Mortal Kombat 11
| Company type | Video game developer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Products | Mortal Kombat series, Injustice series |
| Parent | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
Mortal Kombat 11, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in 2019, is a fighting game and the eleventh main entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Serving as a direct sequel to Mortal Kombat X (2015), it was revealed during The Game Awards 2018 and launched in North America and Europe on April 23, 2019, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. Notably, the European release of the Switch edition occurred later on May 10, 2019. The title also became available on Stadia starting November 19, 2019.
The console editions were met with generally positive feedback, receiving acclaim for their gameplay mechanics, narrative, visuals, and enhanced netcode. However, criticism was directed at the presence of microtransactions and the demanding grind required. On May 26, 2020, the Aftermath expansion was introduced, adding a fresh story campaign, three new fighters, additional stages, as well as reintroducing stage fatalities and the friendship finishing move.
An upgraded compilation titled Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate—which includes all downloadable content released up to that point—was made available on November 17, 2020. This edition launched across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The series continued with the reboot sequel Mortal Kombat 1, which debuted on September 19, 2023.
Gameplay
Continuing the tradition of its predecessors such as Mortal Kombat Mobile, Mortal Kombat 11 operates as a 2.5D fighting game that retains classic finishing moves including Fatalities, Brutalities, Stage Fatalities, Friendships, and Quitalities. The game introduces new mechanics like Fatal Blows and Krushing Blows. Fatal Blows are potent special attacks unlocked only when a player's health drops below 30%, limited to one use per match. Unlike earlier X-ray moves, Fatal Blows omit internal damage visuals, marking a stylistic change. Krushing Blows represent critical hit variants triggered under specific conditions that inflict up to 30% health damage accompanied by graphic injury effects.
A new Flawless Block feature offers players a chance to turn the tide by executing perfectly timed blocks. Additionally, the Mercy finisher makes its return from Mortal Kombat Trilogy, allowing victorious players to restore minimal health to defeated opponents after the "Finish Him/Her" prompt.
The game incorporates a Kustom Variation system for character personalization, evolving from the Gear system seen in NetherRealm’s prior title Injustice 2. Each fighter begins with preset skins, gear items, and move sets that players can independently modify without altering appearance—a departure from Injustice 2, where cosmetics influenced abilities. This approach enhances strategic depth while preserving gameplay balance.
For online play, cross-platform functionality debuts in this installment but remains in beta form and excludes Nintendo Switch, PC, and Stadia users.
Plot
Following the defeat of Shinnok, Dark Raiden seeks to safeguard Earthrealm by eradicating its foes—including executing Shinnok himself. In response, Kronika, the guardian of time, manipulates history to erase Raiden’s existence. Two years later, a Special Forces squad led by Sonya Blade, Cassie Cage, and Jacqui Briggs, with Raiden’s support, launches an assault on the Netherrealm. They succeed in destroying its fortress but suffer Sonya’s loss. Kronika allies with revenants and rulers of Netherrealm such as Liu Kang and Kitana.
In Outworld, Emperor Kotal Kahn attempts to execute Shao Kahn loyalist Kollector, but a temporal storm interrupts him by summoning Shao Kahn himself along with Skarlet, Baraka, and younger versions of key fighters from past eras—effectively erasing Dark Raiden. A confrontation unfolds at Kotal’s Koliseum until D'Vorah persuades several fighters to join Kronika’s faction.
Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Raiden form an alliance with Kotal; Jade and Kitana assist in defending Outworld. Liu Kang and Kung Lao face Kronika’s enforcer Geras who escapes after securing Earthrealm’s life force capsules. Meanwhile, Special Forces uncover that Sektor—backed by Noob Saibot and cyber-enhanced Frost—has resurrected the Cyber Lin Kuei army using abducted warriors. Sub-Zero and Scorpion dismantle Sektor’s facility with Cyrax’s assistance, forcing Kronika's forces into retreat.
Raiden seeks counsel from the Elder Gods but discovers their waning power prevents intervention; Shinnok's sister Cetrion hints at defeating Kronika but ultimately betrays them. Kotal attempts to enlist Tarkatan warriors against Shao Kahn but is captured following conflict involving Jade.
Kronika’s forces obliterate the Special Forces base; younger Johnny Cage and Sonya are taken captive while elder Johnny is injured; Sektor self-destructs. The heroes regroup at Hasashi’s Fire Garden where Cassie leads a mission rescuing Sonya who kills young Kano—erasing his present-day self. Kitana unites Outworld factions through alliances with Baraka and Sheeva before defeating Shao Kahn and ascending as ruler after Kotal.
Raiden dispatches Jax and Jacqui to retrieve Shang Tsung’s Crown of Souls but they are intercepted by Cetrion and present-day Jax who has been deceived by Kronika. Hasashi convinces Netherrealm ferryman Kharon to join their cause but is mortally wounded by D'Vorah; Scorpion honors his final request. Distrust leads Raiden to attack Scorpion until Liu Kang intervenes revealing Kronika manipulated their cycles fearing their combined power. Kronika kidnaps Liu Kang; with Kharon’s aid Earthrealm-Outworld forces storm Kronika's Keep defeating Geras; Frost is neutralized; present Jax defects.
Revenant Liu Kang absorbs his past soul; Kronika sends him against Raiden who merges with him becoming Fire God Liu Kang. The heroes breach Kronika's Keep but she rewinds time; immune due to divine status Liu Kang overcomes revenants and Cetrion. Kronika absorbs Cetrion’s essence to rewind time back to creation—erasing all prior franchise events except those involving Fire God Liu Kang.
The concluding battle between Fire God Liu Kang and Kronika determines the New Era:
- If Kronika prevails, she beheads Liu Kang initiating her New Era—prompting replay.
- If Liu Kang wins but loses a round first, he encounters mortal Raiden who offers guidance—setting up the Aftermath expansion.
- If Liu Kang wins consecutively without losing rounds, he selects Kitana as his partner to forge a new timeline correcting Kronika’s alterations.
Aftermath
Following Kronika's downfall, Fire God Liu Kang and Raiden strive to utilize Kronika's Hourglass to reconstruct history but are soon interrupted by Shang Tsung, Fujin, and Nightwolf—who had been imprisoned by Kronika for their defiance. Shang Tsung reveals that the Hourglass cannot rewrite history without obliterating it due to the Crown of Souls being destroyed. He convinces Liu Kang to dispatch him along with Fujin and Nightwolf back in time to recover the Crown before Cetrion can claim it, while Liu Kang remains behind to safeguard the Hourglass.
The group arrives at the Koliseum amidst Kitana’s clash with Shao Kahn. To confront Cetrion on her island, Shang Tsung resurrects Sindel by capturing her revenant in the Netherrealm and exploiting Sheeva's blood debt to gain access to the Soul Chamber, overcoming opposition from Kitana, Jade, Kotal, Black, and Baraka.
Sindel allies with them as Fujin defeats Kronika’s forces and persuades the present-day Jax to switch sides prematurely. Sindel overcomes Cetrion and aids in securing the Crown. Subsequently, Shang Tsung and Fujin earn Raiden’s trust in their alliance. When Kronika intervenes, they repel her attack, revealing that Shang Tsung was the architect behind the Crown.
As the assault on Kronika’s Keep commences, Shang Tsung signals Sindel to heal Shao Kahn. Together they betray Sheeva, seize control of her army, eliminate Geras, imprison the Cage family, defeat Kitana, Liu Kang, and Jade, kill Kotal Kahn, and cast Kung Lao into the Sea of Blood. It is disclosed that Sindel willingly married Shao Kahn after he conquered her realm by killing her former husband—Kitana’s biological father. While Fujin leads the charge against Kronika’s Keep, Raiden uncovers Shang Tsung’s scheme and Sindel’s treachery during a battle with revenant Liu Kang.
Raiden arrives too late to prevent Shang Tsung from deceiving Fujin into surrendering the Crown. Having planned this since his imprisonment, Shang Tsung attains Kronika’s full power, overwhelms Raiden and Fujin, then uses Sindel and Shao Kahn to access the Hourglass. After eliminating Kronika’s revenants, he betrays Sindel and Shao Kahn by absorbing their souls before defeating and erasing Kronika herself, claiming her power. Fire God Liu Kang appears afterward, revealing he allowed Shang Tsung to survive because he was strong enough to defeat Kronika and protect the Crown.
Players then select a "final destiny," battling as either Shang Tsung or Liu Kang:
- If Shang Tsung prevails,* he absorbs Liu Kang’s soul and divine powers, employs the Hourglass to transform into a Titan, and conquers all realms with Dark Raiden and Fujin as his servants.
- If Liu Kang triumphs,* he eradicates Shang Tsung, retrieves the Crown, gains mastery over the Hourglass, ushers in a New Era, and mentors Kung Lao’s ancestor at the Shaolin temple as Mortal Kombat’s champion.
Although time’s fabric is fractured—resulting in multiple timelines where different characters defeat Kronika—the sequel Mortal Kombat 1 primarily follows Liu Kang’s timeline.
Characters
The game features a total of 37 playable fighters: 25 included in the base game (with 2 unlockable) plus 12 additional characters available through DLC (including 5 guest fighters). Characters presented in bold are newcomers to the franchise; those italicized are guest appearances.
| Base Roster | DLC |
|---|---|
|
Kombat Pack 1 Aftermath Kombat Pack 2 |
Alongside returning veterans such as Kano, Raiden, Scorpion, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, and Skarlet from the 2011 reboot, four new combatants were introduced—three of whom are playable. Kronika serves as the series’ first female boss character wielding time-manipulation abilities who oversees timeline events but is not playable. The new playable fighters include Geras—a time-manipulating construct loyal to Kronika; Cetrion—an Elder Goddess commanding elemental powers; and Kollector—a six-armed tribute gatherer from Outworld.
Non-playable roles feature Shinnok appearing in the story introduction and as a stage element; Sektor and Cyrax serving as story mode adversaries; Ermac, Reptile, and Smoke incorporated into Shang Tsung's moveset and one of Rain's fatalities; along with Kintaro appearing in one of Shang Tsung's finishing moves.
Development
Mortal Kombat 11 was created by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, continuing their partnership established with Mortal Kombat X. The game was unveiled by series co-creator Ed Boon during The Game Awards 2018, featuring a reveal trailer that showcased Dark Raiden and Scorpion. Players who pre-ordered received early access to Shao Kahn as a playable fighter. The trailer also incorporated the original track "Immortal" performed by 21 Savage.
In January 2019, a community event held simultaneously in Los Angeles and London spotlighted Ronda Rousey as the voice behind Sonya Blade. Subsequently, in March 2019, it was announced that actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa would return as Shang Tsung for downloadable content, coinciding with an online stress test open to the public and a closed beta available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One customers who pre-ordered.
During the 2019 Brasil Game Show, Ed Boon revealed that the story mode serves as the conclusion to the narrative arc that began with the original Mortal Kombat and was continued through the 2011 reboot. The game runs on Unreal Engine 3 technology. Development of the Nintendo Switch version was handled by Shiver Entertainment, while QLOC was responsible for the PC edition.
Marketing and release
Mortal Kombat 11 debuted on April 23, 2019, across Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, with a port for Stadia arriving later on November 19, 2019. A PC update released in March 2022 removed the Denuvo Anti-Tamper protection. To support marketing efforts, McFarlane Toys launched a collection of action figures based on the game.
The physical edition of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, released in June 2020, marked the final title published under the WB Games branding following Warner Bros.' corporate rebranding in 2019. Later that year, Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate was issued under the Warner Bros. Games label, featuring a refreshed shield-style logo designed by Pentagram.
