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Start with Mortal Kombat (2011), commonly called MK9. It is the post-Armageddon reboot and retells the first trilogy, so it gives returning players the clearest route into the modern story without requiring every older game. Choose Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate if you want the fullest single purchase, or Mortal Kombat 1 if you want the newest continuity and Kameo Fighter assists. Mortal Kombat X is the optional second stop for players who prefer a more aggressive modern fighter.
The short answer: which game should you play first?
The best order after Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is MK9 → MKX → MK11 → MK1. You do not have to play every title, however. The right choice depends on whether you value story clarity, a complete package, or the newest mechanics.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (PS4) | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (Xbox One / Xbox Series X) | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (Nintendo Switch) | $48.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate - PlayStation 4 | $20.80 | Buy on Amazon |
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| What you want | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A clean return to the story | Mortal Kombat (2011) / MK9 | It follows Armageddon and retells the first three games as the opening chapter of the modern trilogy. |
| The most content in one purchase | Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate | It includes two story campaigns, all 37 characters, Kombat Pack 1, Aftermath and Kombat Pack 2. |
| The newest timeline and combat idea | Mortal Kombat 1 | It follows Mortal Kombat 11, establishes Liu Kang’s New Era and adds the Kameo Fighter assist system. |
| A harder-hitting modern fighting style after MK9 | Mortal Kombat X | It is the direct sequel to MK9 and has the more aggressive contemporary feel described in the series chronology. |
If you are asking “What Mortal Kombat game should I play after Armageddon?” and want one unambiguous recommendation, buy or play MK9 first. If finding an older copy is impractical, MK11 Ultimate is the strongest all-in-one purchase; it gives you the broadest included roster and two connected story campaigns. Pick MK1 when continuity freshness matters more than starting at the beginning of the reboot era.
How the post-Armageddon continuity works
Armageddon ends the original timeline. Mortal Kombat (2011) begins the reboot-era path: its story revisits the first three games while reframing them through the modern continuity. That makes it both a sequel to the old era and a practical starting point for someone who remembers the classic cast but has not followed the newer releases.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1, mk11: Aftermath & Kombat Pack 2.
- the definitive mk11 experience! Take control of earthrealm's protectors in the game's two critically acclaimed, time-bending story campaigns as they race to stop kronika from rewinding time and rebooting history.
- friendships are tested, and new alliances forged, in the battle to save all of existence. mk11 ultimate features the complete character roster, including new additions rain, mileena & Rambo.
- Mortal Kombat 11 showcases every amusing friendship, gory fatality and soul-crushing Fatal blow like never before. You'll be so close to the fight, you can feel it!
- Mortal Kombat (2011) / MK9: the reboot and first chapter of the modern trilogy.
- Mortal Kombat X: the sequel to MK9 and the next chapter in that continuity.
- Mortal Kombat 11: the continuation that leads into the later reset.
- Mortal Kombat 1: a new Liu Kang era after MK11, with a newly configured timeline and Kameo assists.
This order answers the story question without requiring a replay of every Midway-era title. MK9’s retelling supplies the context that makes later consequences easier to follow; jumping directly to MKX is possible, but it removes the reboot’s setup.
Mortal Kombat (2011) / MK9: the best story starting point
Why MK9 comes first
Game Informer describes the 2011 entry as picking up after Armageddon and serving as the first chapter of the modern trilogy. Rather than assuming you remember every plot turn from the original games, it revisits the first three installments. That structure makes MK9 the cleanest on-ramp for a returning player: familiar events are presented again, while the reboot establishes the rules that later games build on.
For a reader deciding between MK9, MKX, MK11 and MK1, this is the key distinction: MK9 is not merely an older fighting game in the catalog. It is the bridge between the discontinued timeline and the modern sequence. Playing it first gives MKX and MK11 narrative context that a direct jump cannot provide.
What to expect from its content
- A story focused on the first-trilogy period, retold within the reboot.
- A modern-era starting point rather than a continuation that assumes you completed every previous game.
- The original release family: Xbox, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Windows versions are documented in the release history, with an official Xbox listing confirming the Xbox release.
When MK9 is not the practical purchase
MK9 is an older release, so the copy you find may depend on platform, region and whether you want physical or digital ownership. Check the exact system listed by the seller before paying. If you cannot obtain a compatible copy, begin with MK11 Ultimate and treat its two campaigns as your modern-era entry point, or start with MK1 if you specifically want the newest continuity. Those alternatives change the order, but they do not make MK9 less useful for understanding the reboot.
Mortal Kombat X: the optional aggressive follow-up
Where it belongs
MKX is the sequel to the 2011 reboot. It therefore fits naturally after MK9, not before it. The chronology is straightforward: MK9 establishes the reboot, and MKX continues that modern continuity.
Why some players should choose it
The main reason to select MKX after MK9 is feel. The supplied chronology characterizes it as the more aggressive, contemporary-feeling entry. If you want a sharper change of pace after experiencing MK9’s story setup, MKX is the logical second stop.
