Highlights

  • Mortal Kombat 1's first Kombat Pack includes exciting DLC characters, with Ermac arriving in the middle of the pack.
  • Ermac, a fan-favorite character, is expected to be a strong mid-range fighter with long-range options, using his telekinetic powers to keep opponents at bay.
  • Ermac's appearance in Mortal Kombat 1 is controversial, as he looks different from previous games, but his playstyle and role in the story are expected to remain familiar to fans.

Mortal Kombat 1 was released back in September and, just this month, began to receive DLC characters from its first scheduled combat pack. The game has proven to be something of a mixed bag for fans of the franchise. Even if the game was generally well-received at launch, the first balance patch was filled with controversial changes, and the addition of Kameo fighters with this entry has changed the entire nature of the franchise, forcing the developers to figure out how to balance the new assist mechanic. In spite of some controversy with patching, the roster of the first Kombat Pack is exciting and is sure to keep fans coming back to Mortal Kombat 1.

Mortal Kombat 1's first Kombat Pack contains six primary Kombatants and five Kameo fighters who will be rolling out slowly through Summer 2024. So far, Omni-Man and Tremor, a Kameo Fighter, have been the only two to be released. While Quan Chi and Peacemaker could still come this year, it seems more likely that they will release early next year before Ermac. Ermac is a fan-favorite who was omitted from MK11, so hype around the character's return is at an all-time high. He will be arriving in the middle of the first Kombat Pack.

Kombat Pack 1 Kombatant Release Schedule

  • Omni-Man - November 2023
  • Quan Chi - Winter 2023/2024
  • Peacemaker - Winter 2023/2024
  • Ermac - Spring 2024
  • Homelander - Spring 2024
  • Takeda Takahashi - Summer 2024
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Ermac Will Be a Strong Mid-Range Fighter

Ermac - Mortal Kombat Best Endings

Based on his appearance as a boss in Mortal Kombat 1's story, and his fighting style in previous games, Ermac will be a strong mid-range fighter with some long range options. Modders have made the character playable early, but his move set is incomplete, and his officially playable version will likely function differently.

In other modern MK games, Ermac has traditionally had a strong fireball and powerful poke-focused normals. His most infamous move is his telekinetic slam, in which he lifts the opponent with his mind and bounces them off the ground. This move can typically follow a small starter string or function as a combo starter itself.

Ermac Uses Magic To Keep His Opponents at Bay

Ermac is a ninja whose body contains the souls of thousands, giving him telekinetic powers. This magic is how he performs his signature slam and other special moves. Ermac's slightly longer range than many other characters due to these specials has typically been his greatest strength, and that is unlikely to change in Mortal Kombat 1.

Ermac's moveset has historically given him strong punishes and screen control, but he struggles to do large amounts of damage at a long range and can be overwhelmed by characters with strong rush down capabilities. This means that using his strong control of spacing well is a must.

Ermac's Appearance in MK1 is Controversial

Ermac in Mortal Kombat 1

While Ermac's playstyle will be a welcome addition to MK1 and should hopefully help players who want to be able to control the pace of their matches, his appearance is controversial. Ermac looks different in Mortal Kombat 1 than in previous games, giving up his ninja outfit and mask for a loose-fitting set of robes.

Past games have depicted him as mostly human-looking, but here he looks almost zombie-esque. MK1 is a reboot and changes are expected. Still, this has proven to be a controversial choice with fans. Alternative skins will almost certainly be available, though most of them will be locked behind a paywall.

​​​​​​Beyond His Appearance MK1's Ermac Will Be Familiar

Ermac is a minor antagonist in MK1, but has traditionally been depicted as a neutral character, only wanting what is best for his homeland. Story DLC hasn't been confirmed for the game, but seeing Ermac abandon his role as a villain wouldn't be a surprise, even in spite of his frightening new appearance.

It seems likely, based on what little has been seen of the character, that his combat style will, like his role in the story, remain largely the same as it has been in past games. Ermac will return after the addition of Peacemaker in the Spring of next year.