Mortal Kombat X: Everything We Know

Mortal Kombat Xarrives on April 14 (PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS3) to test your might once again in the bloodiest fighting tournament known to man and god. Since the birth of the franchise in 1992, Mortal Kombathas drenched our TVs with blood and guts...and decapitations, flagellations, cannibalism, mutilations, dismemberment, immolation, acid attacks, and pretty much all of the other terrible things that could happen to a humanoid organism. 

We've decided to put everything you need to know about Mortal Kombat X in one place for your convenience. You'll find details on the story, roster, special guests, and the gameplay below. We've also included A LOT of trailers and some other necessary reading about the larger Mortal Kombat universe. This is a working news post, so we will continue to update it as we learn more about the game. 

Consider this your one-stop spot for all things Mortal Kombat X!

STORY

So far

2011's Mortal Kombat (9) might have been the most brutal installment of them all, as Sindel, who was resurrected by Quan Chi in the game, murdered almost every character on the hero side. It's all thanks to Raiden's incompetence, of course. It's almost worse that he decided to go back in time after the events of Armageddon to stop all of the terrible things from happening. He traveled back all the way to the events of the very first game, but even more terrible things happened instead. At the very least, he did kill off Shao Kahn, which was the whole point, but now Shinnok and Quan Chi are preparing to invade Earthrealm.

So that's where we are...

What to expect

Ah, well the game will pretty much pick up where the last one left off, as the remaining heroes paddle their way through a river of their friends' blood. Kidding...probably. Judging from the Mortal Kombat X prequel comic, the events of Mortal Kombat 4 will happen (referred to as "The Netherrealm War"), but with a different outcome. It's implied that Kenshi will be able to get through to Scorpion and convince him to turn on Shinnok, leading to the Hell ninja's redemption and allowing him to reconnect with his lost humanity. After the initial continuation of the story, the timeline will jump 25 years into the future to focus on the next generation of heroes. 

We've already seen a bit of the time jump with the old Kung Lao reveal from early January, not to mention many of the characters in the MKX prequel comic series are disciples or offspring of the characters you know and love. Characters like Jaqueline Briggs (Jax's daughter), Takeda (Kenshi's son/Scorpion's pupil), and Erron Black (a cowboy mercenary working for Kotal Kahn) will lead the fight against the forces of the Netherrealm. The only confirmed new generation fighter from the comics in the game is Cassie Cage, daughter of the beloved, egomaniacal Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. It remains to be seen if we'll see these other characters outside of the comics.

The big bad hasn't been outright identified yet. All we know is that the Netherrealm War screwed up the dimensional barriers for a bit and even though Raiden was able to eventually fix it, something terrible broke through. There are certain special artifact daggers that Raiden's been trying to keep an eye on and has had them protected by the likes of Scorpion and Kotal Kahn, but whatever this demonic threat is, it's tied to the daggers and something called "The Blood Code." This is all related to Mileena stealing the very amulet that's imprisoning Shinnok and using it as a weapon to go to war with Kotal Kahn.

It's up to the next generation of Kombatants to stop them.

We made an even BIGGER list of things to expect from Mortal Kombat X's story. Make to sure check it!

The Comics

The comic series is released by DC Comics. They're written by Shawn Kittelsen with art by Dexter Soy, Geraldo Borges, and Igor Vitorino. The issues have been coming out digitally every Sunday and every three digital issues are later released as a single print issue. They take place after the Netherrealm War and build towards the main part of the game's story mode.

Issues 1 through 3: Kenshi is at war with the Red Dragon and finds out about an illegitimate son. To protect him, he leaves him with Scorpion and his ninja clan. Scorpion raises Takeda as his student, but tragedy strikes.

Issues 4 and 5: Cassie Cage and Jacqueline Briggs sneak away from Special Forces headquarters to hit some clubs and stumble across an underground fighting ring. Cassie is then forced into a fight to the death with Frost.

Issue 6: The origin of Kotal Kahn, current ruler of Outworld.

Issues 7 and 8: Kotal Kahn's attempt to exterminate Mileena goes awry when Goro throws a wrench in his plans and aligns himself with the fang-faced princess.

Established Mortal Kombat characters have popped up a lot and with some exceptions, it's hard to say just who will be showing up in the game itself. They are: Kenshi, Hsu Hao (deceased), Frost, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Mavado, Daegon (mentioned), Fujin, Mileena, Reiko, and Rain.

GAMEPLAY

Although this is still the same, gory fighting game you've loved since the arcade days, there are plenty of new things to do in Mortal Kombat X. Many of the new features and improvements will change the way you play the game and strategize against your opponents. Here are the main gameplay improvements:

Variations

It's in the name, and it's probably the most game-changing new feature in the game. Each Kombatant now has three set variations to choose from that change the way they fight. That means three different sets of attacks, combos, and finishers for each Kombatant. This feature introduces a bit of strategy to Mortal Kombat X.

