How to join the Mortal Kombat 1 beta on August 18

For those yet to pre-order, consider this your clarion call - immerse in the carnage that is Mortal Kombat 1 by placing your orders now.


Mortal Kombat 1 will be out on September 14.

In the savage realm of fighting games, where every move counts and the glory is but a perfect combo away, one name stands out – Mortal Kombat.

With not-so-reboot Mortal Kombat 1 lurking around the corner, the gaming community is electrified with anticipation, especially given the upcoming beta release.

The infamous game studio, NetherRealm, in collaboration with Warner Bros, has pulled back the curtain on the details of the Pre-Order Beta for MK1. A treat exclusive to those who show their allegiance to the game early, this beta version is set to unleash a maelstrom of combat and chaos on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

For those marking their calendars, brace yourselves for the onslaught starting on August 19 at 1AM AEST and lasting until August 22 at 1AM AEST. Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat, shared this revelation. With a nostalgic nod, he highlighted that August 18, the US date of the beta launch, coincides with both his mother’s birthday and the release date of the cult-classic 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. 

Watch this story and subscribe to Xfire on YouTube.

However, before you sharpen your blades (or controllers), here’s what you need to know about accessing the beta:

  1. NetherRealm has clearly emphasized that the MK1 Pre-Order Beta is exclusively for players who’ve pre-ordered the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. This means fans hoping to experience early combat on Nintendo Switch or PC platforms will have to wait a bit longer.
  2. Getting your hands dirty in the beta requires a pre-order. Whether you’ve reserved the Standard, Premium, or the lavish Kollector’s Edition on the specified consoles, you’re in for the brawl.
  3. Gamers who’ve gone the digital route for their pre-order will find their beta access seamlessly integrated. On August 16, starting 1AM AEST, the beta will be available for download directly to your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X console.
  4. If you’ve chosen the tangible thrill of purchasing from a retailer, expect beta codes to be furnished. These can be redeemed via a Warner Bros. Games Account, up until the beta’s conclusion on August 22 at 1AM AEST.
While Mortal Kombat 1 is a reboot, it’s technically a sequel to Mortal Kombat 12.

Once you’ve navigated the pathways to the beta, a visceral experience awaits. Players can play six brutal characters from the Mortal Kombat 1 roster: Liu Kang, Kenshi, Kitana, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero, and Li Mei. The beta stage will illuminate the Kameo Fighters as well, a fresh mechanism that adds an extra layer to the fighting dynamics. These Kameos include Frost, Jax, and Sonya. Not to mention, participants will have the chance to explore the intricacies of two stages – The Teahouse and the cinematic Johnny Cage’s Mansion.

Mortal Kombat has always been more than just a game; it’s a spectacle of art and action, a symphony of punches and fatalities. This upcoming beta is not merely a sneak peek into MK1 but a testament to the game’s evolution, showcasing new mechanics and reaffirming its legacy in the world of fighting games.

Engage now, for in the world of Mortal Kombat, hesitation can be fatal. As the game edges closer to its grand release, remember: in the pit of combat, every strike, every move, every fatality writes a tale of glory or doom.

NetherRealm will likely want to avoid a Tekken 8 scenario and leak the entire Mortal Kombat 1 roster during the beta.

Speaking of NetherRealm Studios, fans are asking Ed Boon to spearhead a reboot of the cult classic fighting game, Bloody Roar

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio