Image credit: NetherRealm

It’s now official — Mortal Kombat 1 support has come to an end, as confirmed by NetherRealm Studios. The announcement stirred quite a bit of buzz among fans.

While the game was initially set to be supported for years, MK1’s lifespan turned out to be much shorter than expected…

Is this the end of an era — or the beginning of a new chapter for the Mortal Kombat series? Let’s have a closer look at what we know and what’s next for NetherRealm.

What Is Mortal Kombat 1?

Mortal Kombat 1 is the latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise. Released in 2023, it brought a breath of fresh air and some major gameplay shakeups.

Video credits: NetherRealm Studios | Mortal Kombat 1 - Official Announcement Trailer

With a brand-new storyline, unique gameplay details, fast-paced combat, and reworked mechanics, it captured the attention of both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The game also introduced the Kameo Fighters system and set a new standard for visual fidelity in the series.

What Was the Original Plan?

NetherRealm Studios originally promised long-term support for MK1 — including DLCs, new fighters, and even story expansions. But the game lifecycle ended up being shorter than many expected.

Instead of years of ongoing updates, we got around a year and a half of support, a single DLC expansion, and a few fighter packs. It’s a letdown for fans who were hoping for a content rollout similar to what we saw with previous entries in the series.

Mortal Kombat 1 Support End

The official announcement came in May 2025, with NetherRealm Studio and Warner Bros confirming that no more DLC, new characters, or story content would be developed. Instead, the studio is shifting focus to its next project. According to recent game news, MK1 will still receive bug fixes and balance patches — but no new content is planned. In other words, this marks the real end of active support for the game.

Why the change? Official statements say it’s all about focusing resources on the studio’s next big thing — and moving forward with new titles.

Future Support And Franchise Plans

The end of support for Mortal Kombat 1 doesn’t mean the franchise is over. Far from it. NetherRealm has already confirmed they’re working on a new project — though details remain under wraps for now. Rumours suggest it might be an entirely new fighting game, possibly with brand-new mechanics that aim to surprise even longtime fans.

One thing’s for sure: the future looks promising for both NetherRealm and the Mortal Kombat series. And while MK1’s story may be wrapping up, we can definitely expect more high-impact action and innovative gameplay in the years to come.