Mortal Kombat Series

Mortal Kombat series – what is it about?

The Mortal Kombat series is a long-running fighting game franchise developed by Midway Games (now NetherRealm Studios under Warner Bros.). It’s known for its over-the-top violence, iconic "Fatalities," and a rich universe filled with warriors from Earthrealm, Outworld, and beyond.

Over the years, the Mortal Kombat game franchise has evolved from arcade classics to full-scale cinematic experiences with deep lore, competitive multiplayer, and innovative mechanics like X-Ray moves and Crushing Blows. With each entry, the series continues to push the boundaries of the fighting genre.

When did Mortal Kombat come out?

The first Mortal Kombat game was released in 1992 in arcades and later ported to consoles like the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo. It instantly became a pop culture phenomenon. Since then, the Mortal Kombat game series has expanded across multiple generations of consoles, introducing new characters, mechanics, and storylines.

The latest mainline release, Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), reboots the universe once again, featuring a fresh timeline, reimagined characters, and new Kameo Fighters for assist-based combat.

How many Mortal Kombat games are there?

There are over 20 Mortal Kombat games, including main entries, spin-offs, and crossovers. Here is a list of the main Mortal Kombat games in order of release:

1. Mortal Kombat (1992)
2. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
3. Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
4. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
5. Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
6. Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997)
7. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
8. Mortal Kombat Gold (1999)
9. Mortal Kombat Special Forces (2000)
10. Mortal Kombat Advance (2001)
11. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
12. Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition (2003)
13. Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
14. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
15. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
16. Mortal Kombat: Unchained (2006)
17. Ultimate Mortal Kombat (2007)
18. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008)
19. Mortal Kombat (2011) (aka MK9, reboot)
20. Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (2011)
21. Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition (2012)
22. Mortal Kombat X (2015)
23. Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015)
24. Mortal Kombat XL (2016)
25. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
26. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath (2020, DLC)
27. Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate (2020, complete edition)
28. Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2022, Mobile)
29. Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) (universe reboot)
30. Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection (2025)

What is the best order to play Mortal Kombat games?

If you're new to the Mortal Kombat game series, you can jump into most titles individually, but the modern entries form a connected narrative arc. Here are the different Mortal Kombat timelines.

Original Timeline (MK1–Armageddon):

1. Mortal Kombat (1992)
2. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
3. Mortal Kombat 3 / Ultimate MK3 (1995)
4. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
5. Deadly Alliance (2002)
6. Deception (2004)
7. Armageddon (2006)

Reboot Timeline (MK9–MK11):

1. Mortal Kombat (2011) – A retelling of the original trilogy
2. Mortal Kombat X (2015) – Set 20 years later
3. Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) – Time travel and multiverse chaos

New Era Timeline:

• Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) – A completely new timeline shaped by Liu Kang as the Fire God

While the early games are iconic, the story truly shines from Mortal Kombat 9 onwards thanks to the cinematic campaign format.

The best Mortal Kombat games

Many fans consider Mortal Kombat 9 (2011) the definitive revival of the franchise, bringing classic characters and storylines back in modern form. Mortal Kombat X introduced new fighters and refined mechanics, while Mortal Kombat 11 was praised for its depth, visuals, and customization.

Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) is the freshest take on the franchise, reinventing lore while maintaining tight gameplay and a brand-new Kameo system.

Who are the most iconic Mortal Kombat characters?

The Mortal Kombat series is packed with legendary fighters. Standouts include:

• Scorpion – The vengeful specter and series poster boy.
• Sub-Zero – Cryomancer brothers with icy powers and a complex backstory.
• Liu Kang – Earthrealm’s champion, now a Fire God in the latest timeline.
• Raiden – The thunder god and protector of Earthrealm.
• Shao Kahn – Brutal Outworld emperor and major antagonist.
• Kitana, Mileena, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Shang Tsung – All deeply woven into MK lore.

Is Mortal Kombat 1 cross-platform?

Yes! Mortal Kombat 1 supports cross-play (Krossplay) between PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, allowing players to fight across platforms. However, certain features like progression and unlocks may still be tied to your platform account.

NetherRealm Studios has committed to expanding cross-play support and improving online matchmaking across all major titles.

What’s next for the Mortal Kombat game franchise?

With Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) opening a fresh timeline, the door is wide open for new stories, characters, and twists on fan-favorite fighters. Post-launch support includes seasonal content, DLC characters (like Omni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker), and evolving events tied into the new narrative.

NetherRealm is also investing in ongoing community features, including ranked modes, cross-play improvements, and live-service elements to keep the game competitive for years to come.