Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) Guide – Complete Walkthrough, Characters, Fatalities & Secrets

Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) – Full Guide, Walkthrough, Fatalities, Cheats & Secrets

Release Information

Publisher: Warner Bros.
Genre: Fighting (ESRB: M)
Release Date: 19 September 2023
Platforms: PS5 | Xbox Series X | Nintendo Switch | Steam
Bonus: Shang Tsung (Pre-order)
Discuss in our Mortal Kombat 1 Forum.

Confirmed Characters

Ashrah, Baraka, Geras, Havik, Johnny Cage, Kenshi, Kitana, Kung Lao, Li Mei, Liu Kang, Mileena, Nitara, Raiden, Rain, Reiko, Reptile, Scorpion, Shang Tsung (pre-order bonus), Shao Kahn, Sindel, Smoke, Sub-Zero, Tanya.

Kameo Fighters

Base Roster: Cyrax, Darrius, Frost, Goro, Jax Briggs, Kano, Kung Lao, Motaro, Sareena, Scorpion, Sektor, Shujinko, Sonya Blade, Stryker, Sub-Zero.

DLC Roster: Ferra, Janet Cage, Khameleon, Mavado, Tremor, Madam Bo.

Character Tier List (Season 1)

Based on high-level tournament play and community consensus:

  • S-Tier: Johnny Cage, Kenshi, Raiden
  • A-Tier: Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, Kitana, Mileena
  • B-Tier: Scorpion, Kung Lao, Smoke, Reptile
  • C-Tier: Rain, Geras, Havik

Note: Tier lists evolve with meta changes and patches. This is a general guide rather than absolute ranking.

Kameo Fighters System

Kameo Fighters are a new gameplay mechanic in Mortal Kombat 1 that allows players to select assist characters to call during matches. These fighters can extend combos, provide defensive options, or create unique strategic opportunities.

Best Kameo Pairings

Different Kameo Fighters complement specific playstyles and characters:

  • Jax Briggs: Excellent for extending combos and pressure-based characters
  • Frost: Great for zoning characters and controlling space
  • Sareena: Versatile projectile assists work well with many characters
  • Cyrax: Provides horizontal and vertical mobility options

Fatalities & Brutalities

Master the gruesome finishing moves that Mortal Kombat is famous for. Each character has multiple fatalities and brutalities to discover and perform.

How to Perform Fatalities

Fatalities require specific button inputs when you see the "Finish Him/Her" message. Stand at the correct distance (Close, Mid, or Far) and input the sequence quickly.

Sample Fatality Inputs

  • Scorpion - "Toasty!": Down, Forward, Down, Back Kick (Close)
  • Sub-Zero - "Spinal Smash": Back, Forward, Down, Front Punch (Mid)
  • Liu Kang - "Dragon's Fire": Down, Back, Forward, Back Kick (Close)

Brutalities

Brutalities are quicker, more spontaneous finishing moves that typically require specific conditions during the final hit of a match, such as holding a direction or button, or ending with a particular move.

Kombat Pack 1 DLC

The first Kombat Pack includes 6 new playable characters and 5 Kameo Fighters, featuring both MK universe favorites and iconic guest characters.

Quan Chi

The sinister sorcerer returns with powerful necromancy and portal-based attacks.

Release: Available Now

Ermac

The collective soul entity brings telekinetic assaults and mystical combos.

Release: Available Now

Takeda Takahashi

Scorpion's protege returns with whips and high-tech weaponry.

Release: Available Now

Peacemaker

From The Suicide Squad, featuring his helmet weapons and eagle companion.

Release: Available Now

Omni-Man

From Invincible, with devastating super strength and Viltrumite techniques.

Release: Available Now

Homelander

From The Boys, featuring laser vision and brutal super-powered attacks.

Release: Spring 2024

Kombat Pack 2 DLC

The second Kombat Pack continues support with additional characters and Kameo Fighters, including highly requested series favorites and new guest fighters.

Noob Saibot

The shadow warrior returns with clone techniques and darkness-based attacks.

Release: Summer 2024

Cyrax

The cyber-ninja brings net traps and explosive attacks as a full playable character.

Release: Summer 2024

Sektor

Cyrax's counterpart features missile attacks and flamethrower techniques.

Release: Summer 2024

Conan the Barbarian

The legendary warrior brings brutal sword combat to the arena.

Release: Fall 2024

T-1000

From Terminator 2, with shape-shifting abilities and liquid metal attacks.

