Trion has announced in a brief press release that the first beta weekend event for Defiance will be launching on the 18th January. The beta will be for the PC version of the action MMO only.
The beta takes place in San Francisco which is slowly being transformed by hostile aliens into a new biome. Players will be Ark Hunters, genetically enhanced humans who are "part treasure hunter, part mercenary."
The beta will cover the tutorial area, Mount Tam, the Waterfront multiplayer map, and the open world boss battles, Shadow War and Arkfall.
Gamers can apply to be a part of the beta on the official site here.