Using the Environment

Kombatants can now use their surroundings against each other, interacting with objects that can be thrown, smashed, etc. It doesn't get any better than grabbing someone from the crowd and beating your opponent with him/her. You then throw the body aside, the body of an innocent spectator at your feet. Yeah...

Brutalities

Brutalities are new form of finishers in Mortal Kombat X that are actually even more gruesome than just "plain, old" Fatalities. Interestingly enough, Brutalities aren't accomplished through complicated button combos. Instead, you need to complete certain conditions in a match to trigger one. 

NetherRealm has revealed that there are over 100 Brutalities in the game. Most of them end in some horrible form of dismemberment and blood shower. It's quite riveting. Check out several of these Brutalities here. 

Factions

Faction wars and challenges will be a major part of the new online mode of Mortal Kombat X. At the beginning of the game, players will be able to join a faction -- which are all recognizable to long-time fans. Factions such as the Black Dragons and Special Forces will be two of the five factions. Joining a faction leads into a larger meta-game in which factions fight each other in a war. Players gain points for their factions through wins and completing challenges. Factions can also be invaded by the forces of the Netherrealm for an all-out battle. 

Living Towers

The fighting towers have also received an upgrade called "Living Tower." These towers are constantly updated and changed on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis. This will provide an endless playlist of challengers for the most seasoned players. 

ROSTER

Mortal Kombat X will feature several returning characters as well as a slew of new characters, plus several other rumored appearances from other fighters and special guests. Let's get into the confirmed returning fighters first:

Returning

The larger part of the cast are returners. We've also made a few profiles for some of these characters. Make sure to click on their names in red! And there are going to be a lot more profiles to come in the next few weeks, so make sure to come back to this section...

Ermac

Ermac is a being made entirely out of warrior souls (including Kitana's father), used as one of Shao Kahn's most powerful enforcers. He's also the guy who tore off Jax's arms, forcing him to wear cybernetic replacements. In the original timeline, the death of Shao Kahn turned Ermac into a benevolent mentor to the heroes. In the new timeline, he's absorbed Shao Kahn's soul into his own, keeping him corrupt.

Variations: Spectral, Mystic, Master of Souls

Goro

The Prince of Shokan was Shao Kahn's ace in the hole in dominating the Mortal Kombat tournament for centuries. One more tournament victory would have won Earthrealm for his master, but Goro was taken down by Liu Kang. After Shao Kahn's death, Kotal Kahn took over. Goro betrayed him to join Mileena's attempt at a coup and even killed Kotal's father (not Shao Kahn) to add insult.

Variations: TBA

Kano

Kano sold out the human race for Shao Kahn during the last game. What he's up to now is anyone's guess, but it's certainly no good. At the very least, he appears to be well-traveled, shown hanging out in an Outworld bar in the pages of the comic. In the game's story trailer, he's shown giving out secrets about Mileena to Kotal Kahn.

Variations: Commando, Cutthroat, Cybernetic

Kitana

Kitana died at the hands of her mother Sindel in the last game, but she's somehow returned from the dead. Shao Kahn is dead and Outworld is currently in good hands, so it'll be interesting to see just what Kitana is out to achieve. We do know that Jade is dead and in honor of her fallen friend, Kitana will be able to wield her weapons during one of her variations.

Variations: Mournful, Royal Storm, Assassin

Kung Lao 

Kung Lao is another dead warrior who came back. Not only that, but he's also aged. Other than his age, nothing seems to have changed with him. Then again, we don't know much of anything about him yet for this installment.

Variations: Hat Trick, Tempest, Buzz Saw

Mileena

Being a clone of Kitana, Mileena's been considered Shao Kahn's true daughter. That makes her the rightful heir to the throne, but Kotal Kahn disagreed and sent her running. Mileena is plotting her revenge along with the likes of Reiko (her general and lover), Rain, the Red Dragon organization, and even Goro. She wields a mystical artifact to help her cause, but there's a good chance it might end up being more powerful than she can handle.

Variations: TBA

Quan Chi 

Quan Chi is the puppet master who has pushed many past events towards his own agenda, such as the creations of Scorpion and Noob Saibot, the resurrection of Sindel, and Shao Kahn's death. He acts as if he serves Shinnok, but that's not totally accurate. He actually has the power to kill his master and would rather Shinnok do all the work and be the bigger target before acting. Even with the failure of the Netherrealm War, Quan Chi is too cunning to let it keep him down.

