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Mortal Kombat stands as one of gaming’s most recognizable franchises, spanning over 30 years with 25+ games across multiple platforms.
The complete Mortal Kombat series includes 12 main series games, 13 spin-off titles, and various special editions, with the most recent entry being Mortal Kombat 1 (2023).
As someone who has followed the series since its arcade debut, I’ve seen it evolve from a controversial arcade fighter to a modern competitive esports phenomenon. This guide will help you navigate the complex timeline and understand which games matter most.
Whether you’re a newcomer wondering where to start or a longtime fan wanting to understand the series’ evolution, this comprehensive guide covers every game in release order, story order, and playing order recommendations.
What is the Mortal Kombat main series? The main series consists of 12 core fighting games that form the canonical storyline of the franchise.
Having played the original in arcades during its initial release, I can attest to the revolutionary impact it had on the fighting game genre. The digitized sprites and extreme violence were unlike anything we’d seen before.
Mortal Kombat II refined everything that made the original great, with faster gameplay and deeper mechanics. As a fighting game enthusiast, I consider this the peak of the 2D era’s evolution.
Run Button: A gameplay mechanic introduced in MK3 that allowed players to dash toward opponents, fundamentally changing the fighting game pace.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 was essentially the definitive version of MK3, combining all the best elements with a complete character roster. This became the competitive standard for years.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy was ambitious but flawed. While it offered an unprecedented roster, the balance issues and technical limitations prevented it from reaching competitive status.
Quick Summary: MK4’s transition to 3D was rough but laid groundwork for future 3D entries in the series.
The jump to 3D was challenging for many fighting games, and MK4 struggled with camera issues and less responsive controls compared to its 2D predecessors.
Deadly Alliance revitalized the franchise after a five-year hiatus. The new fighting system was complex but rewarding, though it took time for the competitive scene to adapt.
Deception’s online multiplayer was revolutionary for console fighting games in 2004. As someone who spent countless hours in online matches, I can attest to how it changed the competitive landscape.
Armageddon was ambitious but overwhelming. The massive roster came at the cost of character uniqueness, and the Kreate-a-Fatality system lacked the personality of pre-determined finishers.
This crossover was an interesting experiment but felt like a compromise. The toned-down violence removed what made Mortal Kombat special, though the character interactions were entertaining.
As a fighting game enthusiast, I consider MK9 (2011) the best entry point for newcomers. The modern mechanics combined with the classic story created the perfect balance of accessibility and depth.
X-Ray Moves: Special attacks that showcase internal damage in slow motion, dealing heavy damage and breaking opponent’s defenses.
Mortal Kombat X refined the 2011 formula with meaningful character variations that added strategic depth. The competitive scene thrived with these expanded gameplay options.
MK11 represents the pinnacle of the series’ gameplay evolution. The mechanics are incredibly refined, and the presentation is unmatched in the fighting game genre.
The latest reboot proves Mortal Kombat’s commitment to evolution while respecting its roots. As someone who has played every entry, I’m impressed by how MK1 balances accessibility with depth.
What are Mortal Kombat spin-off games? These are non-main series entries that explore different genres or side stories within the MK universe.
Mythologies attempted to expand the lore but suffered from clunky controls and confusing level design. It’s more of a curiosity for completionists than essential playing.
Special Forces is widely considered the worst Mortal Kombat game ever made. As someone who played it at release, I can confirm it’s best avoided even by series enthusiasts.
Shaolin Monks is surprisingly enjoyable as a co-op experience. It captures the MK spirit while offering a different gameplay perspective that works well.
The mobile game serves as a companion to the main series but doesn’t contribute significantly to the canon story. It’s mostly for casual enjoyment.
How does the Mortal Kombat timeline work? The series has experienced two major reboots that reset the story continuity.
Quick Summary: Mortal Kombat has three distinct timeline eras: Original (1992-2006), Reboot (2011-2019), and New Reboot (2023-present).
The original timeline spans from the first game through Armageddon, creating a complex continuity with numerous story threads. This timeline concluded with Armageddon’s apocalyptic ending.
