The next generation of Mortal Kombat is nearly upon us. It’s called Mortal Kombat X, and it’s serving several new mechanics while retaining what makes the franchise a crowd-pleaser.
You know that Mortal Kombat X is going to violent. You might also know that it will host staple fighters such as Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Johnny Cage. But there are several elements of this upcoming game that you should be aware of before entering the battle arena.
Related: Exclusive – The Making of the Mortal Kombat X TV Spot
In the gallery below we’ll introduce you to all the major components of Mortal Kombat X.
Mortal Kombat X - Everything You Need to Know
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The fighter list is huge
Mortal Kombat X is no slouch when it comes to fighter choice. Included is not only a strong cast of returning characters, but some new ones that may just become fan favorites, such as Johnny Cage's daughter, Cassie Cage. The full list of fighters is below.
Returning
- Ermac
- Jax
- Johnny Cage
- Kano
- Kenshi
- Kitana
- Kung Lao
- Liu Kang
- Mileena
- Quan Chi
- Raiden
- Reptile
- Scorpion
- Shinnok
- Sonya Blade
- Sub-Zero
New
- Cassie Cage
- D'Vorah
- Erron Black
- Ferra & Torr
- Jacqui Briggs
- Kotal Kahn
- Kung Jin
- Takeda Takahashi
Unplayable
- Baraka
- Bo' Rai Cho
- Frost
- Fujin
- Kabal
- Li Mei
- Nightwolf
- Rain
- Sareena
- Sektor
- Shao Kahn
- Shang Tsung
- Sindel
- Smoke
- Stryker
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A follow-up to 2011's Mortal Kombat 9
The story in Mortal Kombat X follows the events of Mortal Kombat 9. Shao Kahn has been defeated, replaced by a recently escaped Shinnok and a malevolent Quan Chi. The forces of the Earthrealm agree to work alongside each other to stop the threat. You will serve as part of this effort, watching cutscenes along the way as you attempt to unravel their twisted plan.
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Three variations per fighter
When selecting a character to fight as in Mortal Kombat X you will be presented with an option new to the series: variation. Every fighter has three modes which vary in combat style. For example, Sub-Zero can select between Cryomancer to employ ice weapons, Unbreakable to carry a slowing aura of frost around him, or Grandmaster to use a clone to overwhelm opponents. So, while you'll often face mirror matches, it's likely that both characters will have a different Variation, mixing things upon on the battlefield more than ever before in the series.
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Where you will battle
Currently there are 13 fighting locations confirmed for Mortal Kombat X. They are the following:
- Dead Woods
- Destroyed City
- Emperor's Courtyard
- Jinsei Chamber
- Kove
- Krossroads
- Kuatan Jungle
- Lin Kuei Temple
- Outworld Marketplace
- Quan Chi's Fortress
- Refugee Kamp
- Sky Temple
- Training Room
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The Stamina Meter adds a new gameplay element
The Stamina Meter is a system new to the Mortal Kombat series. Basically, under your health bar you will see your stamina, which is composed of two bars. Certain actions require stamina, such as dashing and running. Interacting with objects in the environment will require a full stamina bar to use.
Stamina regenerates over time. Thus, the system ensures that players have to strategically think about how to expend the precious resource during battle.
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The Super Meter is back
The Super Meter was a great addition to Mortal Kombat 9, so NetherRealm has brought it back for Mortal Kombat X. How it works is as you deal damage in battle the bar will go up, allowing you to expend it to enhance special moves or interrupt the opponent with a Breaker attack. Or, if you save up three full bars of Super, you can execute a devastating X-Ray attack. Similar to the Stamina bar, you'll need to manage this carefully to best the most dangerous of enemies.
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X-Ray your enemies
The Super Meter is back, and so are X-Rays. If you save up three bars of Super you can dish massive damage to your opponent and see the carnage unfold on the screen. It's effective and satisfying.
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Several ways to play
There are a variety of game modes confirmed for Mortal Kombat X, two of which are online exclusive. They are the following:
- Arcade
- Endless
- King of the Hill (Online)
- Living Towers
- Story
- Survivor
- Team Battle (online)
- Training
- Versus
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Join a Force and Battle Online in Factions Mode
New to the Mortal Kombat series is the Factions Mode, an online mode where you get to choose to join one of five groups including the White Lotus, Black Dragon, Special Forces, Lin Kuei, or Brotherhood of Shadow. As you compete online you'll contribute to your faction. At the end of each week victories will be tallied and a winning faction will be declared.
There will be bonuses awarded to those who participate including Faction Kills, an exclusive form of Fatality. Weekly challenges look to set goals for your participation.
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A season pass is already available
Mortal Kombat X's season pass is called the Kombat Pack. Its purchase will grant you access to the 4 characters and 5 skins that will be released at a later date as DLC. The DLC characters are:
- Jason Voorhees
- Predator
- Tanya
- Tremor
