Mortal Kombat 11 Beta Coming Before Full Game's Release

Mortal Kombat 11 was announced at the Game Awards, and it's already just around the corner with an April 23, 2019 release date. You can play early, though, by pre-ordering to earn yourself a spot in the beta. The test will kick off for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in March.

The announcement mentions select retailers for the beta but doesn't specify which are participating, so be sure to check with yours. The beta won't be available on Nintendo Switch or PC, each of which are also getting MK11. Pre-ordering will also net you Shao Kahn as a playable character.

NetherRealm will be giving the first extended look at the game on January 17, 2019. The event will feature a keynote talk along with the gameplay debut. It will take place simultaneously in both Los Angeles and London at 11 AM PT / 7 PM UTC. It will be livestreamed on Twitch.

The announcement referenced a "time bending story," which fits what we saw in the debut trailer at the Game Awards. In it, we saw two different versions of Scorpion from different eras of Mortal Kombat. It seems likely that this time the alternate retro costumes won't just be for cosmetic purposes, but rather different versions of characters will play heavily into the story. NetherRealm has become known for its unique fighting game campaigns in both Mortal Kombat and Injustice, which interweave several characters stories to tell one larger meta-plot.

Naturally, it's pretty gruesome too. The debut trailer made a point of showing both Raiden and Scorpion being roughed up in a handful of ways, so be sure to check out the trailer if you missed it the first time around.