Summary

  • NetherRealm releases a new update for Mortal Kombat 1 with character-specific tweaks and kameo roster adjustments.
  • Hotfix patch includes character and kameo fighter changes, preceding Mortal Kombat 1 Definitive Edition launch.
  • Rumors swirl around the future of Mortal Kombat 1 post-Kombat Pack 2, revolving around potential Injustice 3 development.

Alongside the Definitive Edition launch, NetherRealm Studios also releases a new update for Mortal Kombat 1, making character-specific adjustments and tweaking its kameo roster as well. Following the release of the final Kombat Pack 2 fighter, fans have been wondering what's next for Mortal Kombat 1, and how much more post-launch content and kombat packs could be left.

Rumors continue to circulate around the future of Mortal Kombat 1, amid the internal issues at Warner Bros' gaming division and whether NetherRealm is turning its sights on the next big game. While Mortal Kombat 1 was supposed to be supported for years, it seems a potential Injustice 3 has suddenly become a hot topic in the community. Regardless, support for Mortal Kombat 1 continues as a new hotfix has arrived, making additional adjustments to the roster.

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For most players, the biggest element of May's update will be the character tweaks. While the list isn't extensive, it does attempt to boost a few characters, like Li Mei, by reducing the frames required for certain moves, making underutilized abilities more damaging, or, in the case of Conan, giving him a bit more health. The newest Mortal Kombat 1 DLC fighter, the T-1000, is getting a few nerfs, including a reduction in health, hitbox on Sacral Spike outside a combo, damage of Axial Cross, and adding 2 more startup frames on Liquiform Suplex during Amorphous Step.

Alongside the character changes, the other piece to this hotfix are the kameo adjustments. Many of the Mortal Kombat 1 assist fighters received some sort of change, like giving Kung Lao longer-lasting versions of Orbiting Hat and Wobbly Orbit. Sub-Zero, Darrius, and Frost also received some of the bigger adjustments, with others getting health increases or damage buffs for certain moves, like Kano's Using Your Noggin, which got a 20 point boost.

The patch preceded a shadow drop for Mortal Kombat 1 Definitive Edition, essentially the complete version of the game, which collects the base game, paid DLC, and post-launch content and puts it into one package. The collection also features Mortal Kombat Movie Skins for Johnny Cage, Shao Khan, Kitana, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero, giving players even more customization options. However, some fans feel like this release means NetherRealm could be done with the game, bringing an end to potential Kombat Pack 3 speculation and future post-launch content.

Mortal Kombat 1 May Hotfix Patch Notes

Character Specific Adjustments

Main Fighters

Scorpion

  • Rope Spin now hits overhead & has 23 startup frames (was mid & up from 20)
  • Enhanced Rope Spin now costs 2 bars of Super Meter & is -5 on block (down from -25)

Sub-Zero

  • Slightly reduced combo damage scaling after freeze reactions

Raiden

  • Razzle Dazzle now does 20 damage (from 0) on hit

Reiko

  • Adjusted hitbox of (Air) Reap The Whirlwind

Reptile

  • Acid Spit Ball now does 70 damage (from 60) & recovers 6 frames faster
  • Enhanced Acid Spit Ball now does 110 damage (from 90), recovers faster, & is a mid (was high)

Li Mei

  • (Air) Nova Blast recovers 3 frames faster
  • (Air) Flipping Heel Kick & (Air) Enhanced Flipping Heel Kick recovers 6 frames faster on miss
  • (Air) Enhanced Flipping Heel Kick no longer has different recovery when the last hit is flawless blocked
  • Chain Reaction now recovers 12 frames faster on miss

Tanya

  • Sidewinder now has 14 startup frames (down from 16)
  • Reduced combo damage scaling after Drill Kick & Umgadi Evade

Homelander

  • Flight attacks no longer enable autoblock
  • Flight Punching Down has 2 less hit advantage & Flight Bloody Knuckles has 10 less hit advantage

Conan

  • Increased health to 800 (was 700)

T-1000

  • Reduced health to 650 (from 700)
  • Reduced hitbox on Sacral Spike outside of a combo
  • Reduced damage of Axial Cross (Jump Front Kick, Back Punch)
  • Liquiform Suplex during Amorphous Step has 2 more startup frames
Kameo Fighters

Frost (Kameo)

  • Ice Wall refill rate increased & refill cooldown reduced by 1 second, refill rate after follow-up also increased
  • Snow Flakes refill rate slightly increased & refill cooldown increased by 2 seconds (overall 1 second faster)

Tremor (Kameo)

  • Reduced health to 350 (was 400)

Darrius (Kameo)

  • Increased health to 400 (from 350)
  • Tornado Kick refill rate slightly increased & refill cooldown increased by 1 second (overall 6 seconds faster), refill rate after follow-ups also increased

Motaro (Kameo)

  • Increased health to 300 (from 250)

Goro (Kameo)

  • Raise The Roof refill rate slightly increased & refill cooldown increased by 3 seconds (overall 1 second faster), refill rate after follow-ups also increased

Kano (Kameo)

  • Using Your Noggin now does 130 damage (from 110)

Sub-Zero (Kameo)

  • Iced Out refill rate slightly increased & refill cooldown increased by 2 seconds (overall 1 second faster)
  • Arctic Armor refill rate increased & refill cooldown increased by 3 seconds (overall 1 second faster), refill rate after follow-ups also increased

Kung Lao (Kameo)

  • Orbiting Hat & Wobbly Orbit lasts twice as long
  • Slightly reduced combo damage after Spin, Orbiting Hat, & Wobbly Orbit

Madam Bo (Kameo)

  • Teahouse Tumble is now +6 on hit (down from +10), increased victim regions on hit, & the Kettle Kicks follow-up starts 1 frame faster
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Mortal Kombat 1 Tag Page Cover Art
8 /10

Mortal Kombat 1
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Fighting
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Systems
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Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
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Released
September 19, 2023
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s)
NetherRealm Studios
Publisher(s)
Warner Brothers Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Cross-Platform Play
PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
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WHERE TO PLAY

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DIGITAL
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Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you'll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you've never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.

Franchise
Mortal Kombat
Genre(s)
Fighting
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
How Long To Beat
7 Hours
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium