Mortal Kombat X (MKXL) Guide

At E3 2014, it was confirmed that the story begins at the end of Mortal Kombat 9 and transitions twenty-five years into the future. The game features aged veterans, new characters, and the next generation of fighters.

General Information

Publisher: WB
Genre: Fighting
ESRB Rating: M
Release Date: April 14, 2015 (Xbox One and PlayStation 4)

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Fatalities & Brutalities in Mortal Kombat X

Mortal Kombat X (MKXL) is known for its iconic Fatalities and Brutalities. Each character has at least two unique Fatalities that can be unlocked by performing specific button combinations. For example, Scorpion’s classic “Fire Breath” Fatality returns, while Sub-Zero uses his trademark spine rip. Brutalities are faster, high-damage finishers that often trigger during combos. Check out our community Fatality list for detailed move inputs.

Story Mode & Timeline

The Mortal Kombat X story mode takes place 25 years after the events of Mortal Kombat 9. It introduces a new generation of fighters including Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Kung Jin, and Takeda, while continuing the saga of veterans like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Raiden. The main villain, Shinnok, attempts to conquer Earthrealm, setting up alliances and rivalries that carry into Mortal Kombat 11.

MKXL vs Mortal Kombat X – What’s the Difference?

Players often ask: What is MKXL? Mortal Kombat XL is the definitive edition of MKX, released in 2016. It includes:

• All previously released DLC fighters (Predator, Jason, Alien, Leatherface, Tremor, Bo’ Rai Cho, Triborg, Tanya)
• Kombat Pack 1 and Kombat Pack 2
• Balance patches and extra costumes

If you are new to the game, MKXL is the recommended version since it contains the full roster and features.

Beginner Tips & Competitive Play

If you’re starting out, here are a few quick Mortal Kombat X beginner tips:

1. Learn basic combos and practice chaining into special moves.
2. Use environmental interactions in arenas to deal extra damage.
3. Master X-Ray attacks for big damage swings.
4. Play in Training Mode to practice Fatality inputs without time pressure.

For competitive players, footsies and spacing are critical. Characters like Kung Lao and Erron Black are tournament favorites, while Tremor and Triborg add versatility in MKXL.

Box Art

PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

Platforms

Microsoft Xbox One
Sony PlayStation 4
Microsoft Windows

Canceled: Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 – see details (29th August 2015)

PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Covers

Characters

Confirmed Roster

Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Cassie Cage, D'Vohra, Ferra/Torr, Quan Chi, Kano, Goro, Kung Lao, Kotal Kahn, Kitana, Reptile, Ermac, Johnny Cage, Mileena, Takeda, Kung Jin, Jax, Shinnok, Kenshi, Sonya, Jacqueline, Erron Black, Liu Kang, and Raiden.

DLC Packs

First DLC

Tanya, Jason, Predator, and Tremor.

Kombat Pack 2

Reveal Expected Tomorrow (Sep 3, 2015)

Update: Leatherface, Xenomorph, Bo Rai Cho (Dec 4, 2015)

Arenas

The Kove, Dead Woods, Destroyed City (Past), Destroyed City, Krossroads, Kuatan Jungle, Outworld Marketplace, Jinsei Chamber, Sky Temple, Training Room, Lin Kuei Temple, Emperor's Courtyard, Quan Chi's Fortress, Refugee Camp, Infected Dead Woods, Infected Sky Temple, and Infected Jinsei Chamber.

Skins

The Ultimate Horror Pack

1. Vampires Mileena, Kraken Reptile, and Pharaoh Ermac
2. Predator/Prey skins (Commando Johnny, Carl Weathers Jax, Infrared Scorpion)
3. Klassic Skins #1 (Kano, Sonya, Liu Kang)
4. Klassics #2 (Jax, Kung Lao, Quan Chi)
5. Samurai Pack (Shinnok, Kenshi, Kitana)

The Klassic Pack #1

1. Playable Tanya
2. Klassic skins for Kano, Sonya, Liu Kang

The Predator/Prey Pack

1. Playable Predator
2. Predator-themed skins (Commando Johnny, Infrared Scorpion, Carl Weathers Jax)

The Klassic Pack #2

1. Playable Tremor
2. Klassic skins for Quan Chi, Jax, Kung Lao

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More Guides: Mortal Kombat 11 Guide | Mortal Kombat 9 Guide