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

Its been more than a decade since Mortal Kombat made its triumphant return on the Xbox 360 and PS3 era of consoles, and after two more games in the series ultimately saw the franchise reset itself, NetherRealm is back to tell a new tale of combat, blood, and over-the-top fatalities. Mortal Kombat 1 is out soon, bringing with it a refreshed roster of favorite fighters, a new storyline to explore, and plenty of blood. With just a few months between now and its September release, 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.

Release date

Mortal Kombat 1 will launch on September 18, 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.

New gameplay systems

NetherRealm hasn’t shown off any gameplay yet, but the developer says that Mortal Kombat 1 will feature a new fighting system, game modes, bone-crushing finishing moves, and more. One of these 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.

Mortal Kombat 1 beta and early access

Preordering the game on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S will grant you access to the Mortal Kombat 1 beta in August.

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.

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

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

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)