Mortal Kombat 1: The Brutal Reboot That Rewrites History
Let me be honest with you. When I first heard that Mortal Kombat was getting another reboot, I rolled my eyes. We have seen so many timelines, so many resets, so many “this time it’s different” promises. But then I actually played Mortal Kombat 1. And I realised something. This is not just another reboot. This is a genuine reinvention.
Fire God Liu Kang has created a new universe. A peaceful one. A hopeful one. And then everything goes wrong anyway. Because this is Mortal Kombat. Peace never lasts.
The game came out in September 2023 and it has been getting better ever since. Multiple DLC characters, new Kameo fighters, constant updates. If you have been waiting for the right time to jump in, this is it.
Let me break down everything you need to know about Mortal Kombat 1.
Quick Info Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Games |
| Developer | NetherRealm Studios |
| Release Date | September 19, 2023 |
| Genre | Fighting / Action |
| Platforms | PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
Detailed Game Description
Let me start with the most important thing you need to understand about Mortal Kombat 1. It is a reboot, but not in the way you think. It does not erase the past. It builds on it .
At the end of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, Fire God Liu Kang defeated Shang Tsung and took control of Kronika’s hourglass. He used that power to restart the entire universe. He created a timeline where peace could flourish. Where the devastating wars between realms never happened. Where his friends could live normal lives .
But here is the thing about Liu Kang’s new era. It is not perfect. Secrets lurk beneath the surface. Old enemies have new faces. And somewhere out there, a threat is growing that even a Fire God could not have anticipated.
The Story
Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode is NetherRealm at their best. Cinematic, dramatic, and full of moments that will make you genuinely surprised. And yes, it is fully voice acted with Hollywood-level production value.
You start the story in a world that feels familiar but different. Liu Kang is now the Protector of Earthrealm, a role previously held by Raiden. Speaking of Raiden, he is no longer a god. He is a simple farmer. A good man with a pure heart, but just a man . Kung Lao works alongside him. Together, they are chosen to represent Earthrealm in the latest Mortal Kombat tournament.
But the tournament is not what it seems. There is a conspiracy. A hidden enemy. And as you play through the story, you will encounter reimagined versions of classic characters. Sub-Zero and Scorpion are still rivals, but their conflict has new dimensions. Mileena struggles with a condition that threatens to consume her. Kenshi, the blind swordsman, has a completely new origin.
The story takes about 5 to 6 hours to complete. It is not the longest campaign, but it is packed with action and genuinely good writing. And when you finish, you unlock Havik as a playable character . So there is a reward waiting for you.
The Gameplay
Mortal Kombat 1 plays like a dream. The combat is fluid, responsive, and brutal. But the big new addition is something called Kameo Fighters.
Kameo Fighters are a separate roster of characters that assist you during matches . You choose your main fighter, and then you choose a Kameo. During the fight, you can call in your Kameo with a single button press. They will perform a move, extend your combos, break you out of pressure, or even help you land a Fatality .
Think of them as your tag team partner, but you never fully switch characters. They come in, do their thing, and leave. There are over 20 Kameo fighters available including classic characters like Sonya Blade, Jax, Kano, Stryker, Goro, Motaro, and even new additions like Janet Cage (a female variant of Johnny from another timeline) and Madam Bo .
The Kameo system adds a whole new layer of strategy. Do you pick a Kameo that covers your character’s weaknesses? Do you pick one that enhances your strengths? Do you pick one just because you want to see their Fatality? The choice is yours.
The Roster
The base roster of Mortal Kombat 1 is packed with fan favourites. You get characters like :
- Liu Kang (now the Fire God)
- Scorpion
- Sub-Zero
- Raiden (now a mortal)
- Kung Lao
- Kitana
- Mileena
- Johnny Cage
- Kenshi
- Smoke
- Rain
- Li Mei
- Tanya
- Baraka
- Geras
- Reptile
- Ashrah
- Havik (unlocked via story mode)
- General Shao (the new version of Shao Kahn)
- Sindel
- Reiko
- Nitara (voiced by Megan Fox, yes really)
And that is just the base game. The Kombat Pack added more characters :
- Quan Chi
- Ermac
- Takeda Takahashi
- Omni-Man (from Invincible)
- Peacemaker (from DC, played by John Cena)
- Homelander (from The Boys)
Yes, you read that right. You can have Omni-Man fight Homelander. It is as awesome as it sounds.
The Modes
Mortal Kombat 1 has a lot to offer beyond the story mode .
Invasions Mode is the big new single-player feature. Think of it as a board game. You move your character around a map, landing on spaces that trigger fights, challenges, and minigames . There are seasonal maps that change every six weeks. You earn rewards, unlock cosmetics, and level up your characters.
The minigames are a nice throwback. Test Your Might returns. You mash buttons to build up a meter and smash objects. Survive challenges you to dodge projectiles coming from both sides of the screen . Jump over the low ones, duck under the high ones. Simple, but surprisingly intense.
