This article contains spoilers for Mortal Kombat 1The next chapter of Mortal Kombat has begun with Mortal Kombat 1, and its cinematic story mode has delivered on the promises of a brand-new take on MK’s aging universe. Acting as another soft reboot after the events of Mortal Kombat 11 and its Aftermath story expansion, this sets up fresh versions of old faces found in Liu Kang's remade world. With plenty of twists calling back to past titles, Mortal Kombat 1 is a good refresher for older fans and a primer for what the series’ future could look like.

Already, that future looks full of downloadable content. Besides the game’s microtransactions, Mortal Kombat 1 already has its first Kombat Pack on the way. The addition of six playable characters, and five Kameo Fighters according to leaks, should extend the game’s life, and more DLC is expected afterward. Fans have paid attention to MK1's story mode for any hints of what that might be, including a story-based Kombat Pack or another narrative expansion like MK11: Aftermath. Both are possible, but evidence points more toward one than the other.

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No Fighters Were Left Unaccounted For In Mortal Kombat 1’s Story

Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode leaves little room for a story Kombat Pack, which feels surprising after it was such a common rumor for Mortal Kombat X and 11. With two of the three returning fighters from Kombat Pack 1, Quan Chi and Ermac, already serving as prominent NPCs alongside Shang Tsung in MK1's story, it feels like the desire for a story character pack was anticipated this time. Even Khameleon, one of Kombat Pack 1's rumored Kameo Fighters, appears as a suspiciously unique story-exclusive Kameo. All that remains for a story pack are minor characters like Madam Bo and assorted Tarkatan fighters, none of which are in high demand.

Various interdimensional opponents also crop up throughout the last couple of story chapters. Cyber Smoke is the only truly unique character among them, though his classic appearance means he's more likely to return as a Kameo Fighter like his fellow Cyber Lin Kuei. Most other opponents are alternate-timeline equivalents of base roster fighters, many of whom mix the identities and special moves of two characters together. It almost brings Mortal Kombat: Armageddon's Kreate-A-Fighter to mind, which is unlikely as a full DLC fighter but could manifest in other ways.

MK1’s Story Mode Opens The Door To A Wild Campaign Expansion

The mid-credits scene of Mortal Kombat 1 teases a sequel where Havik, as the Titan and ruler of another timeline, intends to recreate the chaotic final chapter of MK1 with even greater carnage. This seems like a direct sequel tease, but having a character on the base roster serve as the final boss of the next Mortal Kombat doesn't feel quite right. Instead, Havik could potentially be the instigator of a story DLC in the vein of MK11: Aftermath. Where this would lead the next Mortal Kombat is anyone's guess, but Havik’s brand of chaos could set up something very interesting for the next installment.

This is where the different timelines come back into play, and where Mortal Kombat 1’s story expansion has a chance to one-up Aftermath. MK1's DLC could introduce a gimmick whereby players choose two characters, Kameos possibly included, to form a merged combatant and lead them through Havik's chaotic gauntlet. Chances for a Mortal Kombat 1 story expansion feel high now that Aftermath has presented the idea, and NetherRealm Studios has never been known to skimp out on making its single-player content feel special.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.

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