Can We Play Mortal Kombat with 2 Controllers? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! The core experience of Mortal Kombat, a series renowned for its brutal combat and iconic characters, is built around the thrill of head-to-head battles. Playing with two controllers is not only possible, it’s a fundamental part of the gameplay across most Mortal Kombat titles. Whether you’re engaging in local multiplayer on your couch or setting up a friendly competition, two controllers are your gateway to enjoying the game with friends and family. This article will delve into the specifics of two-player mode in Mortal Kombat, addressing frequently asked questions to give you a clear and comprehensive understanding.
Local Multiplayer: The Heart of Mortal Kombat
The tradition of sitting side-by-side with a friend and duking it out in Mortal Kombat is a long-standing one. The good news is, modern Mortal Kombat games continue to uphold this tradition.
How to Set Up Two-Player Mode
The steps are generally similar across different Mortal Kombat titles, though there might be slight variations. Generally, you need to:
- Connect your controllers: Ensure both controllers are properly connected to your console or PC. This might be via USB cable or Bluetooth, depending on your setup.
- Navigate to the Fight Menu: From the main menu, you will typically find a section labeled “Fight” or “Local”.
- Select Local Play: Choose the “Local” option.
- Player Select: Both players will then be prompted to choose their characters.
Once this is done, you’ll be ready to unleash combos, fatalities, and friendships (if you’re feeling kind!) in a two-player match.
Mortal Kombat Games and Controller Compatibility
The ability to use two controllers extends across various Mortal Kombat titles.
Modern Titles (Mortal Kombat 1, 11)
In Mortal Kombat 1 and Mortal Kombat 11, two-player functionality is smooth and straightforward. Both games easily recognize multiple controllers, allowing for seamless local play. Both games use the “Fight” menu as the primary way to access local multiplayer. Whether on consoles like Xbox or PlayStation, or even on PC, these games support multiple controllers natively.
Older Titles
Even older Mortal Kombat titles, found on classic consoles, have always supported two controllers for local play. This has been a staple of the series since its inception, showcasing the commitment to this mode.
Controller Recognition
Generally, the games will automatically recognize connected controllers. You might see them labeled as “Controller 1” and “Controller 2” in the game settings or during character selection. If you experience issues, ensure all controllers are properly synced and charged. In rare cases, restarting the game or the console might resolve any connectivity problems.
Beyond Local Multiplayer
While the focus here is on two controllers for local play, it is important to note that Mortal Kombat also offers online multiplayer, which often allows for more than two players in certain modes. In Mortal Kombat 11, for example, Team Raids allow up to three players to team up online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify any confusion, here are 15 frequently asked questions relating to playing Mortal Kombat with two controllers:
1. Can two players use the same account on the same console?
Yes, you can play with two controllers using the same account. If you log in on a second controller with the same account, it will often turn off the controller of the first player. However, a common workaround is to log in with a guest account or a separate account on the second controller.
2. What if both controllers act as Player 1?
This can sometimes occur, especially in PC gaming. The game settings usually recognize controllers as Xbox Controller (1), Xbox Controller (2) and so on. If both controllers seem to register as Player 1, ensure that the controllers are properly set up in your computer’s settings and restart both the game and your computer if necessary.
3. Can I play with a friend online and have a local friend join in too?
Generally no, Mortal Kombat does not natively support three players simultaneously in the same online game. Local play is usually capped at two controllers for local fights. While Team Raids can have up to three players in Mortal Kombat 11, this is an online co-op mode and does not use controllers in a local co-op fashion.
4. Does Mortal Kombat 1 have local multiplayer?
Yes, Mortal Kombat 1 has robust local multiplayer support. You can play offline in Private Versus and Tournament modes, using two controllers.
5. What happens if I am playing online and a second controller is turned on?
Turning on a second controller during an online match will typically not do anything. The game will usually not register the second controller for gameplay unless you are in a local game mode.
6. Can I play Mortal Kombat with two controllers on PC?
Yes, you can. Modern PC titles support two or more controllers for local play. The game should recognize controllers automatically.
7. What if my second controller isn’t working?
Ensure that both controllers are connected correctly and have sufficient battery. Restarting your console or game may also fix this issue. You may also need to resync your controllers in your system settings.
8. Do both controllers need to be the same type?
No, controllers do not have to be the same type, so long as they are compatible with your console or PC. You can use, for example, an Xbox controller and a Playstation controller simultaneously, depending on the system.
9. Is local multiplayer the same as online multiplayer?
No, local multiplayer is played with controllers connected directly to the same console or PC. Online multiplayer connects you with players over the internet, regardless of the controller you are using.
10. Are there any specific settings I need to adjust for 2 player mode?
Usually, there are no specific settings needed. However, in the “Controls” or “Controller Settings” menu, you might be able to re-map your controller buttons to your preference for each player, if needed.
11. Can I have multiple profiles on one system playing Mortal Kombat using different controllers?
Yes, each controller can be linked to a different user profile, allowing each player to use their own settings, unlocked characters, and stats.
12. Can I play the Story Mode with two controllers?
No, generally, the story mode in Mortal Kombat is a single-player experience. However, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks had a co-op story mode.
13. How many players can play locally?
The standard local multiplayer is set for two players. Some titles might offer additional modes for larger groups, but they’re not usually the primary way to play locally.
14. Can I use a keyboard and controller simultaneously for two players?
Yes, generally, the game should recognize a keyboard as Player 1, and the controller as Player 2. You may need to adjust certain game settings to make this work.
15. Can I play two player online vs two player locally on Mortal Kombat 1?
You can play online with a local friend, but this will usually require you to be in a party first, which may involve one person sending an invitation to the other. The game usually allows you to engage with this party in either a casual or ranked match. The functionality of doing this may vary across different titles.
Conclusion
Playing Mortal Kombat with two controllers is not only feasible, it is a core component of the game’s experience. By understanding the basic setup and troubleshooting potential issues, you and your friends can enjoy countless hours of brutal battles and iconic moments. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player, two controllers are your ticket to unlocking the fun and excitement of Mortal Kombat’s local multiplayer mode. So grab a friend, connect those controllers, and prepare for kombat!