Downloadable content
At C2E2 in March 2019, it was revealed that Shang Tsung would be the first DLC character, returning from the 2011 reboot with voice and likeness provided by Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. By May 2019, five additional fighters were announced for the initial Kombat Pack, including fan favorites Nightwolf and Sindel, alongside guest character Spawn from Image Comics, voiced by Keith David.
Todd McFarlane had granted NetherRealm limited rights to feature Spawn as a guest fighter back in 2015. Spawn’s inclusion was publicly confirmed following McFarlane’s December 2018 AMA session. The gameplay trailer for Spawn premiered during the March 2020 "Final Kombat" tournament.
In August 2019, guest characters were unveiled: the T-800 from Terminator and the Joker from DC Comics. Arnold Schwarzenegger provided his likeness for the Terminator model, while voice actor Chris Cox was personally chosen by Schwarzenegger to perform its voice. Ed Boon mentioned that both Spawn and Terminator were considered for inclusion in Mortal Kombat X. The Joker’s initial design received criticism but was subsequently redesigned and positively received upon its December 2019 reveal. Boon described this iteration as notably "vicious," contrasting with previous toned-down versions.
The Joker’s gameplay trailer launched in January 2020, highlighting new moves and Fatalities unique to this character.
Following a similar approach to Mortal Kombat X, MK11 offered skin packs within each Kombat Pack—three skins per pack totaling eighteen skins overall. Free skins distributed included a Harley Quinn-inspired outfit for Cassie Cage and a Dimitri Vegas-themed costume for Sub-Zero, with Vegas himself providing Sub-Zero’s voice. Throughout mid to late 2019, several themed skin packs were released such as Klassic Ninja, Klassic Arcade Fighter, Double Feature, Halloween (free), and Gothic Horror collections. Early in 2020, an Elseworlds-themed pack accompanied Joker’s release, introducing a Darkseid skin for Geras. A Matinee skin pack followed in March featuring Spawn alongside a "Hellspawn" Jacqui Briggs costume.
On May 5, 2020, NetherRealm teased Aftermath, a story DLC expansion officially announced the next day. This content added new narrative elements plus three playable characters: Fujin (previously seen in Armageddon), Sheeva (making her first playable appearance), and guest fighter RoboCop with actor Peter Weller reprising his role. Three additional skin packs were launched between August and September of that year.
In October 2020, Kombat Pack 2 was revealed featuring three characters: Mileena (not included in the base game), Rain (returning via DLC), and guest character John Rambo from the Rambo franchise. Sylvester Stallone lent both his likeness and voice remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. Mileena’s omission from the initial roster was a deliberate decision aimed at enhancing player appreciation upon her return.
An upgraded edition titled Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate, encompassing all downloadable content, became available on November 17, 2020 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S systems. On November 24, a "Klassic MK Movie" skin pack introduced costumes for Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Raiden featuring likenesses and voices of their original actors from the 1995 film adaptation.
On July 2, 2021, NetherRealm Studios announced they would discontinue further DLC development and updates for Mortal Kombat 11, shifting focus toward upcoming titles Mortal Kombat 1 and Mortal Kombat: Onslaught.
Related media
In February 2019, the mobile title initially released as Mortal Kombat X on iOS and Android platforms was rebranded to Mortal Kombat Mobile with its 2.0 update, incorporating content from Mortal Kombat 11. This update also upgraded the graphics engine, transitioning from Unreal Engine 3 to Unreal Engine 4. The application is accessible via the App Store and Google Play, where it has amassed over 50 million downloads.
Critical reception
Mortal Kombat 11 garnered predominantly positive reviews on Metacritic. IGN commended its more deliberate combat pace relative to earlier installments, along with an enhanced tutorial, engaging story mode, and improved netcode; however, it criticized the progression and customization systems as "frustratingly gimmicky and grindy." GameSpot awarded it a 9/10 score, emphasizing the game's approachable yet deep fighting mechanics and compelling story mode, while pointing out issues such as the "always-online requirement for progression" and the randomized nature of Krypt rewards.
