Mortal Kombat 11's custom character variation system was one of the first things highlighted about the game after it's initial reveal in December. This system gives players more autonomy in not only giving their character a unique design, but special moves and abilities. After previously dodging the question at events like C2E2, NeatherRealm Studios has finally revealed to Game Informer how custom character variations will work when it comes to Mortal Kombat 11's competitive scene.

Those hoping to not have any restrictions on their characters will have to stick to either local versus or casual online matches. Just like with Injustice 2 and its gear system, the look and augments that do things such as increase experience will be the only aspects of player-created variations that will appear in Ranked and Tournament play. Despite that, some pre-set custom variations will appear in Mortal Kombat 11's Ranked mode.

For Ranked mode, the developers are creating pre-built variations of each characters that are "thought out and planned to create the best variety of gameplay within the system that we have" according to Lead Designer John Edwards. Every character will have at least two variations, though some may end up having more. These will all be built with the tools available to players, and will attempt to highlight many of the moves that can be equipped will still staying fun and balanced. Fortunately, the developers are willing to tweak these alternate versions of characters and moves based on community feedback.

Mortal Kombat 11 will release for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on April 23 and you can currently pre-order it on Amazon.