Mortal Kombat (2011) served as a soft reboot, retelling the story of the original trilogy with significant changes. This created a new timeline that continued through MKX and MK11.
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) represents a complete timeline reset, created by Liu Kang after the events of MK11. This fresh start allows new players to jump in without prior knowledge while incorporating elements from previous eras.
Which Mortal Kombat game should you start with? The answer depends on your goals and experience level.
Start with Mortal Kombat 1 (2023). It’s designed as a fresh entry point with the most accessible mechanics and a self-contained story. The tutorial systems are comprehensive, and the gameplay is refined for modern players.
Play in story order: MK9 (2011) → MKX → MK11 → MK1 (2023). This sequence provides the complete modern story arc with all character developments and plot twists.
Focus on modern games: MK11 or MK1 (2023). These have the most active competitive scenes and refined mechanics. MKX also has a dedicated community but is less active.
Play in release order to experience the evolution of gameplay mechanics and graphics. Start with the original trilogy if you appreciate retro gaming, then progress through the 3D era to modern entries.
✅ Pro Tip: Skip most spin-off games unless you’re a completionist. The main series provides the core Mortal Kombat experience.
| Player Type | Recommended Starting Game | Playing Order |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Beginner | Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) | Start here, then explore others |
| Story Fan | Mortal Kombat 9 (2011) | MK9 → MKX → MK11 → MK1 |
| Competitive Player | Mortal Kombat 11 | Focus on modern entries only |
| Retro Enthusiast | Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 | Release order from trilogy |
⏰ Time Saver: You don’t need to play every game to understand the story. The modern trilogy (MK9, MKX, MK11) covers most essential plot points.
There are 25+ Mortal Kombat games including 12 main series entries, 13 spin-off games, and various special editions. The main series includes MK (1992) through MK1 (2023), while spin-offs range from action-adventure titles to mobile games.
No, you don’t need to play Mortal Kombat games in order. Each game has a self-contained story, though playing the modern trilogy (MK9, MKX, MK11) in order provides the best narrative experience. MK1 (2023) is a complete reboot designed as a fresh starting point.
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) is the best for beginners due to its refined mechanics, comprehensive tutorials, and self-contained story. MK11 is also beginner-friendly with excellent teaching systems and a complete story mode.
Start with Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) for the most current experience, or MK9 (2011) if you want to understand the story leading into recent games. Both provide excellent entry points with modern gameplay mechanics.
Most spin-off games are not essential for understanding the main story. Shaolin Monks provides some interesting backstory, but mobile games and action-adventure spin-offs rarely contribute significant story elements to the main series canon.
The numbering is confusing due to reboots. MK9 (2011) was called “Mortal Kombat” without a number, then MKX and MK11 continued. MK1 (2023) rebooted the numbering again, creating the sequence MK9, MKX, MK11, then back to MK1.
Yes, most modern Mortal Kombat games are available on PC. MK9, MKX, MK11, and MK1 (2023) all have PC versions through Steam. Older games require emulation or classic hardware to play on modern systems.
Mortal Kombat’s journey from arcade controversy to modern esports phenomenon represents one of gaming’s most remarkable evolutions. The series sparked the creation of the ESRB rating system yet somehow became more mainstream with each entry.
From my perspective as someone who has witnessed the entire series evolution, what impresses me most is how Mortal Kombat has maintained its identity while continuously innovating. The core elements that made the original special—brutal finishing moves, iconic characters, and competitive depth—remain intact while presentation and mechanics have evolved dramatically.
The modern era under NetherRealm Studios has produced some of the most polished fighting games ever made. With each new release, the series becomes more accessible to newcomers while maintaining the depth that keeps the competitive scene thriving.
For newcomers to fighting games, Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) represents the perfect entry point. For long-time fans, the series continues to honor its legacy while pushing the boundaries of what fighting games can be.
The future looks bright for Mortal Kombat, with NetherRealm Studios committed to regular releases and the competitive scene more active than ever. Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring champion, there’s never been a better time to join the Mortal Kombat community.