A recent report shows that Microsoft has informed IGN that the upcoming Halo: Reach multiplayer beta will run from May 3rd to May 19th and will feature the "turning on" of certain playlists of the beta at certain times throughout its 17 day lifecycle.

When players load up their copy of ODST on Monday 3rd they will have access to the "Arena mode" (4 on 4 ranked Team Slayer), a Free-For-All playlist and also some "Grab Bag" playlists - which include a mix of classic and new game types.

The two unique modes won't be available on day 1, with "Invasion" - Spartans vs. Elites - set to be activated sometime during May 7th and the "Generator Defense" game type on May 14th.

In other Reach news, anyone who signs in and plays at least one full game during the beta will get themselves a cool Halo: Reach beta avatar hoodie, which can be unlocked after one game by browsing your stats in Waypoint - the free to download Halo portal on Xbox Live.

There is also a "Halo Multiplayer Unlock Weekend" making all the three Xbox 360 Halo titles free to play online for all Xbox Live members, starting on May 14th and ending on the 17th.