Mortal Kombat 11 Beta: Gameplay Tips & Impressions

In this guide to the Mortal Kombat 11 beta we tell you

  • how to get into the closed beta
  • which modes and characters are playable
  • the basics of gameplay and controls
  • our conclusion to the beta

The closed beta is playable from March 27, 2019 to April 1, 2019. The full version of Mortal Kombat 11 will be released on April 23, 2019.

Guide Content

1. How do I get access to the closed beta?

The closed beta is available to those who have pre-ordered Mortal Kombat 11 on Playstation 4 and Xbox One. It doesn't matter if you chose the Standard, Premium or Collector's Edition.

To download the beta client, you'll need to enter the beta code provided by the seller in the Playstation Store or Xbox Games Store. After that, the beta file will be available for download. If you purchased the digital version, you can download the beta directly.

The closed beta will start on March 27, 2019 and end on April 1, 2019.

2. What modes can I try out in the beta?

Within the closed beta, the online mode, character customizations, and the Tower of Time are available.

Online mode

In the online mode, you can beat the guts out of other pre-orderers or have them beat the guts out of you. Mortal Kombat 11 is no walk in the park, so be prepared for a lot. Before the fights, you can see how good the internet connection is to the potential opponent and whether they are connected via WLAN or cable. This is a useful innovation that can prevent lags before a match.

Character customization

In the character custom ization, you can equip the fighters according to your taste. In the beta, each character has three different outfits to choose from. Additional slots for masks, weapons and other character-specific details offer almost endless combination possibilities.

In addition to the cosmetic changes, you can choose between various gameplay options. Each character has three sockets that grant access to new attacks, special moves or buffs. This is a further development of the variation system from Mortal Kombat X.

In Mortal Kombat 11, you can now create different loadouts for all fighters. A similar system already existed in Netherrealm Studios' , but this time the visual and gameplay customization options are independent of each other.

The Tower of Time

The last mode available in the beta is the Tower of Time. This is a classic arcade mode that involves fighting increasingly stronger AI opponents. The game variant can be played in 5 difficulty levels and is suitable as preparation for the online mode. The beta does not offer a training or tutorial mode.

3. Which characters are playable?

During the closed beta you can choose between 5 different fighters. The available characters are:

  • Baraka
  • Jade
  • Kabal
  • Scorpion
  • Scarlet

Jade is one of the playable characters in the Mortal Kombat 11 beta.

4. Gameplay, Controls, Moves?

This section is about the gameplay basics of Mortal Kombat controls and how you can use the different maneuvers.

Attacks

Attacks in Mortal Kombat 11 are distributed over 4 different buttons. To avoid confusion with individual button assignments and different platforms, the attacks are often indicated with the numbers 1 to 4.

  1. Light punch (PS4: Square / Xbox One: X)
  2. Strong punch (PS4: Triangle / Xbox One: Y)
  3. Light kick (PS4: X / Xbox One: A)
  4. Strong kick (PS4: Circle / Xbox One: B)

Despite a moderate pace of play, the red juice is of course flowing in streams again.

Throws

Another option to inflict damage on your opponent is the throw. This is triggered when you simultaneously press the keys for light punch (1) and light kick (3). With the default key assignment, you can alternatively press the L1/LB key.

A throw cannot be blocked, but must be deflected with the same key combination. So use this move in unexpected moments and to draw blocking opponents out.

Block

A special feature of the Mortal Kombat series has always been the designated block button. This requires holding down the R2/RT button in Mortal Kombat 11. Depending on the attack, you'll have to defend standing or crouching. Correct blocking will significantly minimize the damage you take, but you can still die.

Fatal Blow

The "Fatal Blow" mechanic is a further development of the X-Rays from Mortal Kombat . By pressing the R2/RT and L2/LT buttons simultaneously, your fighter performs a cinematically staged finisher. However, these moves can only be used once the executing character has lost at least 70% of his health points.

Interaction with the environment

As in and , the arenas offer various interaction options. You can use parts of the environment for offense or defense with the R1/RB key.

5. Our conclusion on the Mortal Kombat 11 beta

Just under a month before release, the Mortal Kombat 11 beta makes a very well-rounded impression. Graphically and technically, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. Especially the faces of the fighters look much more realistic than in the predecessor and the online mode ran very stable during our test phase.

Baraka and Skarlet fight each other in the Mortal Kombat 11 beta

We especially liked the customization options for the characters. Especially in the gameplay, they provide a lot of variety. I had a lot of trouble with Baraka in the beginning when enemies used projectiles. However, in the character customization, moves can be equipped to counter ranged characters. So if you feel like it, you can design the right loadout for each enemy.

We would have liked to have the training mode or a few combo trials for the beta. Playing without any preparation is a bit chaotic. But at least all beta participants are in the same boat.

In any case, we're hooked and can't wait to get our hands on the full version on April 23, 2019.

Visit us on Facebook and Instagram and discuss your favorite games with us!