Why Khaos Reigns Could Be Just the Start for Mortal Kombat 1

The upcoming DLC, Khaos Reigns, is poised to make a significant impact on Mortal Kombat 1, but it may only be the beginning of the game's evolution. As Mortal Kombat 1 continues to build on its rebooted timeline, Khaos Reigns is set to add a substantial amount of content, bringing the total number of DLC fighters to ten. Despite this growth, there's strong evidence suggesting that the game’s expansion is far from over.

What to Expect from Khaos Reigns

Khaos Reigns is shaping up to be a major update for Mortal Kombat 1, akin to the Aftermath expansion from Mortal Kombat 11. This DLC will introduce a fresh storyline and six new fighters, including:

- Noob Saibot

- Cyrax

- Sektor

- Ghostface

- T-1000

- Conan the Barbarian

The new roster combines classic Mortal Kombat ninjas from the Lin Kuei with iconic film characters spanning various genres. Following the Kombat Pack 1, Khaos Reigns is expected to continue the trend of substantial updates for the game, but it’s likely that more major content additions are on the horizon.

The Future of Mortal Kombat 1: Beyond Khaos Reigns

Ed Boon hinted before the game’s launch that Mortal Kombat 1 could receive the longest post-launch support in the series’ history. For comparison, Mortal Kombat 11 enjoyed significant post-release content, including multiple DLC waves and the Aftermath campaign, which kept it popular for five years. To match or surpass this legacy, Mortal Kombat 1 will need to continue evolving well beyond the Khaos Reigns update.

Missing Characters and Potential Expansions

As of Khaos Reigns, several key Mortal Kombat characters are still absent. Notably, fan favorites like Jax and Sonya are missing from the base roster. With numerous characters from previous games yet to be introduced, and some not yet appearing in the new timeline, there’s considerable room for future expansions. This means that Mortal Kombat 1 has ample opportunity to expand its roster and story with additional updates.

Exploring New Directions

Future expansions could delve deeper into Mortal Kombat 1's reimagined timeline. With numerous lore changes already in play, it would be fascinating to explore how other characters and factions have evolved in Liu Kang's revamped world. Beyond new characters, expansions could introduce new game modes, further extending the game’s longevity and appeal. Mortal Kombat 1 has already shown its willingness to experiment, and this could continue with innovative updates.

The Road Ahead

While Mortal Kombat 11 set a high bar, exceeding it should be a key goal for the developers of Mortal Kombat 1. The excitement surrounding upcoming fighters is just one aspect of what could be added. Future expansions might bring new characters, stories, and modes, each contributing to the game’s enduring success. If Mortal Kombat 1 is to maintain its momentum, it’s likely that Khaos Reigns will be just the beginning of its ongoing evolution.