All Mortal Kombat Games in Order

The Mortal Kombat series, known for its intense fighting mechanics and graphic content, has been a staple in the gaming world since its debut in 1992. With numerous games released over the years, navigating the series can be complex, but understanding the order and key features of each game can enhance the gaming experience.

Mortal Kombat Games in Release Order

To play the Mortal Kombat games in the order they were released, follow this list:

Mortal Kombat (1992): The original game that started the series, known for its groundbreaking violence and introduction of secret characters.
Mortal Kombat 2 (1993): The sequel that improved upon the first game with more characters and enhanced graphics.
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995): The third main game in the series, which saw significant improvements and the introduction of new characters.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995): An upgraded version of Mortal Kombat 3, adding new characters and gameplay features.
Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996): Another update to Mortal Kombat 3, featuring a larger roster and additional gameplay elements.
Mortal Kombat 4 (1997): The first 3D game in the series, marking a significant shift from 2D graphics.
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997): A spin-off action-adventure game focusing on Sub-Zero's backstory.
Mortal Kombat Gold (1999): An updated version of Mortal Kombat 4, exclusive to the Sega Dreamcast.
Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (2000): A spin-off action-adventure game starring Jax, serving as a prequel to the first Mortal Kombat.
Mortal Kombat Advance (2001): A Game Boy Advance version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002): The fifth main game, sequel to Mortal Kombat 4, introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics.
Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition (2003): An enhanced version of Deadly Alliance for the Game Boy Advance.
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004): The sixth main game, featuring new characters and minigames like Chess Kombat and Puzzle Kombat.
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005): A co-op spin-off retelling the events of Mortal Kombat 2 from the perspective of Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
Mortal Kombat: Unchained (2006): A portable version of Deception for the PSP.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006): The seventh main game, featuring a create-your-own character mechanic and a plot that rewrites the series' history.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008): A crossover game with the DC Comics universe, existing in its own timeline.
Mortal Kombat (2011): A reboot of the series, returning to 2D gameplay and restarting the storyline.
Mortal Kombat X (2015): The sequel to the 2011 reboot, continuing the new timeline and introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics.
Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015): A mobile version of the series, though it received mixed reviews due to the limitations of mobile controls.
Mortal Kombat 11 (2019): The latest main game in the series, featuring improved graphics and a more slow-paced combat system.
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath (2020): An expansion to Mortal Kombat 11, adding new story content and characters.
Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate (2020): A definitive edition of Mortal Kombat 11, including all DLC content.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2023): A mobile game set in the Mortal Kombat universe, designed for mobile devices.
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023): The latest installment, rebooting the franchise once again and starting a new timeline.

Mortal Kombat Games in Chronological Order

For those interested in playing the games in chronological order, the timeline is more complex due to the various spin-offs and reboots:

Original Timeline

Mortal Kombat: Special Forces (2000)
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero (1997)
Mortal Kombat (1992)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
Mortal Kombat 2 (1993)
Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) / Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) / Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996) / Mortal Kombat Advance (2001)
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught (2023)
Mortal Kombat 4 (1997) / Mortal Kombat Gold (1999)
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004) / Mortal Kombat: Unchained (2006)
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)

DC Universe Crossover

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008): This game exists in its own timeline, separate from the main series.

NetherRealm Studios Timeline

Mortal Kombat (2011)
Mortal Kombat X (2015) / Mortal Kombat Mobile (2015)
Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)

Rebooted Timeline

Mortal Kombat 1 (2023): This game reboots the franchise, starting a new timeline following the events of Mortal Kombat 11.

Key Features and Notable Games

Notable Spin-Offs

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks: A co-op game that retells the events of Mortal Kombat 2 from the perspective of Liu Kang and Kung Lao. It is one of the few spin-off games that are worth playing due to its engaging gameplay.
Mortal Kombat: Special Forces: An action-adventure game starring Jax, serving as a prequel to the first Mortal Kombat. While it aged poorly, it is part of the series' lore.

Significant Updates and Reboots

Mortal Kombat (2011): This game rebooted the series, returning to 2D gameplay and restarting the storyline. It is considered one of the best fighting games of all time.
Mortal Kombat X: Continued the trend started by the 2011 reboot, introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics. It is often cited as one of the best Mortal Kombat games.
Mortal Kombat 11: Features improved graphics and a more slow-paced combat system. It includes an expansion, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, which adds new story content and characters.

Mobile and Portable Versions

Mortal Kombat Mobile: While it attempted to bring the series to mobile devices, it received mixed reviews due to the limitations of mobile controls.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught: A mobile game set in the Mortal Kombat universe, designed for mobile devices. It offers a different gameplay experience compared to the console versions.

Tips for Playing Through the Series

Skipping Non-Essential Games

Games like Mortal Kombat: Special Forces and Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero are not essential to the main storyline and have aged poorly. If you're looking to save time, you can skip these or watch a playthrough instead.

Understanding the Timeline

The series has multiple timelines due to reboots and spin-offs. Understanding which games belong to which timeline can help you follow the story more coherently.

Enjoying the Full Experience

To get the full Mortal Kombat experience, it's recommended to play the mainline games in release order, but if you're interested in the story, playing them in chronological order can provide a more cohesive narrative.