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For most new players, start with Mortal Kombat 1 (2023). It introduces Liu Kang’s New Era after the climax of Mortal Kombat 11, so it is a practical modern entry point without requiring the entire back catalog. If you want the connected modern story in order, play Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11, the Aftermath expansion, and then Mortal Kombat 1.
Choose your starting point first
Start with Mortal Kombat 1 for the lowest context requirement
The name is the first source of confusion. Mortal Kombat 1 is not the first game released in the franchise. It is the title of a new-era entry that follows the ending of Mortal Kombat 11. PlayStation describes the premise as Liu Kang creating a New Era and identifies the game as a new timeline: the official Mortal Kombat 1 page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mortal Kombat 1 - Nintendo Switch | $28.34 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mortal Kombat X - Xbox One | $17.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 - Xbox One | $21.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection - Day 1 Edition - Nintendo Switch | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Greatest Hits) - (PS1) PlayStation 1 [Pre-Owned]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wQQXpn4BL._SL160_.jpg)
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Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Greatest Hits) - (PS1) PlayStation 1 [Pre-Owned] | $48.79 | Buy on Amazon |
That framing makes it the simplest current starting point. You can understand its central setup without having played every arcade release, crossover, or spin-off. Earlier knowledge can add meaning to returning characters and references, but it is optional for a first playthrough. Think of it as a new chapter built from familiar Mortal Kombat ideas, not as a remake of the original arcade game.
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Choose the 2011 game if your priority is seeing the modern storyline develop toward the New Era. This route takes longer and may require buying several games or a bundle, but it gives Mortal Kombat 1 more narrative context. It is a practical modern-story route, not a claim to be an exhaustive chronology of every release.
#1 Best Overall
- A New Universe - Discover a new beginning, as crafted by the Keeper of Time and protector of Earthrealm, Fire God Liu Kang.
- Origins Reimagined - Familiar characters return with all new intertwined histories, interacting in brand new ways.
- New Kameo Fighters - Choose from a unique roster of Kameo fighting partners to assist you in battle.
- Immersive Story Campaign - Fight through a brand new story featuring your favorite Mortal Kombat characters like you’ve never seen them before.
- The Ultimate Fighting Franchise Returns - The Fight for Earthrealm is upon us. This is Mortal Kombat.
| Route | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat 1 | Players who want a current entry point and a fresh timeline | Some legacy references have more weight if you know the preceding modern games |
| Mortal Kombat (2011) → Mortal Kombat X → Mortal Kombat 11 → Aftermath → Mortal Kombat 1 | Players who want the connected modern narrative | More purchases, downloads, and edition checks; availability differs by platform and territory |
The modern Mortal Kombat story order
Use the following sequence when continuity matters. The four numbered games are standalone releases; Aftermath is story expansion content for Mortal Kombat 11, not a separate numbered game.
1. Mortal Kombat (2011)
This is the starting point for the compact modern arc. Use the exact platform listing available to you, because older releases and current bundles can differ by store and hardware. The purpose of beginning here is narrative context: you are entering the modern continuity before the events that eventually lead to Liu Kang’s New Era.
If your goal is simply to learn the current fighting game, do not treat this older starting point as mandatory. Its value is in establishing the arc that later games build on, while Mortal Kombat 1 is designed to be approachable on its own terms.
2. Mortal Kombat X
Play Mortal Kombat X next. Keeping the modern entries in release order avoids jumping over the connective material between the 2011 story and Mortal Kombat 11. Install the edition that contains the story mode rather than assuming that a character pack or competitive add-on includes the campaign.
Store names, bundles, and backward-compatibility policies are not uniform, so confirm that the product description identifies the base game and its story content for your system before paying.
Rank #2
- Featuring Klassics such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden and Kano, as well as new characters such as Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Ferra-Torr and D'Vorah, the roster will include fan favorites where both good and evil must battle it out.
- Mortal Kombat X offers three different versions for each playable character, all of which have their own fighting style, special moves, abilities and strategies.
- A deep story mode continues up to 25 years after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat and advances the dark tale - introducing new characters such as Cassie Cage, daughter of fan favorites Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage.
- Mortal Kombat X introduces the next evolution of fighting with the return of X-ray and Finishing Moves that showcase brutal battles like never before with enhanced graphics and animations.
3. Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 is the immediate narrative predecessor to the New Era. Complete its main story before moving to Mortal Kombat 1. The ending is the context for Liu Kang’s decision and for the timeline change described in the official Mortal Kombat 1 overview.