The Nintendo Switch edition also received favorable critiques. Pure Nintendo gave it a 9/10 rating, highlighting strengths in story mode, customization options, and tutorials but noted shortcomings in online functionality. Meanwhile, Nintendo Life rated it 8/10, praising its comprehensive feature set and consistent 60fps performance despite reduced graphical fidelity.
Sales
During April in North America, Mortal Kombat 11 was the top-selling video game software, contributing alongside Fortnite to digital game revenues exceeding $8.8 billion that month. By June 2019, it had outsold Kingdom Hearts III, maintaining its position as the best-selling title in North America for May across Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms, with sales nearly doubling those of previous series entries. Internationally, it secured the number one spot in Australia and ranked second in New Zealand and Switzerland during May 2019. Additionally, it was the fourth most downloaded game on the European PlayStation Store in April.
Overall, Mortal Kombat 11 ranked fifth among best-selling games of 2019 and fourth for PS4 titles that year. By 2022, global sales exceeded 15 million copies, establishing it as the highest-selling entry within the Mortal Kombat franchise.
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Template:Refh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2019 Golden Joystick Awards | Best Storytelling | Template:Nom | [1] |
| Best Multiplayer Game | Template:Nom | |||
| The Game Awards 2019 | Best Fighting Game | Template:Nom | [2] | |
| Steam Awards 2019 | The "Best Game You Suck At" Award | Template:Won | [3] | |
| 2020 | 23rd Annual D.I.C.E. Awards | Fighting Game of the Year | Template:Won | [4][5] |
| Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design | Template:Nom | |||
| Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition | Template:Nom | |||
| NAVGTR Awards | Game, Franchise Fighting | Template:Nom | [6] | |
| SXSW Gaming Awards | Excellence in Animation | Template:Nom | [7] | |
| Excellence in Multiplayer | Template:Nom | |||
| Excellence in SFX | Template:Nom | |||
| 18th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards | Audio of the Year | Template:Nom | [8] | |
| Sound Design of the Year | Template:Nom | |||
| Best Original Instrumental | Template:Nom | |||
| The Game Awards 2020 | Best Fighting Game (Ultimate version) | Template:Won | [9] | |
| 2021 | 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards | Fighting Game of the Year (Ultimate version) | Template:Won | [10] |
Controversies
Mortal Kombat 11 faced prohibitions in several countries, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, China, and Ukraine, primarily due to its intense violent content.[11][12] Specifically, Ukraine's restriction was linked to legislation banning Communist imagery, which appeared in the "Kollection" promotional materials and Skarlet’s alternative costume included in the MK11 Premium Edition.[13][14][15]
The game drew criticism for its decision to tone down the sexualized portrayal of female fighters. Ed Boon, the franchise’s creator, mentioned in an interview with Playboy that the 2011 installment had excessively emphasized sexualization and that revealing outfits on female characters were unrealistic.[16]
In a 2019 revelation to Kotaku, a developer disclosed that exposure to graphic violent materials used for creative reference caused some team members to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These references included videos depicting real-life gore as well as images of murder victims and slaughtered animals.[17] Additionally, the development studio faced accusations of fostering a "crunch culture," where employees reportedly worked up to 100 hours per week in order to fulfill project deadlines.[18]
In January 2021, during a Pro Kompetition event for Mortal Kombat 11, a finalist was disqualified after naming a character variation 'WhyDidNRSdoThis', which was interpreted as a subtle critique of the developer's balancing choices.[19][20]
Sequel
In February 2023, David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, confirmed the development of a twelfth entry in the franchise, which was subsequently identified as Mortal Kombat 1. The Kollector and Premium editions were released on September 14, 2023, with the Standard edition becoming available on September 19. While the sequel garnered predominantly favorable critiques, the version for the Switch platform was met with negative feedback.
External links
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- ↑ "How ‘Mortal Kombat’ Became an Immortal Franchise," Playboy 22 Apr. 2019.
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