Variations: Summoner, Sorcerer, War Lock

Raiden

Raiden is a big dummy whose attempts to change the course of history led to the deaths of most of his allies. Nobody appears to trust him, especially since innocent death continues to follow in his wake. Still, he tries to keep at his position of Earthrealm's protector. What he's up against isn't spelled out for us quite yet, but he's trying and failing to nip it in the bud.

Variations: Master of Storms, Thunder God, Displacer

Rain

Rain is the lost son of Argus, one of Edenia's gods. He has played the role of assassin for Shao Kahn and the comic has depicted him as working for Mileena. After all, who better to combat Kotal Kahn's sun-based powers than one who can block the sun with clouds? Rain appears very briefly in the trailer, kicking Kotal Kahn off a rooftop. It seems last game's DLC might be making the main stage after all.

Variations: TBA

Reptile 

Reptile is a born follower and has been loyal to Shao Kahn in hopes that he might allow for the resurrection of his near-extinct Saurian race. With Shao Kahn gone, Reptile has moved on to serving Kotal Kahn, becoming one of his most trusted warriors.

Variations: Noxious, Deceptive, Nimble

Scorpion

Thanks to Kenshi helping him open his eyes, Scorpion has been able to conquer his own demons and become human once more. He decided to rebuild his clan the Shirai Ryu, recruiting "survivors" like himself, usually in the form of those who have lost loved ones in the Netherrealm War. Happy with his new direction, Scorpion's life came crashing down thanks to Raiden's meddling. With only one pupil left standing, Scorpion goes off to punish Raiden for his crimes.

Variations: Inferno, Ninjustu, Hellfire

Sindel

The former Queen of Edenia was resurrected in the last game and powered up by the soul of Shang Tsung. She then proceeded to wipe out all of the heroes except Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade. Nightwolf was able to eliminate her at the cost of his own life. The trailer shows an undead version of her fighting Cassie Cage.

Then again, it is very possible that she's just going to appear in story mode and nothing more. We'll keep you posted.

Variations: TBA

Sub-Zero

There have been two Sub-Zeros in Mortal Kombat continuity. The first one died, became Noob Saibot, then died again. The second one was transformed into a cyborg and was later killed by Sindel. This Sub-Zero appears to be one of the two, but which one? The in-game and comic dialogue makes it vague, but we do know that he's definitely at odds with the current cybernetic version of the Lin Kuei ninja clan.

Variations: Grandmaster, Cryomancer, Unbreakable

New

Cassie Cage

The two main heroic survivors of the last game were Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. Cassandra is their daughter, although it appears that the Johnny/Sonya romance didn't last all that long. The two are separated and while Cassie is currently a member of Special Forces like her strict mother, she'd usually rather just be with her casual movie star father who lets her get away with everything. The trailer makes it appear that Cassie is the game's true hero.

Variations: Hollywood, Spec Ops, Brawler

D'Vorah

Half insect, half human, D’Vorah comes from a realm of peaceful creatures that were unprepared when Shao Kahn invaded. Her realm became merged with Outworld. Her kind liberated with the death of Shao Kahn, D'Vorah is now a loyal follower of Kotal Kahn and will kill anyone who disrespects him.

Variations: Brood Mother, Swarm Queen, Venomous

Erron Black

The casting list for the Mortal Kombat X web series was said to include a character named Salazar, a man from Earthrealm who moved to Outworld to become a mercenary, specializing in Earthrealm weaponry. He then settled in becoming one of Kotal Kahn's warriors. Erron Black, Kotal Kahn's silent enforcer, makes it appear that Salazar got a name change somewhere along the line. So far the gunslinger hasn't done much, but he ambiguously either saved Cassie and Jacqueline's lives or kidnapped them in Kotal's name. He actually appears a few times in the game's story trailer, but you have to look for him.

Variations: TBA

Ferra/Torr

Hey, you know what's awesome? Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome! Ferra is basically Master while Torr is Blaster. Ferra can be used for attacks herself, but in one variation she can just stand in the background, cheering on her simple tank of a best friend. We don't know much about who they are, but they've been shown as soldiers for Kotal Kahn.

Variations: Ruthless, Vicious, Lackey

Jacqueline Briggs  

Jax appears to be another hero who has cheated death, as he appeared in a single panel of the comic, training with his daughter Jacqueline. Jacqueline is Cassie Cage's best friend and fellow member of the Special Forces. She also appears to be the more responsible of the two. So far she hasn't done much other than play off Cassie.