Release: Fall 2024

Ghostface

From the Scream franchise, featuring stealth attacks and horror movie tropes.

Release: Fall 2024

Mortal Kombat 1 Story Mode – Complete Chapter Guide

Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) reboots the timeline under Fire God Liu Kang, telling a cinematic story filled with shifting alliances, betrayals, and shocking twists. Below is a chapter-by-chapter walkthrough of the campaign.

Chapter 1: The New Era (Kung Lao)

Liu Kang reshapes reality into a peaceful era. We see young Kung Lao and Raiden in training as protectors of Earthrealm. Their destinies are changed but still tied to defending their world.

Chapter 2: Mr. Cage's Neighborhood (Johnny Cage)

Johnny Cage is introduced as a Hollywood star navigating fame while preparing for the tournament. He begins to understand the seriousness of the Mortal Kombat conflict.

Chapter 3: Chosen One (Raiden)

Raiden, now a mortal champion instead of a god, steps into his protector role. His humility and bravery set the tone for Earthrealm's defense.

Chapter 4: Secrets and Lies (Kenshi)

Kenshi searches for the Sento sword and uncovers his destiny, while hidden agendas in Outworld begin to surface.

Chapter 5: Weird Science (Baraka)

Baraka's story explores the Tarkat plague, showing how Tarkatans were victims of disease rather than just savage warriors. It gives emotional depth to his character.

Chapter 6: Upward Climb (Li Mei)

Li Mei, once disgraced, seeks redemption as she aids Earthrealm's warriors. Her past choices shape her motivations in the new timeline.

Chapter 7: Narrow Escape (Kitana)

Princess Kitana wrestles with loyalty to her mother Sindel and her friendship with Mileena, who struggles with Tarkat infection.

Chapter 8: Band of Brothers (Smoke)

Smoke joins forces with Scorpion and Sub-Zero, but tensions rise inside the Lin Kuei clan. Hidden truths about leadership emerge.

Chapter 9: Civil War (Sub-Zero)

Sub-Zero's authority as Lin Kuei Grandmaster is challenged. Brotherhood is tested as Smoke, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero face betrayal.

Chapter 10: Protect and Serve (Sindel)

Queen Sindel defends Outworld while dealing with Mileena's illness and the rising threat of external manipulation.

Chapter 11: For the Empire (Mileena)

Mileena ascends as heir to Outworld's throne but must keep her Tarkat infection hidden. Her bond with Kitana becomes central to the realm's stability.

Chapter 12: Death and Rebirth (Scorpion)

Scorpion's loyalty is tested as secrets of his past come forward. His choices have consequences for the Lin Kuei's future.

Chapter 13: Deadly Alliance (Shang Tsung)

Shang Tsung returns in full force, weaving schemes with Quan Chi. Their alliance threatens the fragile balance Liu Kang created.

Chapter 14: Time of Death (Liu Kang)

Fire God Liu Kang directly intervenes as realms clash. His vision of peace is shaken by chaos and betrayal.

Chapter 15: Armageddon (Finale)

The final battle unleashes chaos across the realms. Multiverse warriors collide in an epic climax, setting up future stories and rivalries in the Mortal Kombat saga.

Need Help With a Specific Battle?

Visit our detailed story mode guide for strategies against each boss and hidden content locations.

View Full Story Walkthrough

Towers & Endgame Content

Beyond the story mode, Mortal Kombat 1 offers various tower challenges and endgame content to test your skills and earn rewards.

Klassic Towers

Test your skills against a series of opponents culminating in a boss battle. Each character has their own ending cinematic to unlock.

Invasions Mode

A board-game style mode where you navigate through different realms, fighting modified battles with special conditions and earning seasonal rewards.

Online Play

Competitive ranked matches and casual fights against players worldwide. Climb the leaderboards and earn exclusive rewards based on your rank.

👉 Want strategies for each fight? Check our Mortal Kombat 1 Walkthrough Guide.

Mortal Kombat 1 FAQ

What's New in Mortal Kombat 1?

Enhanced Graphics & Realism: Lifelike characters, detailed stages, and cinematic effects.
Deeper Storytelling: Expanding MK lore with shocking twists.
Expanded Roster: Classic and new fighters.
Innovative Gameplay: Fresh mechanics, combos, and interactive arenas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When was Mortal Kombat 1 released?
A: September 19, 2023.

Q2: Which platforms is it available on?
A: PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Steam.

Q3: Does it continue the Mortal Kombat 11 story?
A: Yes, it builds on MK11’s narrative with expanded threads.