Mortal Kombat 1

Overview

A new timeline opens with Fire God Liu Kang at the center of Mortal Kombat 1, a 2023 action game built by NetherRealm Studios. It is the twelfth main Mortal Kombat game, and it pushes the series into a reborn universe where familiar faces return with different roles, alliances, and grudges. The result is still unmistakably Mortal Kombat: sharp, mean, and ready to crack bones for style points.

The game mixes classic fighting action with new systems like Kameos, which step in with Special Moves, Throws, and defensive Breakers. Invasions gives you a single-player campaign built around distinct challenges, progression, and RPG mechanics, so there is more to do than just jump into a straight match. That said, the heart of it remains the same delicious problem: learning when to strike, when to bait, and when to let the finishing move do the talking.

Mortal Kombat 1 also brings back and expands the series’ obsession with spectacle. Fatal Blows return, Animalities arrive in a free update tied to Khaos Reigns, and cross-play is part of the package on supported platforms. On Windows, it launched on Steam on 19 Sep, 2023, with full controller support, single-player, multiplayer, and online PvP options all in the mix.

Why play it

• A new Mortal Kombat timeline built around Fire God Liu Kang
• Kameos add extra pressure and extra options in every fight
• Invasions gives single-player a structured set of challenges
• Online, local, and cross-platform play are all part of the setup

Quick facts

Beginner walkthrough

Try Invasions for structured solo play

Invasions is the game’s single-player campaign, built around distinct challenges, progression, and RPG mechanics. You move through a board, take on tasks on each space, and earn rewards along the way. It is a good place to get used to the fighting systems while picking up skins, in-game currency, and concept art.

Use Kameos to widen your options

Before each fight, you can choose Kameos to assist with Special Moves, Throws, and defensive Breakers. They are separate from the main roster, so they add another layer to your setup without replacing your own fighter. If you like matches that reward timing and setup, this is where the game starts to open up.

Jump between solo and multiplayer modes

The game includes Story Mode, Towers mode, Local mode, Online mode, and Tournament mode. That means you can follow the plot, practice against the game’s systems, or move straight into matches with other players. Cross-play and cross-progression are part of the design, giving the online side a wider reach.

Key characters

• Liu Kang Fire God ruler

  He creates the reborn universe and shapes the new timeline from the center of the story.

• Shang Tsung Rising sorcerer

  He starts in a powerless position, then reenters the plot with darker ambitions and new influence.

• Kenshi Takahashi Earthrealm fighter

  He joins Liu Kang’s recruited group and gets pulled into the investigation in Outworld.

• Johnny Cage Hollywood fighter

  He is one of the recruits brought into the latest tournament, with fame and money both in short supply.

Our take

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the series into a new timeline without softening its edges. The mix of Kameos, Invasions, and returning finishing moves gives it more ways to fight and more reasons to keep going. If you want Mortal Kombat with new mechanics and plenty of modes to dig into, this one brings the usual bruises with a few new tricks.

FAQ