Honestly, the rumor mill around Mortal Kombat 1 Game Pass availability has been a total mess for months. One day you’re hearing it’s "never happening" because of Warner Bros. Discovery’s financial tightrope walk, and the next, it’s supposedly shadow-dropping during a random Tuesday stream.
Well, the wait is officially over. As of December 10, 2025, Mortal Kombat 1 finally hit Xbox Game Pass.
It wasn't just a simple addition, though. It was a calculated "trade." When Liu Kang’s new universe arrived on the service, the older brother, Mortal Kombat 11, packed its bags and left the library on December 15. If you were still grinding the Krypt in the old game, you basically had a five-day window where the two titans coexisted before the torch was passed.
Why Mortal Kombat 1 Game Pass Matters Right Now
You’ve probably seen the headlines. Some folks are calling MK1 "underwhelming" compared to the massive sales of its predecessor. Ed Boon recently confirmed the game cleared 6.2 million copies sold by late 2025. In any other world, that's a massive win. But when MK11 sold 15 million, the "disappointment" label starts to stick.
This is exactly why the Game Pass move is such a big deal.
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The player count on Steam has been hovering around a couple thousand daily players, which is... okay, but not "king of fighters" territory. By putting Mortal Kombat 1 on Game Pass, NetherRealm and WB are effectively opening the floodgates. They aren't looking for $70 sales anymore; they’re looking for engagement. They want you in the shop looking at those seasonal skins and maybe, just maybe, dropping some Dragon Krystals.
The Tier Trap: Who Can Actually Play?
Microsoft has made things kinda confusing lately with their tier rebranding. You can't just have any old subscription to jump into the New Era. Here is how the access actually breaks down for MK1:
- Game Pass Ultimate: You’re golden. Full access on console, PC, and Cloud.
- PC Game Pass: You've got the full game on your rig.
- Game Pass Premium: (The mid-tier console option) You can play it here too.
- Game Pass Core: No luck. You’re stuck with the basic multiplayer access and a much smaller library.
If you’re a Cloud gamer, the experience is surprisingly decent if you have a wired connection. Fighting games and latency are mortal enemies, but at 60 FPS on a solid 5G or fiber line, it’s more than playable for casual sets. Just don't expect to win a Pro Kompetition match on a Starbucks Wi-Fi connection.
What You Actually Get (and What You Don't)
Don't expect the "Definitive Edition" for free.
The version on Game Pass is the Standard Edition. You get the base roster—which is great—and the full cinematic story mode. You get the Kameo system, which basically lets you call in a "striker" like Frost or Goro to extend your combos.
But if you want the "Khaos Reigns" expansion? Or the Kombat Packs with Omni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker? You're going to have to open your wallet. That’s the "hook" of the Game Pass model. Give them the steak for free, and charge for the seasoning.
The DLC Situation in 2026
Since the Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition launched in May 2025, NetherRealm has largely moved on. Rumors are swirling about Injustice 3 or a new IP being revealed at the next big showcase. This means the version of MK1 you’re playing now is basically the "final" form. No more major balance patches are expected, and the DLC roster is capped.
For a Game Pass subscriber, this is actually good news. You aren't joining a game that’s going to change fundamentally next month. You’re getting a polished, complete fighting engine.
Is the Kameo System Still Controversial?
Yeah, kinda.
If you talk to the "Old Guard" of MK fans, some still hate the Kameos. They wanted a 1v1 pure fighter like MKX. But honestly? After a few hours with the Game Pass version, you’ll probably see the appeal. It adds a layer of creativity that MK11 lacked. Being able to pick Scorpion as a main and then using Cyrax to give him a horizontal helicopter assist for safety? It feels good.
The Game Pass influx has actually helped the matchmaking quite a bit. Before the December drop, you’d run into the same three "sweaty" Johnny Cage players every night. Now, there’s a massive wave of "new blood." It’s the best time to learn the game because you’re finally playing against people who don't have 1,000 hours of muscle memory.
Actionable Tips for New Game Pass Players
If you’re just downloading it now, don't just jump into Ranked. You will get cooked.
- Play the Story First: It’s about 6-8 hours of high-budget nonsense. It teaches you the basics and unlocks Havoc as a playable character.
- Try Invasions (Briefly): It’s the board-game-style RPG mode. It’s a bit grindy, but it’s the easiest way to get free skins without spending real money.
- Find a "Main" and a "Kameo": Some pairings are objectively better. Raiden with Jax is a classic for big damage. Sub-Zero with Sareena is great for beginners who want easy combo extensions.
- Check the "Store" Wisely: Don't get FOMO. Most of the stuff in the rotating shop eventually comes back. Use the Krystals you earn in-game before you even think about buying more.
Mortal Kombat 1 on Game Pass is the best way to experience the most gorgeous fighting game ever made without the $70 sting. It’s snappy, it’s violent, and despite the weird launch bugs from a couple of years ago, it’s finally in a state where it feels "complete."
Just remember to turn off your microphone in the lobby. Trust me on that one.
Next Step: Head over to the Game Pass tab on your Xbox dashboard or the PC Xbox App and search for "Mortal Kombat 1." The download is roughly 140GB, so make sure you clear some space—maybe delete that Call of Duty update you haven't touched in weeks. Once it's installed, start with the Tutorial under "Learn" to get a handle on the block button, as it's different from almost every other fighter on the market.