Last updated: March 13, 2026
Why Mortal Kombat 1 Is Trending Right Now
Mortal Kombat 1 is trending downward with a -66% player drop over seven days, now holding 1,442 peak 24h CCU. The 70% positive rating (22,399 reviews) and 82/100 Metacritic score mask retention problems—the game hooks players initially but fails to keep them engaged long-term.
MK1 is built for story-first fighters and series newcomers, but veterans of MK11 find the slower combat system off-putting. The 150GB install and high hardware demands create friction for casual players, while those who buy on sale ($10-20) report stronger satisfaction than $49.99 full-price buyers.
Key Stats
What the Community Is Saying
Players love the story mode finale and graphics. Main criticism: combat feels slower than MK11, the 150GB install is brutal, and hardware requirements exclude casual players—explaining the retention cliff.
Story was ok, gameplay was ok, last chapters were really good. Oh and also have a 150gb space ready. I was happy when I was installing it and I am also happy when uninstalling it...
This comes with a BIG Caveat. I only play the story mode and only buy it when its under $10. The story mode was fun, I enjoyed it.
Mid,graphics are great but story was awful and predictable and violence has downgraded from previous mortal kombat games. Combat feels pretty slow but still good
it need a powerful hardware to get good results. gameplay is not like preceding series like XL and 11, some like it and some prefer the old version. mandatory dual player is a bit annoying. but all in all, it Mortal Kombat and it's a great title , with a lot of history.
Don't listen to the trolls on reddit; this game is pretty fun. The story mode is enjoyable and exciting at times, the characters are really cool, the design aspects are awesome, and there's still a lot to do after the story mode is finished. There are some cosmetics that are only available for purchase but there's still a ton of free cosmetics to get while playing. 8/10, I'm really enjoying it :)
This game ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ sucks. It locks many characters behind a lengthy storymode that gets boring after beating it multiple times on other platforms. I has stupid monetization, and has no skill based matchmaking online so I always lose to sweats who don't play any other game. I want to like this game but it is to hard for a casual gamer to actually get good at.
Should You Play It? Pros & Cons
✅ Reasons to Play
- Story mode is genuinely engaging with standout final chapters (per player consensus)
- Top-tier graphics quality praised across reviews
- 70% positive score on 22,399 reviews indicates solid core gameplay
- Free cosmetics available alongside paid options
❌ Things to Consider
- Massive 150GB install with demanding hardware requirements limit accessibility
- -66% player decline in 7 days signals severe retention issues
- Slower combat than MK11 alienates series veterans
Should You Play Mortal Kombat 1?
Mortal Kombat 1 holds mostly positive reviews on Steam with a 70% positive rating, generally well-regarded by players. It attracts a healthy 1,442 players at peak, showing strong player retention for a Strategy title. While not universally loved, the majority of players find it worth their time.
Mortal Kombat 1 is premium priced at $49.99 on Steam, developed by NetherRealm Studios. Strategy enthusiasts who enjoy deep tactical decisions and long-term planning will find Mortal Kombat 1 rewarding. The genre demands patience, and this title rewards it well.
Common Questions About Mortal Kombat 1
Is Mortal Kombat 1 worth buying in 2026?
Depends on price. At $49.99 full price, it's a tough sell given the -66% weekly decline and mixed reviews. At $10-20 on sale, the story mode justifies the purchase for campaign fans. The 70% rating is decent, but player retention is clearly the problem.
How many players does Mortal Kombat 1 have?
1,442 peak players in the last 24 hours, down 66% over seven days. That's a steep cliff—players are leaving faster than new ones join. The playerbase is active but shrinking rapidly.
Is Mortal Kombat 1 multiplayer or co-op?
Both: solo story mode runs start-to-finish as single-player, and competitive PvP multiplayer is the main endgame. It's not traditional co-op, but the campaign is substantial enough for single-player-focused players.
How long does it take to beat Mortal Kombat 1?
Story mode runs 8-12 hours for main completion. Post-campaign content is limited—once story and multiplayer grind finish, there's little procedural or seasonal content to sustain engagement.