Mortal Kombat 11’s new Friendships are just what the game needed

If the grisly, entrails-shredding fatalities of Mortal Kombat 11 are just a little too much for you right now, the game’s upcoming Aftermath expansion will bring back a fluffier, fan-favorite finishing move: Friendships. A new trailer for Mortal Kombat 11’s Friendships offers a look at just how cheerful and silly things will get later this month (and gives you a Smash Mouth fix to start your week).

We’ve already seen Scorpion hugging a teddy bear and Kano throwing some shrimp on the barbie, but in NetherRealm Studios’ new Friendships trailer, we get a peek at more friendly finishing moves from Sub-Zero, Liu Kang, Sindel, Skarlet, and The Terminator, who pulls off some sick motorcycle stunts with a smile. The Friendships trailer also confirms the return of Kidd Thunder, Raiden’s lil’ protégé, and offers the slightest of Batman teases for Joker’s Friendship.

The Friendships trailer is full of cute goofs, and I can’t wait to see Mileena and Kitana patty-caking it up when the new finisher arrives on May 26. Friendships will be a free addition to Mortal Kombat 11, whether or not you buy the Aftermath expansion. The paid add-on will add a new single-player story campaign and three additional fighters: Fujin, Sheeva, and RoboCop.

Xbox One wireless controller

• $60

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Microsoft’s wireless controller is compatible with both Xbox One and Windows PC.

• $60 at Amazon

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