Do not assume that every edition of Mortal Kombat 11 contains the follow-up campaign. The expansion has its own purchase and inclusion rules, explained below.
4. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath
Aftermath is an expansion to Mortal Kombat 11. WB Games’ support documentation says its expansion campaign, characters, and later skin-pack releases require purchasing Aftermath unless the specific bundle or edition already includes that content: What Is Included In The Aftermath Expansion?.
Play it after the main Mortal Kombat 11 story and before Mortal Kombat 1. In this guide, it occupies a precise place because it is additional story material tied to the transition into the New Era. If you skip it, you can still begin Mortal Kombat 1, but you will be omitting part of the modern bridge.
5. Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)
Finish the route with Mortal Kombat 1. Its official framing places the game after Mortal Kombat 11’s climax and presents a new timeline. That is why the numeral does not indicate release order: it labels the beginning of this New Era rather than the first chapter in franchise history.
Rank #3
- The all new custom character variations give you unprecedented control to customize the fighters and make them your own
- The new graphics engine showcasing every skull shattering, eye popping moment, brings you so close to the fight you can feel it
- And featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best in class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making
For a spoiler-sensitive playthrough, avoid reading detailed character or ending summaries before starting. The useful preparation is knowing only that a new era exists and that the preceding modern games explain how the story reaches it.
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It is downloadable story content, not a replacement for Mortal Kombat 11
The expansion adds its own campaign and associated characters and skins. You need a compatible copy of Mortal Kombat 11 and access to the expansion through the edition or purchase you select. The official WB Games announcement also identifies Aftermath as an expansion rather than a new numbered installment: Official Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Announcement.
Check the contents line before buying
- Base game only: gives you Mortal Kombat 11’s main campaign but does not, by itself, establish that Aftermath is included.
- Aftermath edition or bundle: may package the expansion with the base game and additional downloadable content. Confirm the exact listing for your platform.
- Used physical copy: inspect whether an included code was redeemed. A box label alone does not prove that downloadable content remains available to the second owner.
- Digital purchase: read the store’s “included” list and the account or region restrictions before checkout.
If you are following the complete modern route, the safest choice is an edition that explicitly names the Aftermath story expansion. If you only want to sample Mortal Kombat 1, you can defer that purchase and return to the earlier game later.
Where Mortal Kombat 1 is available
The official FAQ lists physical and digital versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store: Mortal Kombat 1 FAQ. Availability, stock, edition names, and prices can vary by country and storefront, so treat a retailer page as the final authority for your territory.
| Platform | What the official FAQ lists | What to verify before purchase |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | PlayStation 5, physical and digital | That the listing is for PS5 and identifies the edition and included expansions |
| Xbox | Xbox Series X|S, physical and digital | Series X|S compatibility and whether a disc or code matches your console |
| Nintendo | Nintendo Switch, physical and digital | Storage, performance expectations, and the exact regional listing |
| PC | Steam and Epic Games Store | Storefront ownership, system requirements, and edition contents |
No single price is permanent. Promotional discounts, regional currencies, physical stock, and edition upgrades can change the amount you pay. Compare the total cost of the base game plus any required story expansion rather than comparing a low base-game price with a complete bundle.
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Rank #4
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- Interactive Documentary: Deep behind-the-scenes content chronicles the history of the franchise, featuring exclusive new interviews with original MK developers Ed Boon, John Tobias, Dan Forden, John Vogel, and dozens more.
- Online Play: Engage in online battles enhanced by rollback netcode— engineered to preserve the precision of every attack, even with players across vast distances.
- The Full Story: Detailed character histories and timelines trace the epic narrative of Earthrealm, Outworld, and Edenia through the arcade era.
- No More Secrets: At the touch of a button, unlock all secret characters, change game settings, and access the buried developer menus to play the games your way.
How to choose an edition without losing story content
- Pick your platform first. Make sure the console generation or PC storefront matches the system on which you intend to play. A purchase on one platform does not automatically grant a copy on another.
- Decide whether you are following the full route. If you begin with Mortal Kombat 1, you can buy that game alone. If you are playing through Mortal Kombat 11, budget for Aftermath unless the listing explicitly includes it.
- Read the included-content panel. Look for the words “story expansion,” “Aftermath,” “Khaos Reigns,” “Kombat Packs,” or a named upgrade rather than relying on a marketing subtitle.
- Check the seller’s territory and edition. The same name can refer to different packages in different regions. Confirm language, disc region, download-code availability, and account compatibility.
