Do You Have to Unlock Friendships in MK11? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, you do not have to unlock Friendships in Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11). These playful finishers are available from the start for all characters. You simply need to know the correct inputs to perform them at the end of a match. Unlike some other unlockable content in fighting games, Friendships in MK11 are accessible right away, adding a fun and less gruesome alternative to the usual fatalities. Let’s dive deeper into how Friendships work in MK11 and explore some related FAQs.
Friendships in Mortal Kombat 11: How They Work
Accessible From the Start
As mentioned, the beauty of Friendships in MK11 is their immediate accessibility. There’s no grinding, no hidden requirements, and no special conditions beyond winning the match. Once you’ve secured victory and the “FINISH HIM/HER” prompt appears, you’re free to attempt a Friendship.
How to Perform a Friendship
Performing a Friendship requires you to input a specific sequence of directional commands and button presses. These inputs are unique to each character and can be found in the move list under the “Finishers” section for each fighter. Like Fatalities, Friendships are executed at a specific distance from your opponent, which means positioning is crucial.
Easy Friendships
In addition to the standard Friendship inputs, MK11 also includes “Easy Friendships.” These function similarly to easy Fatalities and are a simplified version of the original inputs, typically requiring fewer button presses. This makes Friendships more accessible to new players or those looking for a quick and easy way to end a match with a bit of light-hearted fun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Friendships in Mortal Kombat?
Friendships are humorous, non-violent finishers that players can perform at the end of a match in Mortal Kombat games. They offer a light-hearted alternative to the series’ signature gory Fatalities. They were first introduced in Mortal Kombat II as a way to subvert the game’s violence.
2. Are Friendships available in all Mortal Kombat games?
No. While Friendships have appeared in several Mortal Kombat titles, they aren’t a standard feature in every game. They were a memorable part of Mortal Kombat II and were reintroduced in Mortal Kombat 11, but notably absent from Mortal Kombat 1 (2023).
3. How do Friendships differ from Fatalities?
Fatalities are gruesome, violent finishers aimed at showcasing the brutal nature of Mortal Kombat. In contrast, Friendships are light-hearted and comedic, often involving characters performing silly acts or showcasing unexpected talents. Fatalities are meant to end a fight with gore; Friendships end it with humor.
4. Do I have to do something special during the fight to unlock or be able to perform a Friendship?
No, unlike the strict rules for performing Friendships in Mortal Kombat II, there are no specific in-fight requirements in MK11. You simply need to win the match and input the correct button sequence during the “FINISH HIM/HER” prompt.
5. Can I perform a Friendship every time I win?
Yes, provided you know the inputs and are positioned correctly, you can perform a Friendship every time you win a match in MK11. There are no restrictions on how often you can use them.
6. Where can I find the Friendship input for each character?
The specific inputs for each character’s Friendship are listed in the in-game move list under the “Finishers” section. You can access this move list from the pause menu during a match or from the character selection screen.
7. What are Easy Friendships, and how do they work?
Easy Friendships in MK11 are simplified versions of the standard Friendship inputs. They typically require fewer button presses, making them easier to perform. They offer a quick alternative to the original, more complex sequences.
8. What are some of the most popular Friendships in MK11?
Some of the most popular and beloved Friendships in MK11 include:
- Jax’s “Sexy Jax-A-Phone”
- Liu Kang’s “Shaolin Hustle”
- The Joker’s “Come On, Bats!”
- Kitana’s “Do You Want to Build a Shao Kahn?”
- Fujin’s “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”
9. Why were Friendships not included in Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)?
Friendships were, sadly, not included in Mortal Kombat 1 (2023). The developers opted to focus on the core fighting mechanics and the standard Fatalities, leaving out Friendships, Babalities, and Animalities. No official reason was given beyond design choices.
10. Are there any other types of finishers besides Fatalities and Friendships?
Yes, other types of finishers include: Babalities (turning your opponent into a baby), Animalities (transforming into an animal), and Brutalities (finishing with specific moves that cause explosive effects). However, not all of these are present in every Mortal Kombat game. MK11, for example, has Fatalities, Friendships, and Brutalities. MK1 has Fatalities and Brutalities but no Friendships.
11. Do Friendships contribute to any in-game progress or rewards?
Generally no. While performing them is fun, they don’t unlock additional items, characters, or progress the game. Friendships are simply a visual flair for the game, not a progression element.
12. Were Friendships part of the original Mortal Kombat games?
Friendships were introduced in Mortal Kombat II, not in the original Mortal Kombat (1992). They were added as a surprising contrast to the violence the series was known for.
13. How are Brutalities different from Fatalities and Friendships?
Brutalities are performed mid-fight at the end with specific moves and they are not executed during the “FINISH HIM/HER” prompt like Fatalities or Friendships. They instantly destroy the opponent’s body with specific moves, but they are typically quicker and more integrated into gameplay compared to the cinematic nature of Fatalities and Friendships.
14. What’s the story behind why Friendships were introduced?
Friendships were added to Mortal Kombat II by the developers as a sort of tongue-in-cheek response to criticism of the game’s violence. It was their way of acknowledging the intense violence and adding in a counterpoint by being absurd and humorous.
15. Does the lack of Friendships in MK1 (2023) mean they won’t be back in future titles?
Not necessarily. The exclusion of Friendships from MK1 doesn’t guarantee that they won’t return in a future Mortal Kombat installment. The developers are constantly changing and evolving the game formula, so a future title could reintroduce these fan-favorite finishers.
Conclusion
In summary, Friendships in Mortal Kombat 11 are readily available from the beginning. There are no unlock requirements and they are a delightful alternative to the gruesome Fatalities. They add a light-hearted touch to the end of fights, and with both regular and Easy Friendship inputs, they’re accessible to players of all skill levels. Enjoy the playful finishers and embrace the humor in the world of Mortal Kombat!