NetherRealm Studios' highly anticipated fighting game, Mortal Kombat 1, is just a few months away, much to the relief of eager fans. This game has been the subject of much speculation, as it marks the studio's return after a four-year hiatus. Building upon the storyline of Mortal Kombat 11 and its Aftermath DLC, Mortal Kombat 1 will delve into the Mortal Kombat universe from the perspective of Fire God Liu Kang. Fans are eagerly anticipating this fresh take on the series, and the introduction of the new Kameo Fighter mechanic promises to keep the roster diverse and engaging.
One intriguing aspect that remains unanswered is the fate of the other realms in the expansive mythos of Mortal Kombat. Throughout its history, Mortal Kombat has woven a complex narrative, introducing elements of time travel in the 2011 reboot trilogy. While Earthrealm has long been engaged in a deadly struggle against Outworld in the Mortal Kombat tournament, the status of other realms has often been overlooked or intertwined with Outworld's affairs. The exact impact of Mortal Kombat 1's new story setup on this aspect of the setting remains uncertain, although leaks and subtle hints suggest that a particular realm may finally receive the attention it deserves.
Havik's Return in Mortal Kombat 1 Is Likely
The strong indication of a new realm taking center stage is supported by a leaked roster of playable characters that has yet to be confirmed. Among the various fighter leaks, there are a few that appear to be more credible, sharing a significant number of characters in common. Interestingly, one notable character that consistently appears in these leaks is Havik, the skull-faced Cleric of Chaos. It is worth mentioning that Havik is the only playable character in the franchise who hails from Chaosrealm, despite some members of the Black Dragon eventually migrating there in the original timeline.
Havik has made notable appearances in various character endings, including the Joker's, and played a significant role in the comics of Mortal Kombat X. Additionally, the mention of Havik alongside Chaosrealm in Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath suggests that NetherRealm Studios has not forgotten about this unique character and his underutilized realm. The reboot of Mortal Kombat 1 provides the perfect opportunity to explore and develop Havik's story further. The demand for Havik's return is high, as he is one of the more positively received characters from the 3D gameplay era. However, apart from the leak, there are other compelling reasons to believe that Havik and Chaosrealm will make a comeback in the upcoming game.
Chaosrealm Perfectly Opposes Liu Kang’s Order
It has been observed by fans that the released footage of Mortal Kombat 1 has a peculiar brightness and cleanliness, raising suspicions about the recreation of Earthrealm by Liu Kang. It is believed that he may have incorporated elements from favored realms such as Edenia and Orderrealm. This, along with the overall theme of Liu Kang's fight to maintain his peaceful world, suggests the involvement of various interdimensional factions in MK1.
While it is evident that Liu Kang is leading an Earthrealm infused with order, Shang Tsung has already emerged as a representative of Outworld. The third major faction, however, may consist of an expanded cast from Chaosrealm, with Havik potentially leading or supporting them. This aligns with the character selection screen being divided into three parts and adds an intriguing twist to the concept of the Mortal Kombat tournament. It also opens up the possibility of a story mode where players have the freedom to choose sides, leading to significantly different outcomes depending on which faction prevails. More information is expected to be revealed soon, but fans should not be surprised to see Havik and Chaosrealm included.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.