Mortal Kombat 1

Running on Unreal Engine 4, Mortal Kombat 1 is the twelfth main installment—and second full reboot—of the long-running franchise, arriving September 19, 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC. Upon release, it earned praise for its stunning visual fidelity, tightly balanced roster, and deep combat systems, although some players criticized its microtransaction shop and the grind required for seasonal Invasions rewards.

Like its predecessors, MK 1 is a 2.5D fighting game, retaining beloved finishers—Fatalities, Brutalities, and Friendships—while also reintroducing Animalities and Stage Fatalities for over-the-top flair. The Preset Variation system replaces MK 11’s gear-style customization, offering carefully tuned movesets for each character without the complexity of load-outs.

Combat is elevated by airborne combo chains (a nod to the series’ classic high-flying style) and the refined Flawless Block mechanic, which rewards perfectly timed defenses with a critical comeback window. Brand-new to MK 1 are Kameo Fighters—support characters you summon mid-match to unleash Ambushes, perform Kameo Fatalities, or turn the tide with unique abilities.

The single-player package includes a fully voiced cinematic Story Mode and the traditional Towers of Time challenges, while the live-service Invasions mode blends board-game progression with real fights. Its free Khaos Reigns expansion adds extra narrative chapters, three new fighters, fresh stages, and the return of fan-favorite Animalities for even more devastating showdowns.