Mortal Kombat 1: Unveiling the Exciting Possibilities of Story DLC

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 delivers on its promise of a fresh take on the series, setting up new versions of old characters and providing twists that older fans will appreciate.

The future of Mortal Kombat 1 promises an abundance of downloadable content with the imminent arrival of a Kombat Pack and the anticipation of additional DLC to follow.

While the story mode of Mortal Kombat 1 lacks space for a story Kombat Pack, it does present an opportunity for an exhilarating campaign expansion centered around Havik and diverse timelines.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Mortal Kombat 1. The latest installment in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat 1, has kicked off the next chapter with its engaging cinematic story mode. Acting as a soft reboot, following the events of Mortal Kombat 11 and its Aftermath story expansion, it introduces fresh versions of familiar characters in Liu Kang's revamped world. With intriguing twists that reference previous titles, Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a nostalgic reminder for longtime fans while setting the stage for the series' future.

Looking ahead, the future of Mortal Kombat appears to be brimming with downloadable content. In addition to the game's microtransactions, the first Kombat Pack for Mortal Kombat 1 is on the horizon. Leaks suggest that it will feature six playable characters and five Kameo Fighters, which is sure to prolong the game's lifespan. Moreover, more DLC is anticipated beyond the initial pack. Fans have been closely following the story mode of MK1 for any clues about what to expect, speculating on the possibility of a story-driven Kombat Pack or another narrative expansion like MK11: Aftermath. While both scenarios are plausible, evidence points towards one being more likely than the other.

No Fighters Were Left Unaccounted For In Mortal Kombat 1’s Story

Mortal Kombat 1's story mode lacks a dedicated story Kombat Pack, surprising since it was a common rumor for Mortal Kombat X and 11. The return of Quan Chi and Ermac as prominent NPCs in the story, along with Shang Tsung, suggests that a story character pack was expected this time. Even Khameleon, rumored to be part of Kombat Pack 1, appears as a unique story-exclusive character. The remaining characters for a story pack are minor, such as Madam Bo and assorted Tarkatan fighters, who aren't in high demand.

In the last few story chapters, there are opponents from different dimensions. Cyber Smoke is the only truly unique character among them, though it's possible he may return as a cameo fighter like the other Cyber Lin Kuei. Most other opponents are alternate-timeline versions of base roster fighters, combining the identities and special moves of two characters. This situation reminds me of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon's Kreate-A-Fighter, although it is unlikely to be a full DLC fighter but could manifest in other ways.

MK1’s Story Mode Opens The Door To A Wild Campaign Expansion

The mid-credits scene in Mortal Kombat 1 hints at a sequel featuring Havik, the Titan and ruler of another timeline. His intention is to recreate the chaotic final chapter of MK1 with even more destruction. While it may seem like a direct sequel setup, it doesn't feel quite right for a character from the base roster to be the final boss in the next Mortal Kombat. Instead, Havik could potentially be the catalyst for a story DLC similar to MK11: Aftermath. The outcome of this storyline could lead to something intriguing for the next installment, thanks to Havik's brand of chaos.

This is where the multiple timelines come into play again, presenting an opportunity for Mortal Kombat 1's story expansion to surpass Aftermath. The DLC could introduce a new mechanic where players choose two characters, possibly including Kameos, to merge into one combatant. This merged fighter would then navigate through Havik's chaotic gauntlet. With Aftermath paving the way, the chances of a Mortal Kombat 1 story expansion seem high, especially considering NetherRealm Studios' commitment to creating memorable single-player content.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.