Honestly, when NetherRealm first announced that Conan the Barbarian was joining the Mortal Kombat 1 roster, a lot of people just rolled their eyes. I saw the comments. "Another Arnold character?" "Isn't he just a Kotal Kahn clone?" "Who even watches those 80s movies anymore?" It felt like a weird, nostalgic pivot after the high-flying superhero chaos of Omni-Man and Homelander. But now that we've had our hands on the Cimmerian for a while, it’s clear that Mortal Kombat 1 Conan isn't just a leftover asset from the MK11 Terminator days. He’s a total beast that fits the Outworld vibe better than almost anyone else on the select screen.
He officially dropped into early access on January 21, 2025, for those who grabbed the Khaos Reigns expansion. Everyone else got him a week later. If you haven't played him yet, you're missing out on some of the most satisfying "hefty" gameplay the series has ever produced.
Why the Mortal Kombat 1 Conan Likeness Matters
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. Yes, this is the 1982 Arnold Schwarzenegger version of Conan. NetherRealm nailed the look. The biceps are ridiculous. The hair is spot on. The way he carries that Atlantean Sword feels heavy—like it actually has mass.
The bittersweet part? Arnold didn't voice him. We’ve been through this before with the Terminator in MK11. Instead, we get Chris Cox, who does a pretty respectable "Young Arnold" impression. It’s not perfect, but after three matches, you kind of stop noticing because you’re too busy bifurcating people. The dialogue is littered with references to the original film, specifically the "Riddle of Steel" and "Crush your enemies" bits. It feels like a love letter to the character rather than a lazy skin.
He’s Basically a Walking Tank
Playing as Conan feels different. He’s a brawler, sure, but he’s got these mid-range sword sweeps that catch people trying to dash in. He doesn't have a traditional projectile—no fireballs or lasers here. Instead, he has one of the funniest "projectiles" in the game: he literally picks up his Kameo fighter and hurls them at the opponent.
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Imagine being Sub-Zero and getting hit in the face by a flying Jax. It’s absurd. It’s peak Mortal Kombat.
Defensive Savagery
Conan is built for people who hate getting zoned out. He’s got multiple armored moves, including a running charge that just eats through projectiles. But the real "chef's kiss" mechanic is his parry and reflect. He can actually bat projectiles back at the opponent with his sword. If you're tired of Reiko or Liu Kang spamming at you from the corner, Conan is your guy.
The Resurrection Mechanic
This is where things get interesting. If Conan is low on health—under 30%—he can coat himself in blood. It’s a special move called the "Spirit of Crom" (or at least that's the vibe). If you manage to "kill" him while he's in this state, he doesn't just fall over. He enters a brief mini-game/fight with a spectral entity and can actually resurrect with a small chunk of health. It turns the end of a round into a high-stakes gamble for the opponent. Do they push for the kill and risk the revive, or play it safe?
Breaking Down the Brutality
You can't talk about Mortal Kombat 1 Conan without mentioning the finishers. They are mean. There's no other way to put it. His first Fatality, "Secret Ingredient," is a direct callback to the visceral, gritty violence of the 80s films. He doesn't just kill you; he dismantles you with that massive slab of steel.
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His Animality is also a standout. He turns into a massive, lumbering bull and just... well, it’s called "No Bull" for a reason. It’s messy.
Is He Actually High Tier?
Early meta reports suggest he's a solid Mid-to-High tier pick. He struggles against characters with insane mobility (looking at you, Mileena), but his damage output is terrifying. If he touches you with a full meter, say goodbye to 40% of your health bar.
He pairs exceptionally well with Kameos that provide setup or extra safety.
- Goro: Makes his already safe overheads even more oppressive.
- Motaro: Gives him the teleport he desperately needs to close gaps.
- Sareena: Because everyone uses Sareena, and her blades help Conan confirm into his big sword combos.
How to Actually Win with Conan
If you're just starting out, stop trying to jump in. Conan is a "footsies" character. You want to stay just at the tip of your sword's reach. Use your Crom's Might (the armored charge) to punish people for pressing buttons at the wrong time.
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Most players will try to back away because they’re scared of his up-close pressure. That’s when you use the Kameo toss. It catches them off guard every single time. Also, learn the timing on the "Devil in Iron" parry. It’s the difference between being a target and being a god on the battlefield.
The Actionable Roadmap for Conan Players
Don't just jump into Ranked and expect to win. Conan requires a bit of "feel" because his swings are slower than the Ninjas.
- Lab the Resurrection: Spend 20 minutes in practice mode learning exactly when the blood-coating move is safe to activate. If you do it at the wrong time, you’re just giving away a free full combo.
- Master the "Atlantian Sweep": This is his best low-poke. It has surprising range and leads into a full launch if you burn a bar of meter.
- Watch the 1982 Movie: Seriously. Not for gameplay tips, but because the intros make way more sense when you know who Thulsa Doom is.
Conan might be the last "big" guest for a while, especially with rumors swirling about the future of MK1 DLC. If this is where the guest roster ends, we at least went out with a character that has some actual soul and a move set that feels unique. He’s a reminder that sometimes, the old-school ways—a big sword and a lot of muscle—are still the best ways to get the job done.
Check your move list, practice that parry timing, and go find out what is best in life. Spoiler: it’s winning the set.