Unlockables have always been a significant part of the fighting video game genre. Whether it's concept art, bonus stages, additional music tracks, or more prominently, alternate costumes, every good fighting game will have a bevy of unlockable content for players to spend their hours working towards. The Mortal Kombat franchise is absolutely no exception, with every game in series history having a slew of hidden content only unlockable through various challenges and milestones. And though it might look a little different this time around, Mortal Kombat 1 will still apparently have plenty of unlockables.
A month ago, NetherRealm Studios' Ed Boon confirmed that the fan-favorite Krypt mode would not be returning in Mortal Kombat 1. A mode that's only gotten more complex with each entry, Mortal Kombat's Krypt was an engaging way for fans to spend their in-game currency on a plethora of unlockables, including a ton of additional costumes for each fighter. But while the Krypt is no more, Mortal Kombat 1 should still have plenty of unlockables in store for players, and with the game hearkening back to the series' roots, fans should expect to see a lot of alternate costumes based on past Mortal Kombat entries, though there are a select few that should make the cut.
Dark Raiden
Teased in the vast majority of Mortal Kombat entries, Dark Raiden is the name given to any appearance in which the Elder God loses his cool, even if it's just for a moment. Dark Raiden is often depicted with gray skin, red eyes, and dark clothing, often black with gold highlights. Though Raiden's character is getting a big overhaul in Mortal Kombat 1 thanks to Fire God Liu Kang making him a mortal, that shouldn't stop him from getting an alternate skin based on his past edgy appearances.
Cyber Smoke
While fans expected franchise staples like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Kitana to be in Mortal Kombat 1, many didn't expect the gray Lin Kuei ninja Smoke to have a prominent role in the game. When Smoke made his first playable debut back in Mortal Kombat 3, he was actually in his cyborg form, an appearance that the character has had as an alternate costume in almost every entry. With Mortal Kombat 1 hearkening back to the series' roots, a Cyber Smoke alternate skin is a must-have.
Dark Empress Kitana
One of the more recent fan-favorite alternate costumes is Kitana's Dark Empress outfit, making its debut in Mortal Kombat X. After being killed in Mortal Kombat 2011, Kitana becomes a revenant alongside her sometimes love interest Liu Kang, and both are forced to be Quan Chi's undead servants. But when Quan Chi is killed by Scorpion, Liu Kang and Kitana's revenant forms are free, and the two decide to rule the Netherrealm together as emperor and empress. Much like the Dark Raiden skin, Dark Empress Kitana has gray skin, black clothing, and glowing red eyes.
Ronin Kenshi
Another skin only found in Mortal Kombat X, Kenshi's Ronin alternate costume may just be one of the best in the entire franchise, and it would be a crime if it wasn't included in Mortal Kombat 1, especially with the character seemingly having quite a prominent role in the story this time around. As the name would suggest, this skin takes every fan's favorite blind swordsman and gives him a samurai makeover, complete with traditional armor, mask, and face wrap.
Injustice Scorpion
It might not technically be from a past Mortal Kombat game, but Scorpion's Injustice design is one of the character's most unique, and it would be great to see it make its way over to Mortal Kombat 1. This skin was already brought over to the franchise in Mortal Kombat X, so it would be great to see an updated version of the costume, with a few slight alterations to keep the design fresh.
Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19 on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
