Since its September 2023 release, Mortal Kombat 1 has surpassed 6.2 million copies sold, marking an increase from the 5 million reported earlier this year. Ed Boon, Creative Director at NetherRealm Studios, shared the update via social media, emphasizing ongoing efforts to optimize gameplay balance.
A recent hotfix introduced combat adjustments for multiple characters, including:
Ashrah
- Heaven’s Judgement (sin-absolving attacks) damage raised to 30 (from 20)
Havik
- Flesh Wound’s initial strike changed to Mid (previously Overhead), second hit now Overhead
- Skab Stab combo damage scaling increased
- Destroying Balance recovery extended by 7 frames when blocked/missed
Kenshi
- Heighten Senses now compatible with special moves
- Impaler recovery in Sento Stance reduced by 7 frames
Li Mei
- Calculated recovery after hit improved by 7 frames
- Air Enhanced Flipping Heel Kick Flawless Block penalty removed
- Sky Lantern explosions via Nova Blast now classified as Overhead
Liu Kang
- Punishing Palm now allows special move activation
Rain
- Water Beam variants start 3 frames faster
Reptile
- Dr. Wreckyl and Kneet Trick Flawless Block vulnerability reduced
Shang Tsung
- Knee Reverser recovery shortened by 3 frames
- Spin Kick special-cancel enabled; damage reduced to 50 (from 70)
Quan Chi
- Psycho Skull startup accelerated by 5 frames
- Sorcerer Smack blockstun increased by 2 frames
- Best Foot Backward altered to Overhead strike (previously Mid)
Omni-Man
- Earthquake Stomp second hit blockstun extended by 5 frames
Ermac
- Behind You now releases opponents 10 frames sooner
Homelander
- Revised damage scaling for Vought Drop combo enders
Conan
- Fixed rare hitbox inconsistencies with Barbarian’s Blitz/Blade
- Atlantean Bulwark fourth hit advantage increased by 7 frames
T-1000
- Multiplanar Laceration third hit reclassified as Mid
- Adjusted scaling for Liquiform Suplex follow-ups
Cyrax
- Capture Foam now countered by projectile hits
- Reduced meter gain/damage for Bomb and Mistwalk abilities
Sektor
- (Air) Burst Grenade meter build limited to successful hits
- Flamethrower damage redistributed between hits
While Mortal Kombat 1 received positive critical reception (including an 8.5/10 score from Wccftech), its sales trajectory trails behind MK11’s record 15 million units sold by late 2022. With 15 months remaining until matching MK11’s sales window, reaching similar totals remains uncertain despite potential promotional discounts.