Killer Instinct Gets Candy Cane Weapons, New Details on Its Cybernetic Raptor Fighter

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Microsoft has announced Killer Instinct is getting a few new items to celebrate the holiday season and more details about the 2.2 update, which adds a new fighter, Riptor.

Riptor, which Microsoft first teased last month, is a the Cybernetic Raptor created by Ultratech that has both human and reptilian DNA. He first appeared in the original game, and will be added to Killer Instinct on Xbox One when the 2.2 update is released on January 1, 2015. You can also expect a new Riptor trailer and gameplay stream on Monday.

The 2.2 update also includes:

• Riptor’s stage “Hatchery 09”
• Story mode
• Dossiers for all S1 characters (on character select screen)
• Balance changes and fixes (2.2 changelist found here)
• Increased character and stage loading speed
• New character select screen icons and silhouettes
• TJ's Retro Costume

Microsoft warned that the update will be larger than usual—10GB—because you'll have to re-download improved versions of all the content packages in order to get those shorter character loading times.

Until the update is applied, you can accessorize your fighters with holiday-themed items like a Saberwulf reindeer head, TJ Combo Santa head, and Orchid's candy cane batons. You'll get the items for free if you already bought Orchid, and Season 1 and 2 Ultra Edition. If you haven't, you can also buy them individually. The items will not be for sale after update 2.2.

For more information on the Rank system remodel and Iron Galaxy's future plans for the game, check out this latest post to the Killer Instinct's official forum.

Killer Instinct shipped on the same day as the Xbox One launch, with Jago available to play for free. Players could unlock other characters and items by paying a fee.

Killer Instinct developer Double Helix was acquired by Amazon earlier this year, casting doubt on continued support for the Xbox One fighter. Microsoft claimed the game would not be affected and said that the franchise, which it owns, would continue on.