Mortal Kombat 1: Everything We Know

NetherRealm Studios has announced Mortal Kombat 1, a loose reboot of the highly acclaimed fighting saga. According to the team behind it, the next chapter will feature a “reborn Mortal Kombat universe”—one that'll take place in the New Era, and under the wing of Fire God Liu Kang. So, not a full-fat reboot in the traditional sense, but a continuation of what's already been established in previous instalments.

Fortunately, the revived and revitalized chapter in the beloved fighting saga isn't all that far off. In fact, NetherRealm has been ever so kind as to staple an optimistic September 19, 2023 release date to it. But what more do you need to know about it ahead of its release? Well, here's everything we've been able to find out since first hearing of it.

What Is Mortal Kombat 1?

To make it clear, Mortal Kombat 1 is the twelfth mainline entry in the timeline, and a “sort-of-reboot” of the series, as a whole. As it'll be set in the New Era—a timeline that was brought by Liu Kang after he acquired godhood status in Mortal Kombat 11—you can certainly expect to see a few interweaving story arcs, only during a whole new time period.

“Mortal Kombat 1 is the latest title in the acclaimed Mortal Kombat video game franchise developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios,” the press release explains. “The game will introduce a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe that has been created by the Fire God Liu Kang, featuring reimagined versions of iconic characters as they’ve never been seen before, along with a new fighting system, game modes, bone krushing finishing moves, and more.”

Story

It is worth pointing out that, while serving as a “sort-of” reboot of the series, Mortal Kombat 1 is still a sequel to Mortal Kombat 11, during which we saw the famed Liu Kang ascend to godhood and transform into the Fire God, effectively ushering in a whole new timeline of events. Going by NetherRealm Studios, this is where the upcoming entry will begin — in the New Era, and under the thumb of the all-powerful warrior.

The good news is, Mortal Kombat 1 will revive all the old fan favorite fighters, including Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, and “many others.” So, if you ever had any doubts about the devs wiping the slate clean, rest assured that the whole crew will be returning. As for what their new forms and abilities will be is still anybody's guess, though.

Gameplay

It's Mortal Kombat, so expect dozens of hours of barbaric finishers and all-round armageddon on a small-scale stage. In addition to the its usual gore-filled theatrics, the latest chapter will also feature a “new fighting system, game modes, bone krushing finishing moves, and more.” So, far more than your bog-standard filler piece — and one that could very well reinvent the framework that NetherRealm Studios has spent decades building.

Of course, like every entry that has come before it, Mortal Kombat 1 will feature both an offline story mode, and an online multiplayer mode, which will enable cross-play over all major platforms. It will also introduce Kameo Fighters, whose duties will involve assisting you during various battles in the primary story mode. So, expect some solid tag team action layered over the usual 1v1 combat.

Traditionally, Mortal Kombat has been quite keen on epic theatrics and movie-like cutaways. Well, judging from the blurb, Mortal Kombat 1 won't be any different, and will in fact feature “unexpected twists on classic rivalries and original backstories for the wide-ranging cast of legendary fighters.”

Development

It was inevitable — a twelfth mainline entry in the Mortal Kombat universe. Despite being the subject of a global rumor, however, it was only in early May that NetherRealm Studios finally lifted the veil on the project. And according to them, the next chapter will be out as soon as September 19th, with Warner Bros. once again returning to publish it.

“All versions of Mortal Kombat 1 are built on NetherRealm Studios technology with oversight by NetherRealm,” the pitch explains. “The NetherRealm team is developing the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game. QLOC is developing the Steam and Epic Games Store versions of the game. Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive are developing the Nintendo Switch version of the game.”

Trailer

Looking for something a little more concrete? Luckily for us, NetherRealm Studios has already gone ahead and posted a sneak preview of the next game on its socials. Need we say more? You can catch a glimpse of what's to come in the trailer embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

The good news is, fans of the series won't have to wait all that long to get their hands on the next instalment in the Mortal Kombat series. Rather surprisingly, it'll launch as early as September 19th on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. It hasn't been said yet whether or not there'll be an ex-gen port, though at this point it seems highly unlikely.

According to the devs, Mortal Kombat 1 will be available to purchase in one of three editions: Standard, Premium, and Kollector's. You can see what comes bundled in each version down below.

Premium Edition — $109.99

• Mortal Kombat 1
• Kombat Pack
• Early Access (September 14, 2023)
• 1,2500 Dragon Krystals
• Early Access to 6 New Playable Characters
• 5 New Kameo Fighters

Kollector's Edition — $249.99

• Mortal Kombat 1
• Early Access (September 14, 2023)
• 16.5″ Lui Kang Sculpture
• 3 Exclusive Art Prints
• Steel Case
• 1,450 Additional Dragon Krystals (2,700 Total)

If you're planning on keeping tabs on the IP, then be sure to check in with NetherRealm Studios over on its official social media handle here. We'll be sure to keep you posted should anything noteworthy pop up ahead of its September launch.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Mortal Kombat 1 when it releases later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.