and those he swore to protect.

Additionally, Starhawk employs a host of online community features that allows players to be always connected, all the time, including tournaments, leaderboards, and clan support with additional friends list and quick match options. Players can keep up to date with the community events calendar, ticker tape updates, and a Starhawk Android application that lets users keep track of friends, clan mates, and stats when not online.