Mortal Kombat 1 — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Mortal Kombat 1 is a fighting game from NetherRealm Studios, released in September 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. A reboot of the Mortal Kombat series after MK11, introducing Liu Kang's new timeline. The game combines brutal Fatalities with deep combat.
What is the game about
Liu Kang, now the God of Fire, created a new era—the Era of Fire. He rewrote history, changing the fates of known characters. But a new threat—Liu Kang from the dark timeline—threatens to destroy everything. The game tells a new version of events with Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, and others.
Gameplay
- Kameo Fighters: summon a second fighter to assist in battle.
- Air Kombat: new aerial combo system.
- Story Mode: cinematic campaign of 5–6 hours.
- Fatalities and Brutalities: brutal finishers return.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Mortal Kombat 1 is an excellent fighting game for series fans: new story, familiar characters, and brutal Fatalities. If you loved MK11 or Tekken—try it. DLC adds new fighters.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| New story | Switch version technically weak |
| Kameo Fighters | Microtransactions |
| Brutal finishers | Requires patience to learn |
FAQ
Do I need to play MK11? No, MK1 reboots the story.
How many hours? 6–8 hours story, endless multiplayer.
On Switch? Yes, but with reduced graphics.