Defense Grid 2 pre-orders open, contain beta keys

If you want to play Defense Grid 2 early, you can do so by pre-ordering the game right now.

Tower defense game Defense Grid 2 – sequel to Best Tower Defense Game Defense Grid: The Awakening – is now pre-orderable on Steam for £17.09, with a special edition (containing a making of book, an artbook, and an ebook) available at £19.09. As is starting to become more common, it’s also got a tiered system, where more rewards are unlocked as more people pre-order the game.

While purchasing gets you 10% off as well as instant access to the Defense Grid 2 beta, more goodies are unlocked as more pre-orders flood in. The first tier of rewards will net everyone who pre-orders an artbook for Defense Grid: The Awakening, as well as the game’s Containment DLC. The second tier offers a free copy of Defense Grid: The Awakening, and a 50% off coupon for Windborne. Finally, the third tier will grant A Matter of Endurance, an audio story written by Hugo-winner Mary Robinette Kowal and performed by the English voice cast.

Defense Grid 2 will offer 21 maps players can defend with towers, dynamic level movement, a load of challenge modes, a larger cast of characters, a level editor linked to Steam Workshop, and – most intriguingly of all – full co-op and competitive multiplayer. It’s due out in September, and some shiny new screenshots can be seen below.