- Install the campaign before judging the package. Some physical products include a disc plus a download code, and some digital stores deliver add-ons separately. Check your library and the game’s add-on management screen.
Khaos Reigns and the Definitive Edition Upgrade
The official Mortal Kombat 1 FAQ describes Khaos Reigns as an expansion and lists a Definitive Edition Upgrade that includes the Kombat Packs, the Khaos Reigns story expansion, and specified characters and skins: the official FAQ.
Do not generalize that every product called “Definitive,” “premium,” or “upgrade” contains every piece of Mortal Kombat content. Check the exact itemized list attached to the edition in your store and country. If your objective is only the base Mortal Kombat 1 campaign, an upgrade may add content you do not need immediately; if you want the expanded story and listed character content, the upgrade can be more convenient than buying add-ons separately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which route should you use?
Choose the single-game route when you want to play now
Buy Mortal Kombat 1 for your current system, complete its story, and decide afterward whether you want the earlier modern games. This avoids hunting for older editions and keeps your first session focused on the current New Era. It is also the least expensive route at the moment when you already own a supported console or PC and do not need to purchase several games.
Choose the five-part route when continuity is the main attraction
Use Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11 in that order, add Aftermath, and then play Mortal Kombat 1. This route requires more time and more careful shopping, but it lets you experience the modern arc in sequence instead of reconstructing earlier events from dialogue and summaries.
Choose a hybrid route when you are undecided
Start with Mortal Kombat 1 to test whether the series’ current presentation and combat suit you. If the story makes you curious about how the New Era was created, go back to Mortal Kombat 11, then continue backward to Mortal Kombat X and Mortal Kombat (2011) only if you want the full lead-in. This reverses the recommended narrative order after your first game, but it minimizes the risk of buying a long sequence before knowing that you want it.
Best Value
- 32 playable characters plus hidden characters, over 30 original moves and fatality attacks, new brutality moves, new power gauge
- Players: 1-2
- Controller: Gamepad, Joystick
What about the older arcade games and spin-offs?
Mortal Kombat has a much larger history than the modern route listed here. Earlier arcade entries, console versions, and spin-offs may use different continuity arrangements, and a complete catalog would require a separate guide. The available official pages establish the current New Era, the modern numbered games, and Aftermath; they do not provide a single authoritative timeline covering every legacy release.
For a first playthrough, treat older games as optional historical exploration rather than prerequisites. If you later want to study the franchise’s origins, choose a collection or re-release that clearly identifies which original games it contains and whether its story presentation is unchanged. Do not insert a randomly selected spin-off between the modern games and assume it fills a required chronological gap.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistake: assuming “1” means the first release
Mortal Kombat 1 is a new-era title set after Mortal Kombat 11’s climax. The numeral describes that story reset, not the franchise’s release order.
Mistake: skipping Aftermath while claiming the complete modern story
Aftermath is optional for sampling Mortal Kombat 1, but it is part of the modern route described in this guide. Confirm that your Mortal Kombat 11 edition includes the expansion or purchase it separately.
Mistake: comparing prices without comparing content
A discounted base game may cost less than a bundle because it omits an expansion or character pack. Compare the itemized contents and the final checkout total in your region.
Mistake: buying the wrong platform version
The official FAQ lists PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Verify the exact platform, console generation, and storefront before buying, especially for physical copies and download codes.
Mistake: expecting a complete legacy chronology from this route
The five-part sequence is deliberately manageable. It does not settle every branch, remake, or spin-off in Mortal Kombat history. Use it to follow the modern narrative, not as a definitive order for every release ever published.
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A practical play plan
- New to the series: begin with Mortal Kombat 1; read only its basic premise before playing if you want to preserve surprises.
- Story-focused and patient: obtain Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11; verify Aftermath inclusion; then move to Mortal Kombat 1.
- Shopping on a budget: compare bundle and upgrade totals in your region, and postpone optional add-ons until you know you want more story or characters.
- Playing on Switch or PC: use the official FAQ and your store listing together, because platform availability does not by itself state the same edition contents or regional price.
- Collecting physical editions: inspect every box for the platform, included expansion, and download-code status before opening or buying used.
Bottom line
There are two sensible answers to “Where do I start with Mortal Kombat?” Start with Mortal Kombat 1 if you want the current New Era and the least preparation. Start with Mortal Kombat (2011) if you want the modern story in sequence, continuing through Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11, Aftermath, and finally Mortal Kombat 1. Whichever route you choose, verify the platform and edition contents at checkout, especially for the Aftermath and Khaos Reigns expansions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
