Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 multiplayer beta launches on PS4 today

The wait is over, folks. PlayStation 4 owners who have already pre-ordered Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 can get their first taste of the (hopefully) improved multiplayer experience today.

Although the beta will be offered on Xbox One and PC as well, PS4 owners have first dibs thanks to a new partnership between Sony and Microsoft.

The beta, which has already kicked off, represents just "a fraction" of the full game, offering players three maps — Hunted, Combine, and Evac — that accommodate various play styles and take advantage of the new momentum-based, chained-movement system, advanced weaponry, new gear and more. At least seven modes will be unveiled through the Beta, including "a few surprises," Activision teased.

You'll also get to sample what is perhaps Black Ops 3's biggest new feature — the addiion of Specialists. As previously stated, you'll no longer be playing as some random soldier in multiplayer, but instead a unique character with his/her own unique power and weapon that's unlocked through a miniature score streak. Beta allows you to play as the eight alread-revealed Specialists. Additionally, you can get a taste of the weapon customization featuring both Create-a-Class and the Weapon Paint Shop (which won't be available on the PC version beta).

"We have poured our heart and soul into making Black Ops 3, pushing ourselves to develop the deepest and richest experience we could for Call of Duty players. We can't wait for the fans to get their hands-on multiplayer so they can provide us with the type of feedback at scale to ensure we deliver the best experience we can come November," said Mark Lamia, Studio Head of Treyarch. "With the new precision fluid movement system, the introduction of Specialists and an all-new weapon customization system, there's a ton of multiplayer content in the beta and that's just scratching the surface."

The Black Ops 3 beta for PS4 will run through Sunday, August 23rd. The beta will arrive on Xbox One and PC the following week and run from August 26th through August 30th.

For those of you still on the fence about this year's Call of Duty, check back periodically this week for our impressions and gameplay videos.