Why it is not the best first game after Armageddon
Starting with MKX skips the game that explains why the timeline was reset and how the first-trilogy events were reframed. You can still follow MKX as a standalone fighter, but you will understand the modern continuity less completely than a player who begins with MK9. Choose MKX first only when your priority is immediate modern combat rather than story orientation.
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- Enthält mit 37 Charakteren das komplette Charakteraufgebot, einschließlich den drei Neulingen Rain, Mileena und Rambo
- Übernimm in ZWEI von Kritikern gefeierten Story-Kampagnen mit verschiedene Zeitlinien die Kontrolle über die Beschützer des Erdenreichs
- Unterstützt Crossplay: Spieler können in ausgewählten Modi plattformübergreifend auf PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S und Xbox One gegeneinander antreten
- Enthält Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat-Pack 1, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath und Kombat-Pack 2
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: the most complete single package
What Ultimate includes
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the strongest recommendation when “complete story” means the largest amount of officially bundled content in one purchase. The official product description identifies it as the definitive MK11 experience and includes:
- The base game.
- The Aftermath expansion.
- Two story campaigns.
- Kombat Pack 1.
- Kombat Pack 2.
- The complete 37-character roster.
- The major game modes and guest fighters included in the Ultimate package.
Xbox Wire called Ultimate an all-in-one compilation of everything Mortal Kombat 11 offers. That makes it a better value proposition than buying the base game and expansions separately, provided the edition on the storefront or in the box is genuinely labeled Ultimate.
Who should buy it
- Returning players who want one modern purchase: the package minimizes the need to identify individual character or expansion add-ons.
- Story-focused players who cannot find MK9: two campaigns provide substantially more narrative material than the base game alone.
- Players building a physical collection: Warner Bros. support documentation includes a “Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Bundle – Physical Release Installation” entry, giving the edition a concrete physical-release reference.
Platform and edition checks
The official Xbox listing gives Ultimate a November 17, 2020 release date and identifies Smart Delivery and Xbox Series X|S support. Those details apply to the Xbox product listing; they should not be assumed for every disc or code sold elsewhere. On another platform, verify the exact generation, included expansions and upgrade rights before purchase.
For a physical copy, confirm that the case says Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, not only Mortal Kombat 11. For a digital purchase, open the contents or bundle description and look for both story campaigns, both Kombat Packs and the 37-character roster. A base-game listing with optional downloadable content is not the same package.
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What changes in MK1
Mortal Kombat 1 follows Mortal Kombat 11 and presents Fire God Liu Kang’s New Era. It is a new continuity rather than a simple next chapter in the previous arrangement. PlayStation lists its release on September 19, 2023 for PS5.
The defining mechanical addition is the Kameo Fighter system. Instead of selecting only a primary fighter, you pair that character with an assist who can be summoned during a match. The official description gives Scorpion, Sonya Blade and Goro as examples. In a PlayStation Blog Q&A, Ed Boon explained that Kameos were intended as a shared assist system, not character-specific modifiers. That design separates MK1 from the earlier games in this guide.
Who should start with MK1
- Players who want the newest story: MK1 is the current reset after MK11, so it avoids beginning with the older reboot-era plot.
- Players interested in assist-based strategy: Kameos add a second layer to character selection and match decisions.
- Newcomers who care more about present-day presentation than chronology: you can enter Liu Kang’s New Era without completing MK9, MKX or MK11 first.
Definitive Edition contents
The official PlayStation page lists a Definitive Edition containing the base game, Kombat Pack, Khaos Reigns story expansion and Kombat Pack 2. If you want the broadest MK1 package, compare that contents list with the edition name before buying. A standard copy may not include the expansions and character packs listed for Definitive Edition.
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- Includes Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1, mk11: Aftermath & Kombat Pack 2
- the definitive mk11 experience! Take control of earthrealm's protectors in the game's two critically acclaimed, time-bending story campaigns as they race to stop kronika from rewinding time and rebooting history.
- friendships are tested, and new alliances forged, in the battle to save all of existence.
- mk11 ultimate features the complete character roster, including new additions rain, mileena & Rambo.
- Mortal Kombat 11 showcases every amusing friendship, gory fatality and soul-crushing Fatal blow like never before. You'll be so close to the fight, you can feel it!
Because MK1 is a new timeline, it is not the answer to “Where do I continue the original post-Armageddon story?” MK9 is. MK1 is the answer to “Which Mortal Kombat has the newest continuity?”
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MK9, MKX, MK11 Ultimate or MK1?
| Game | Story position | Package or system distinction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat (2011) / MK9 | Post-Armageddon reboot; retells the first trilogy | Older Xbox, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and Windows release family | Returning players who need the clearest story entry |
| Mortal Kombat X | Sequel to MK9 | Modern-continuity follow-up with a more aggressive feel | Players who want a harder-edged second stop after the reboot |
| Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate | Later modern-trilogy chapter | Two campaigns, 37 characters, Aftermath and both Kombat Packs | One-purchase completeness and the strongest physical-edition target |
| Mortal Kombat 1 | New Liu Kang era after MK11 | Kameo Fighter assists; Definitive Edition adds Kombat Pack, Khaos Reigns and Kombat Pack 2 | Newest continuity and the latest combat structure |
The table reveals why there is no single winner for every reader. MK9 wins on continuity, Ultimate wins on included content, and MK1 wins on newness. MKX is a preference-driven middle step rather than the default recommendation.