Variations: TBA

Kotal Kahn

In Outworld, "Kahn" appears to be more of a title than a name. Kotal Kahn is a warrior whose father sent him on a walkabout through Earthrealm many centuries ago in hopes that he'd come back able to dethrone Shao Kahn. While in Earthrealm, Kotal Kahn protected the Mayans from outside invaders and taught them to drink the blood of their fallen enemies. In return, they renamed him Buluc-Chabtan, Mayan God of War (which is a real thing). After Shao Kahn's death, Mileena took over Outworld. Kotal Kahn opposed her and eventually became the new ruler of Outworld. Unlike Shao Kahn, Kotal actually cares about his subjects and with brutalize anyone who would dare threaten them.

Variations: Sun God, War God, Blood God

Kung Jin

According to the leaked casting list for the Mortal Kombat X web series, Kung Jin is the younger nephew of Kung Lao. After Lao's death, his family was in dire straits and Kung Jin became a thief. That is, until Raiden helped him get his head on straight. Kung Jin then went and trained with the Shaolin monks and has joined Cassie Cage and the others, albeit he has more street smarts than the rest of them combined.

Variations: TBA

Takeda

Kenshi was going undercover as a member of the Red Dragon, but when his cover was blown, they threatened to go after the son he never knew he had. Takeda's mother died protecting him and Kenshi smuggled him away to safety. With Kenshi off to go take on the Red Dragon himself, Takeda was left with Scorpion, who sympathized with the loss of family. Scorpion trained him to be part of the Shirai Ryu, though he was always hard on the boy, more than any of his other students. Takeda's best friend, Forest Fox, was possessed by a demon and ended up killing off the rest of the clan in their sleep. Takeda and Scorpion put down Fox and now they journey together to find and punish Raiden for allowing this to happen.

Variations: TBA

Rumored Special Guests

Not much is known about the special guest characters in the game. Of course, there are tons of rumors out there, and plenty of teasing from series creator Ed Boon. The guy really knows how to get the rumor mill going. While the special guest characters have been a big point of contention thus far, we do know that there are three characters who are most likely to appear in the game. Again, this is NOT CONFIRMED. The three characters are...

Needles "Sweet Tooth" Kane

Ed Boon has wanted Sweet Tooth to show up in Mortal Kombatsince the last game, but got Kratos as a consolation prize. Since then, the Twisted Metal reboot crapped the bed in sales and Sweet Tooth's shown up as a playable character in PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, so why be so picky? Boon recently tweeted a photo of some Oreos, claiming he has a bit of a sweet tooth. He's adorable like that. If anyone is going to be a PlayStation 4 exclusive, it's certainly going to be the clown with the head of fire and a victim list reaching quadruple digits.

Predator

According to Videogamer, a DLC pack for the tenth Mortal Kombat will include the Predator, along with CIA agent, Colonel Al Dillon, played by Carl Weathers in the first film. Weathers has, apparently, given permission for the use of his likeness. The DLC is allegedly due out in June, two months after the game's April 14 release date. 

We have reached out to both NetherRealm Studios and WB Interactive for comment, but they have not responded.

The tricky part here is that the Predator property belongs to 20th Century Fox. Warner Bros. would also have to cut a deal with that studio to use the hunter and Weathers in Mortal Kombat X. 

Interestingly enough, Ed Boon re-tweeted an image last year of the Predator and Scorpion about to go at it, and with Freddy showing up in the last game, it's not a stretch to see the intergalactic hunter showing up in Mortal Kombat. Of course, a random tweet means absolutely nothing...

Spawn

Todd McFarlane, Image Comics founder and renowned artist, has confirmed to GamerFitnation.com that he cut a new deal with Warner Bros. that allows the company to use Spawn, the artist's brainchild, in its video games. Could that mean that Spawn is coming to Mortal Kombat X specifically?

"We actually have this short deal with them, so they may put him in there," says McFarlane, who also adds, "I don’t know if they’re ever gonna use it. They just might squat on it."

So the answer is maybe.

Further Reading: 

We made a list of the special guest characters we'd LOVE to see in Mortal Kombat X. We're hoping at least one of them makes it. Note that Predator is on that list!

ESSENTIAL READING

You have reached the end of the guide, but don't worry: we haven't JUST been covering Mortal Kombat X. No, sir! We have quite a few features about the entire Mortal Kombat franchise on the site:

Our resident Mortal Kombat expert created this guide to the history of secret characters and how to unlock them. It is seriously worth a read or three!

We touched a bit on the new Mortal Kombat Xprequel comic in this guide, but if you're looking for even more brutal comic book goodness, check out our COMPLETE history of Mortal Kombat comics. 

And finally, just to show you how much we love this series, we decided to rank every single Mortal Kombat character in franchise history! It's also a fantastic guide to all of the characters that have appeared in the games!

For way more Mortal Kombat, visit our coverage hub.