Towers Mode is exactly what you expect. Fight through a series of opponents. Classic, endless, survivor, all the variations are there.
Online Multiplayer uses rollback netcode, which means the online matches feel responsive and smooth . You can play Ranked matches in the Kombat League, casual matches, or join King of the Hill lobbies. Crossplay is supported between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC .
Local Versus is also available. You can play against a friend on the same console. Old school.
Practice Mode lets you lab your combos, test your Kameo assists, and practice your Fatalities. There is even a specific Fatality practice mode so you do not have to waste time in real matches trying to get the distance right .
Fatalities and Brutalities
Let me talk about the Fatalities because this is Mortal Kombat. The Fatalities in MK1 are some of the most creative and disgusting in the series .
Every main fighter has at least two Fatalities. Some are close range, some are mid range, some are far range, and a few like Smoke can be performed from anywhere on the screen .
To perform a Fatality, you need to be at the correct distance. The game shows you a prompt at the end of the match, but if you want to practice, go to Practice Mode. The inputs are usually a sequence of directions (down, forward, back, etc.) followed by an attack button.
Kameo fighters also have their own Fatalities . To perform a Kameo Fatality, you press the Kameo button (R1 on PlayStation, RB on Xbox, R on Switch) after the “Finish Him/Her” prompt appears. Each Kameo has one unique Fatality that references their classic moves .
Brutalities are also back. These are shorter, quicker finishers that happen during the match if you meet specific conditions. They are harder to pull off but very satisfying.
Character Mastery and Customisation
As you play, every character and every Kameo fighter levels up. You earn experience by using them in matches. Each level unlocks new cosmetics, new Brutalities, and other rewards.
You can customise your fighters with different skins, gear pieces, and intros/outros. The customisation is not as deep as Injustice 2, but it is solid. There are plenty of unlockable costumes that reference classic MK games.
The Nintendo Switch Situation
I have to address this honestly. The Nintendo Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 is not great. It was developed by Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive, not NetherRealm . The graphics are heavily downgraded. The load times are long. The performance is inconsistent.
If you have any other platform, play it there. If the Switch is your only option, manage your expectations. It is playable, but it is not the ideal experience.
The Price
The standard edition of Mortal Kombat 1 costs $49.99 . That is cheaper than the usual $70 price for new AAA games. The Kombat Pack costs an additional $29.99 and includes six DLC characters and five Kameo fighters .
There is also a Kollector’s Edition for serious fans, but that is expensive and mostly for collectors.
What is the System Requirement for Mortal Kombat 1?
Now let me talk about the technical side. Mortal Kombat 1 is a modern fighting game. It looks great. But it is also reasonably well optimised. You do not need a supercomputer to run this.
The biggest thing you need to know is the storage space. The game requires between 100 GB and 140 GB depending on who you ask . That is a lot. Make sure you have room on your SSD.
Speaking of which, an SSD is strongly recommended. The game will run on a hard drive, but load times will be significantly longer. In a fighting game where you want to get into matches quickly, an SSD makes a real difference.
Minimum System Requirements (For 1080p / Low Settings / 60 FPS)
If you want to play the game at 60 frames per second on low settings (and trust me, for a fighting game, 60 FPS is essential), here is what you need :
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-6600 OR AMD Ryzen 3 3100 / Ryzen 5 2600 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 OR AMD Radeon RX 470 OR Intel Arc A750 |
| Storage | 140 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
My advice: The GTX 980 is a card from 2014. The i5-6600 is a processor from 2015. These are not modern parts. If you have a gaming PC from the last eight years, you can run this game on minimum settings. The 8 GB of RAM is also very achievable.
Recommended System Requirements (For 1080p / High Settings / 60 FPS)
For a smoother experience with higher graphics settings, aim for this configuration :
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-8400 OR AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti OR AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT OR Intel Arc A770 |
| Storage | 140 GB available space on SSD |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
Can My PC Run Mortal Kombat 1?
The honest answer is yes, probably. The minimum requirements are very reasonable. The recommended requirements are still not crazy. A GTX 1080 Ti is a card from 2017. Most gaming PCs from the last five to six years will exceed these requirements.
The real question is whether you have enough storage space. 140 GB is a significant chunk of your hard drive. Make sure you have room before you hit that download button.
Also, note that the PC version was developed by QLOC, not NetherRealm . The port is solid. No major complaints from the community.
Console Performance
Mortal Kombat 1 runs at 60 FPS on all platforms during gameplay. Even the Nintendo Switch version targets 60 FPS in matches, though it drops more often .
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the game looks beautiful and runs smoothly. The graphics are sharp, the load times are fast, and the Kameo effects are impressive.
Crossplay and Cross-Progression
Here is some good news. Crossplay is supported between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) . You can play against your friends regardless of their platform.
Cross-progression is also supported on these platforms. Your unlocks and progress carry over between them. So if you play on PC and then buy the game on PS5, you do not have to start over.
