Unveiling the Ultimate Tactics: Unlocking the Secrets of Mortal Kombat 1's Early Meta

Highlights

In the highly anticipated game, Sub-Zero and Scorpion are anticipated to emerge as dominant contenders, celebrated for their unwavering reliability and remarkable versatility.

Kitana and other characters may face challenges at close range, while Johnny Cage might become overpowered with his new abilities. Mortal Kombat 1 is set to be a significant departure for the franchise. With a stronger emphasis on aerial combat, the introduction of cameo fighters, and a reboot of the timeline, this new installment brings a refreshing excitement. Each new fighting game in a renowned franchise brings a fresh meta, where previously beloved characters may become weaker and previously dismissed characters could dominate online play and pose real challenges. Mortal Kombat 1 will undoubtedly follow this pattern.

Who Will Be Strong In Mortal Kombat 1?

Over the course of its long existence, Mortal Kombat has amassed a plethora of playable fighters. These characters' power levels may fluctuate with each new game release, making it hard to anticipate the initial tier list. Nonetheless, certain fighters in Mortal Kombat, like in other fighting game franchises, consistently establish themselves as dependable and influential. While the strength of the roster in Mortal Kombat 1 remains uncertain, it is still possible to make an educated guess about a handful of characters' potential during the early stages before the first Kombat Pack is unveiled.

One can generally expect Sub-Zero and Scorpion to be formidable fighters in a new Mortal Kombat installment. Although they are not typically considered top-tier characters, Sub-Zero and Scorpion have consistently proven themselves as competent fighters since Mortal Kombat 9, successfully holding their own against a majority of the game's roster. This trend is likely to continue in the latest entry. During a recent server test for the game, Sub-Zero demonstrated his prowess by emerging as one of the stronger characters, excelling in a variety of areas. Both Sub-Zero and Scorpion possess adaptability and versatility, making them solid options, particularly during the initial stages of the game's release when players tend to favor simpler characters that are easier to grasp.

Some Mortal Kombat 1 Characters Might Be Broken

Liu Kang appears to be a versatile character in this game, showcasing a strong repertoire of combos across various distances. During the performance test, Kenshi also demonstrated his strength with a formidable array of offensive moves specifically designed for close-range combat. Conversely, Kitana's viability in this game seems dubious. Despite possessing numerous aerial maneuvers and long-range options, her effectiveness in close-quarters combat appears to pale in comparison to her competitors. While zoners like Cetrion in Mortal Kombat 11 can yield tremendous power, it may take some time to develop effective strategies for Kitana, indicating that she is unlikely to be particularly dominant upon the game's release.

While making guesses about the other characters might be difficult, there are still some reasonable predictions to be made. It is likely that Shang Tsung will play similarly here, maintaining his well-balanced nature from Mortal Kombat 11. On the other hand, Johnny Cage may potentially be overpowered due to his new Hype Meter, allowing him to unleash a rapid succession of special moves. Baraka, known for his balanced gameplay in Mortal Kombat 9 and 11, is expected to maintain that trend in this installment. As for Mileena, who was considered one of the weakest characters in MK11, it is anticipated that she will receive buffs in this version.

The rest of the cast remains largely unknown, with characters like Kung Lao, Raiden, and Rain showing varying changes from game to game. Tanya, Li Mei, and Smoke are unpredictable elements in the mix. Smoke's Mortal Kombat lore is constantly evolving, potentially resulting in a greatly transformed character, while Li Mei and Tanya have not yet made appearances in a modern Mortal Kombat installment. The developers' emphasis on player freedom suggests that most characters will likely feel more powerful compared to previous entries, even if they may appear relatively weak in this new game. Only time will reveal the true outcome of the Mortal Kombat 1 meta, particularly since a substantial Kombat Pack has already been announced for post-launch. Mortal Kombat 1 is set to be released on September 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.