'Metal Gear Online 3' Launches Limited Beta

Good news for players of "Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain" on PC. The online mode of the open-world action-adventure stealth video game, which is called "Metal Gear Online 3," launched a limited beta at 6 a.m., January 13, GMT (1 a.m., January 13, EST). This beta will only be for the PC version.

According to a report in International Business Times, "Metal Gear Online 3" for the PC has been long-awaited by players as the console versions of the competitive shooter mode has been available since October 2015.

Konami had announced a couple of days ago before the launch that users can proceed to Steam, log on to their Steam accounts and they will be able to download the beta version of the "Metal Gear Online 3." Players need to go to their Steam library and, using the entry for "Metal Gear Solid 5," they need to opt in so that they can gain access to the beta. In the United States, the beta launched on January 12, 10 p.m. PST (1 a.m., January 13, EST)

The beta test, according to a VG 24/7 report, will be a limited one only, although Konami did not indicate how long it will last.

The previous announcement was made via a short live stream by Konami developers, where gameplay was also shown off with the main character wielding a new weapon (a knife) and wearing a new wig indicating how much customization can be done on the characters. A new map which looked much like the Mother Base in "Metal Gear Solid 5" will be appearing in MGO. The map is yet unnamed, so part of the beta will require fans to suggest names for the new map.

With the beta underway, the release of the game's PC version may not be too far off, although Konami has yet to announce an official release date.