The Switch version is not included in crossplay or cross-progression.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the questions people ask most often about Mortal Kombat 1. I have gathered them from forums, the official FAQ, and community discussions.
1. Is Mortal Kombat 1 a sequel or a reboot?
It is both. It reboots the timeline but continues the story from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. Fire God Liu Kang created a new universe after the events of the previous game . So it is a new starting point, but it honours what came before.
2. Do I need to play the previous Mortal Kombat games to understand the story?
Not really. The game does a good job of introducing the new universe. That said, if you have played Mortal Kombat 11 and its Aftermath expansion, you will appreciate Liu Kang’s role as the creator of this new timeline. But it is not required.
3. How long does it take to beat Mortal Kombat 1?
The story mode takes about 5 to 6 hours. If you want to master multiple characters, unlock all cosmetics, and climb the online ranks, you can easily spend 100+ hours.
4. What are Kameo Fighters?
Kameo Fighters are assist characters. You choose one Kameo alongside your main fighter. During matches, you can call them in to perform moves, extend combos, or even land Fatalities . They add a whole new layer of strategy.
5. How do I perform Fatalities?
At the end of a match when “Finish Him/Her” appears, you need to be at the correct distance from your opponent. Then input a sequence of directions followed by an attack button. The game shows the inputs in the move list. You can also practice them in Practice Mode .
6. How do I perform Kameo Fatalities?
After “Finish Him/Her” appears, press the Kameo button (R1 on PlayStation, RB on Xbox, R on Switch) instead of an attack button. You still need to be at the correct distance. The inputs are listed in the move list .
7. Does Mortal Kombat 1 have microtransactions?
There are no pay-to-win microtransactions. You cannot buy stat boosts or advantages. There are optional cosmetic purchases and the Kombat Pass for DLC characters. Nothing egregious.
8. Is there a single player mode besides the story?
Yes. Invasions Mode is a single player board game style mode with fights, minigames, and seasonal content . There are also classic Towers and local Versus against AI.
9. Does Mortal Kombat 1 have crossplay?
Yes. Crossplay is supported between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) . The Switch version is excluded.
10. Does Mortal Kombat 1 have rollback netcode?
Yes. The game uses rollback netcode, which makes online matches feel responsive and reduces lag . It is a must for modern fighting games, and NetherRealm delivered.
11. How do I unlock Havik?
Complete the story mode. He is the reward for finishing the main campaign . You do not need to do anything else. Just finish the story.
12. Is Shang Tsung in the game?
Yes, but he is a pre-order bonus or a separate purchase. If you did not pre-order, you can buy him individually .
13. Is the Nintendo Switch version worth buying?
Only if you have no other option. The Switch version is significantly downgraded. Lower resolution, longer load times, inconsistent performance. It is playable, but it is not the ideal experience .
14. How much does the Kombat Pack cost?
The Kombat Pack costs $29.99 . It includes six DLC characters (Quan Chi, Ermac, Takeda, Omni-Man, Peacemaker, Homelander) and five Kameo fighters.
15. Is there a story expansion or more DLC coming?
As of now, the DLC characters have all been released. The game is in a complete state. There is no announced story expansion. But NetherRealm has supported their games for years in the past, so keep an eye on announcements.
16. My game is stuttering. What should I do?
Mortal Kombat 1 is generally well-optimized, but some players report issues. Try these fixes:
- Make sure the game is installed on an SSD
- Update your graphics drivers
- Lower graphics settings, especially shadows and effects
- Close background applications
- Verify game files on Steam or Epic
17. Can you play as Homelander or Omni-Man?
Yes. Both are included in the Kombat Pack . Homelander is from The Boys. Omni-Man is from Invincible. They are fully playable with unique moves, Fatalities, and dialogue.
18. Is there a photo mode?
No. There is no dedicated photo mode in Mortal Kombat 1.
19. Does the game have an online ranked mode?
Yes. The Kombat League is the ranked competitive mode . You earn points for wins, lose points for losses, and climb the ranks. Seasonal rewards are available.
20. Is Mortal Kombat 1 worth buying?
Yes. It is one of the best fighting games on the market. The gameplay is excellent. The roster is stacked. The Kameo system adds depth. The netcode is solid. If you like fighting games, buy it.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Mortal Kombat 1?
Let me be direct with you. Mortal Kombat 1 is not perfect. The Switch version is disappointing. The story mode is a bit short. Some people miss the customisation depth of Injustice 2.
But the positives far outweigh the negatives. The combat is the best it has ever been. The Kameo system is genius. The roster is packed with fan favourites and surprise guests. The netcode is excellent. And the game is constantly being updated.
For $49.99, you are getting a complete fighting game experience. The Kombat Pack adds even more value if you want the guest characters.
If you have not played a Mortal Kombat game in years, this is the perfect time to come back. The timeline has been reset. The story is fresh. And Liu Kang is waiting to welcome you to his new era.
Just be careful. Peace never lasts in Mortal Kombat.
Your soul belongs to Liu Kang now.
