Mortal Kombat 1 - Release Date, Gameplay, Kameo Fighters, And Everything We Know

The next chapter in the Mortal Kombat saga is mere days away, and after the series made a triumphant return on the Xbox 360 and PS3 era of consoles, this next entry in the series is hitting the reset button on its timeline. Developer NetherRealm is back to tell a new tale across the realms, one that'll be bloody, violent, and punctuated by over-the-top fatalities. Mortal Kombat 1 also adds a new gameplay system to its remixed storyline, refreshes its roster with fascinating twists on fan-favorite characters, and amplifies the digital destruction with gruesomely realistic graphics. Here's everything that we know about Mortal Kombat 1 so far.

Storyline

By the end of Mortal Kombat 11 and its Aftermath expansion, reality got a reset courtesy of a newly empowered Liu Kang and the Hourglass mechanism left behind by Kronika. This timeline, which is referred to as the New Era, is protected by Kang and features familiar faces in reimagined roles. Some things never change, though, and as seen in the reveal trailer, classic foes such as Shang Tsung are still up to no good even after they've been given a fresh chance to live a peaceful life.

In other trailers and gameplay, we've seen Raiden reborn as a mortal who eventually becomes chosen to represent Earthrealm in the Mortal Kombat tournament, Kung Lao joins the fight in search of glory, Reptile shifts from villainous lackey to outcast mutant looking for meaning in life, and Shao Khan has been demoted from Outworld emperor to bloodthirsty general under the watchful gaze of Queen Sindel.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, as Mortal Kombat 1's reset timeline contains brand-new origins and roles for its entire cast.

Release date

Mortal Kombat 1 will launch on September 19, 2023, and early access will begin on September 14 if you preorder the special editions of the game.

Platforms

You'll be able to get the game on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, although PS4 and Xbox One versions won't be available. Curiously, Mortal Kombat 1 will be available on Nintendo Switch as well, as a fully fledged version that is being developed by Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive, with NetherRealm providing oversight. As for the PC version, QLOC is developing that one.

Mortal Kombat 1 PC requirements

Mortal Kombat 1 looks great, and fortunately, it won't be too demanding on PC. Even aging PC hardware can render the game at its recommended settings, although naturally, the better the technology you have in your rig, the better your overall visual performance will be.

Minimum

• Windows 10 64-bit
• Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or Ryzen 5 2600
• 8GB RAM
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 / AMD Radeon RX 470 / Intel Arc A750
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 100 GB available space

Recommended

• Windows 10 / Windows 11 64-bit
• Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
• 8GB RAM
• Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / Intel Arc A770
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 100 GB available space

New gameplay systems

In the gameplay shown off so far by developer NetherRealm, Mortal Kombat 1 has no shortage of game modes, bone-crushing finishing moves, and fatalities. One of its new systems is Kameo Fighters, which sadly isn't related to a great Xbox 360 game. Instead, Kameo Fighters are a unique selection of partners who'll assist you during matches and are chosen separately from the main roster of fighters.

Another fascinating accessibility feature that's present in Mortal Kombat 1 is a fatality narration option. As you'd imagine, this allows for finishing moves to be described in vivid detail, adding a novel layer of accessibility to the fighting game.

Mortal Kombat 1 early access

Early access to the game from September 14 will be available for anyone who purchases the Premium or Kollector's Editions.

Mortal Kombat 1 roster

So far, NetherRealm has confirmed that the roster will consist of established characters from the early Mortal Kombat games. While Johnny Cage didn't appear in the reveal trailer, NetherRealm did confirm that he'll be in the game and that a downloadable skin of Hollywood legend Jean-Claude Van Damme will be available for him.

• Liu Kang
• Scorpion
• Sub-Zero
• Raiden
• Kung Lao
• Kitana
• Mileena
• Shang Tsung
• Johnny Cage
• Reptile
• Sindel
• General Shao
• Havik
• Kenshi Takahashi
• Rain
• Smoke
• Li Mei
• Baraka
• Tanya
• Geras
• Ashrah

DLC characters

As confirmed in a leak, Mortal Kombat 1's first Kombat Pass of guest characters will include two evil supermen, one vigilante who looks a lot like WWE superstar John Cena, and a few more classic Mortal Kombat characters.

• Ermac
• Homelander
• Omni-Man
• Quan-Chi
• Peacemaker
• Takeda

Kameo Fighters

Mortal Kombat 1's big new gameplay mechanic, Kameo Fighters are optional characters that you can call in to assist you in battle. With a wide roster to choose from, you can tag in classic Mortal Kombat fighters to set your opponents up for a juggle combo, deflect projectiles, and amplify X-Ray attacks with brutal special moves.

• Cyrax
• Darrius
• Frost
• Goro
• Jax
• Kano
• Kung Lao
• Motaro
• Sarena
• Scorpion
• Sektor
• Shujinko
• Sonya
• Stryker
• Sub-Zero

DLC Kameo Fighters

• Ferra
• Johnny Cage
• Khameleon
• Mavado
• Tremor

Is that Dave Bautista resurrecting the classic Mortal Mondays meme?

Yes, and it's brilliant to see Drax the Destroyer rallying Mortal Kombat fans to his side.

PSA: Watch out for Mortal Kombat 1 spoilers

Some physical copies of Mortal Kombat 1 have leaked early, and as you'd expect, people who have them aren't too shy about posting spoilers for the game in an effort to score some quick klut.

Mortal Kombat 1 price

Mortal Kombat 1 will retail for $70 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch. That price will be applicable for the base version, while the Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition will cost $110 and the Kollector's Edition will be $250. NetherRealm has also mentioned an in-game currency, Dragon Krystals, but exact pricing on those aren't available yet.

Special Editions and preorder bonuses

All Mortal Kombat 1 preorders will unlock Shang Tsung as a playable character, while the more-expensive versions will include DLC and physical goodies, depending on which you get.

Standard edition

• Base game

Premium edition

• Early access to the game on September 14
• 1,250 Dragon Krystals
• Johnny Cage character skin
• Jean-Claude Van Damme
• Early access to six new playable characters
• Five new Kameo Fighters

Kollector's edition

• Early access to the game on September 14
• 1,250 Dragon Krystals
• Johnny Cage character skin
• Jean-Claude Van Damme
• Early access to six new playable characters
• Five new Kameo Fighters
• 16.5-inch Liu Kang sculpture
• Three exclusive art prints
• Steel case
• Additional 1,450 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency)

Mortal Kombat 1 beta and early access

For anyone looking to try out Mortal Kombat 1 before its September release, beta access has unfortunately come to an end.