Mortal Kombat 1
NetherRealm Studios 2D fighting game reboot (Sep 19, 2023 PS5/Xbox/PC/Switch) — new timeline after MK11 story. Introduces Kameo Fighters (secondary summonable partners) + new Fatalities. Signature EVO 2024 game; roster 24+ launched characters + DLC packs.
What is Mortal Kombat 1?
Mortal Kombat 1 (also known as MK12, 2023) is NetherRealm Studios' 2D fighting game reboot of the Mortal Kombat franchise — released September 19, 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam), and Nintendo Switch. Directed by Ed Boon (series co-creator + long-time NRS creative director). Story reboots the entire MK timeline post-MK11's ending — Liu Kang is now Fire God + Keeper of Time, has reset the universe into a new timeline where familiar characters have altered backstories + relationships. Signature new mechanic: 'Kameo Fighter' — secondary summonable partner character (chosen from separate roster of 15+ Kameos including Sonya, Cyrax, Sub-Zero, Frost, Motaro, etc.) provides assist attacks + tag combos + Fatal Blow help. Every match is 1v1 main + 1 Kameo per side. 23+ launch main characters + 6 DLC (Homelander, Peacemaker, Omni-Man, Ermac, Quan Chi, Takeda). Story mode is signature NRS cinematic (18+ hrs). Invasions mode is single-player RPG-lite grinder. Fatalities + Brutalities + Fatal Blows all return with new animations. Signature EVO 2024 game; NRS Pro Kompetition esports circuit. 3M+ units first month. Praised for Kameo depth + story; criticised for online netcode + Invasions grind.
Quick facts
Category
Video Games
Type
Individual
Players
1–2
Duration
~10 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated origin
Released Sep 19, 2023 for PS5/Xbox Series/PC/Switch — MK series reboot
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
In fighting mode: reduce opponent HP to zero + optionally perform Fatality. In tournament: win most sets. Story: complete Ed Boon's cinematic reboot story.
Match structure
Fighting Ground: 1v1 with Kameo pick / arcade / training. Online Ranked. NRS Pro Kompetition: single-elim brackets.
Rules
Basic rules
Main character + Kameo Fighter
Each player picks 1 main + 1 Kameo (secondary summonable partner).
Special moves via motion inputs
Traditional NRS 4-button (Front Punch, Back Punch, Front Kick, Back Kick) with motion + button inputs for specials.
Fatality after final round win
After KO of opponent's final round, input Fatality sequence within window for cinematic finisher.
Advanced rules
Kameo cooldown + Kameo Fatalities
Kameo attacks are on cooldown; Kameos have own Fatalities usable via specific input during Fatality window.
Fatal Blow (once per match)
Below 30% HP → Fatal Blow super attack available once per match; can be combined with Kameo assist.
Brutalities (mid-round finishers)
Certain moves become Brutality finishers if conditions met (special buttons held, etc.) — cinematic mid-round kill.
Scoring
Win 2 rounds to win game; win 3-4 games to win tournament set.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Round win | Bo3 or Bo5 |
| Fatality performed | Extra style points (no impact on match) |
Win condition · Reduce opponent HP to zero required rounds.
Equipment
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Steam), Switch
Multi-platform; Switch version has downgraded visuals but full gameplay.
Fight stick / Hitbox / controller
Pro players use hitboxes or arcade sticks; NRS games traditionally gamepad-friendly.
Positions & roles
Main Fighter (23+ launch)
×1Solo character selection per match.
Kameo Fighter (15+ Kameos)
×1Secondary summonable partner providing assists + tag combos.
Officiating
Tournament refs + online moderation.
- NRS Pro Kompetition Referees
- EVO Referees
- Anti-cheat + report system
Penalties & fouls
Penalties
Rounds lost to Fatal Blow
Full super damage; hard to punish.
Failed Fatality input
Fatality window missed = normal KO (no bonus).
Wake-up trap combos
Landing on knock-down state punished for extended combo.
Strategies
Kameo synergy building
Main + Kameo pair should have complementary strengths — e.g., zoning Main + rushdown Kameo assist.
Fatal Blow timing
Save Fatal Blow for round-ending burst; don't waste on early-round chip damage.
Wake-up defense with Kameo
Use Kameo assist as universal wake-up option to counter opponent pressure.
Terminology
- Kameo
- Secondary summonable partner fighter
- Fatality
- Cinematic finisher after final round KO
- Brutality
- Mid-round move-based cinematic kill
- Fatal Blow
- Once-per-match super attack (low-HP trigger)
- Invasions
- Single-player RPG-lite content mode
Major competitions
NRS Pro Kompetition (MK1)
annual multi-event · USA + Europe · since 2023
EVO — Mortal Kombat 1 main game
annual · Las Vegas, USA · since 1996
Combo Breaker (MK majors)
annual · USA (Chicago) · since 2014
Where it is played
Governing bodies
NetherRealm Studios (WB Games)
Founded 2010 · Chicago, Illinois (USA)
Warner Bros. Games
Founded 2004 · Burbank, California
NRS Pro Kompetition organiser
Founded 2015 · USA
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- SonicFox (Dominique McLean, USA) — MK series legend, multi-EVO champion
- Ninjakilla_212 (Perry Simmons, USA)
- Rewind (USA)
- Scorpionprocs (USA)
- Nicolas 'Nicolas' Kelsch (BRA)
Records
3M+ units first month
NetherRealm / WB Games — 3 million+ units shipped in first month across all platforms (2023)
SonicFox EVO 2024 winner
SonicFox (USA) — SonicFox won EVO 2024 Mortal Kombat 1 championship — MK legend continues dominance (2024)
Timeline reboot post-MK11
NRS / Ed Boon — First timeline reboot in MK franchise — Liu Kang as Fire God + Keeper of Time resets the universe (2023)
Kameo Fighter system debut
NRS — First MK entry with summonable secondary Kameo Fighter partner mechanic (2023)
Learn this sport
beginner
- 1
Story Mode + Invasions
Learn characters + Kameo basics via single-player content.
intermediate
- 1
Ranked Kombat League climb
Play Ranked; climb League ranks; learn matchups + Kameo synergies.
advanced
- 1
NRS Pro Kompetition / EVO majors
Compete in Pro Kompetition regional events + qualify for majors.
Frequently asked
How does Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) differ from previous MK games?+
MK1 is a timeline reboot — new backstories for all characters + Liu Kang as Fire God + Keeper of Time. Adds Kameo Fighter system (secondary summonable partner). Retains classic MK4-button + Fatality tradition but with modernised graphics + gameplay depth.
Do I need to have played MK11 to enjoy MK1?+
No — MK1 is a full timeline reboot. Story picks up from MK11's ending but establishes an entirely new world where familiar characters have different histories. Great entry point for newcomers.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)— Wikipedia