A decision guide based on your priority
If story order matters most
Play MK9, then MKX, then MK11, and finish with MK1. This preserves the reboot’s setup, its direct sequel and the transition into Liu Kang’s New Era. You may stop after MK9 if you only want the essential post-Armageddon starting point, or after MK11 if you want to reach the reset before deciding whether to continue.
If you want one purchase with the least content hunting
Choose MK11 Ultimate. Confirm the edition’s contents before checkout, especially when buying a used disc or a listing whose title omits “Ultimate.” The meaningful checks are the two campaigns, 37-character roster, Aftermath and both Kombat Packs.
If you want the latest game first
Choose MK1. Its New Era is deliberately a fresh continuity, and Kameo Fighters give it an identity distinct from MK9, MKX and MK11. You can return to MK9 later when you want the reboot’s explanation of the older timeline.
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Try MKX after MK9 for the more aggressive modern feel identified in the series chronology. If you prefer the newest assist-based structure, skip to MK1 instead. This is the only branch where MKX can reasonably outrank MK11 Ultimate or MK1: it depends on the kind of match pacing and system experimentation you want.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Physical versus digital buying
When a physical copy makes sense
A disc can be useful when you collect games, want a resellable copy or are specifically searching for the MK11 Ultimate bundle. Warner Bros. support’s physical-release installation entry confirms that such a bundle exists. Used inventory can differ by region, platform and included code, so inspect the box, disc and seller description rather than assuming every “Ultimate” listing contains the same extras.
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- Experience 2 robust and critically acclaimed story campaigns from Mk11 and Mk11: aftermath
- Play as the complete 37-character roster including newly added fighters mileena, RaiN and rambo
- Thousands of Skins and weapons and Gear for an unprecedented level of Fighter customization
- Includes all previous guest fighters such as Terminator Joker spawn and robocop
When digital is safer
Digital storefronts make it easier to verify the platform, edition name and included expansions before purchase. This is particularly useful for MK1, where the standard game and Definitive Edition have different contents, and for MK11, where the base game and Ultimate package are separate products.
Checks before you pay
- Match the listing to your exact console or Windows version.
- Read the edition contents instead of relying on the cover image.
- For used physical copies, check whether downloadable content requires a redeemed code.
- Verify region compatibility, especially for imported discs or marketplace listings.
- Do not assume that an older release includes modern-generation upgrades; confirm the storefront’s stated support.
Official listings across the modern games show Xbox, PlayStation and Windows support, but the available generation and edition differ by title. The Xbox MK11 Ultimate listing specifically states Smart Delivery and Series X|S support, while the PlayStation listing for MK1 specifies PS5. Treat platform compatibility as a product-level detail, not a franchise-wide guarantee.
A practical play plan for returning fans
- Begin with MK9. Use its retelling of the first trilogy to re-establish the cast and understand the reboot premise.
- Add MKX if you want the direct continuation. It is the sequel and supplies the more aggressive modern follow-up.
- Use MK11 Ultimate as the completionist package. Its two campaigns and bundled character content make it the efficient way to experience MK11’s full offering.
- Move to MK1 for the new era. Expect Liu Kang’s reset and learn how Kameo assists alter team selection and match decisions.
If you only have time for one game, choose MK9 for narrative orientation, MK11 Ultimate for package value, or MK1 for current mechanics. Those are different answers to different questions, not contradictions.
Common buying and sequence mistakes
Starting with MKX and wondering why the reboot feels unexplained
MKX continues MK9. If its references feel abrupt, go back to MK9 rather than trying to fill the gap with unrelated older titles.
Buying standard MK11 when you wanted the complete package
Check for the word “Ultimate” and verify the listed campaigns, expansions, Kombat Packs and roster. The base game alone does not represent the contents described for Ultimate.
Assuming MK1 is a direct continuation of MK11’s exact timeline
MK1 follows MK11 but establishes Liu Kang’s New Era. Approach it as a reset with familiar characters in a new arrangement, not as a conventional chapter that leaves every prior status unchanged.
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Ignoring platform and region details
Release families and upgrade policies vary. Confirm the system, edition, region and included content on the specific Xbox, PlayStation, Windows or physical listing you intend to use.
Final recommendation
For most people returning after Armageddon, Mortal Kombat (2011) / MK9 is the best first game. It explains the reboot and makes the later modern trilogy easier to follow. Buy Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate when your priority is the fullest single package, with 37 characters and two story campaigns. Choose Mortal Kombat 1 when you want Liu Kang’s newest era and Kameo Fighter assists. Keep Mortal Kombat X as the optional follow-up for its more aggressive modern style, not as the default starting point.
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