Is MK1 Crossplay? Everything You Need to Know
The short and direct answer is: Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) does not currently have cross-platform play of any kind. Despite initial suggestions and even an initial advertisement for crossplay on the Steam version of the game, any mention of this feature has been removed. This means that if you are playing on a PlayStation 5 (PS5), you cannot currently play with friends who are on Xbox Series X|S, PC, or Nintendo Switch.
This lack of crossplay is a significant point of contention for many players, as it limits the ability to play with friends on different platforms and reduces the potential player pool for online matches. Although the game does have cross-platform progression, meaning your unlocks, story progression, gear, koins, and account level all carry over between platforms if you own the game on multiple consoles, it does not extend to crossplay. Let’s delve into more details and answer common questions related to this topic.
Understanding MK1 Crossplay
The Absence of Crossplay at Launch
At launch, Mortal Kombat 1 was not released with crossplay support. This decision surprised many players, especially considering the trend of cross-platform play in modern fighting games. The initial expectation was that PC players on the Steam version would be able to match with console players, but this is currently not the case. This has left many players frustrated, especially those who have friends on different platforms they want to play with.
The Discrepancy and the Removed Advertisements
Early advertisements for the Steam version of MK1 did include mentions of cross-platform play. However, these mentions were silently removed leading up to the game’s launch, causing confusion and disappointment among the community. The removal without clear explanation heightened the frustration among players who pre-ordered based on that expectation. This discrepancy points to a possible last-minute change or potential technical hurdles that developers may have encountered in implementing the feature across different consoles and PC.
Cross-Progression is Not Crossplay
A critical distinction to make is between cross-progression and crossplay. While Mortal Kombat 1 does offer cross-progression, which allows your character unlocks and progression to carry over between different platforms if you own the game on those platforms (e.g., PS5 and PC), this is not the same as crossplay. Crossplay would allow you to play matches with friends across different platforms, whereas cross-progression just ensures your saved game data moves with you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about crossplay and related aspects of Mortal Kombat 1, aiming to give you a comprehensive understanding.
1. Can PC and PS5 play MK1 together?
No, currently, PC players cannot play with PS5 players in Mortal Kombat 1. The game does not support cross-platform play between any consoles or PC platforms.
2. Is Mortal Kombat crossplay?
While previous Mortal Kombat titles have explored aspects of crossplay, notably Mortal Kombat 11 having limited crossplay on some versions, Mortal Kombat 1 does not offer any crossplay support.
3. What platforms is MK1 playable on?
Mortal Kombat 1 is playable on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This wide range of availability across multiple platforms makes the absence of crossplay even more noticeable.
4. Does MK1 have 2v2?
While not the primary mode, Mortal Kombat 1 does feature a 1v1 mode as its core gameplay experience. However, it is noteworthy that the franchise has been known for its 2v2 modes in the past, leading to some demand for that mode, although it’s not a central feature of MK1.
5. Does MK1 have coop?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 currently does not have any cooperative modes such as co-op towers or story modes. There were rumors about a tag team coop mode, but it’s not currently implemented in the game.
6. Is MK1 better on PS5 or Xbox?
The differences are subtle. The Xbox Series X|S version of Mortal Kombat 1 may load ever-so-slightly faster and have marginally better graphics. However, the game is excellent across both platforms, and the choice largely comes down to preference and controller familiarity.
7. Will MK1 be online only?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is not online only. You do not need an internet connection to play the main offline game content. However, certain online modes and features, such as online matches, will of course require an internet connection.
8. Is MK1 a sequel to MK11?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is a complete reboot of the series and is not a continuation of the story from Mortal Kombat 11. The story has been entirely restarted, setting up a different foundation for future games.
9. Will Mortal Kombat 1 have crossplay?
The future of crossplay in Mortal Kombat 1 is currently uncertain. While there is no crossplay at launch, it is possible that it could be implemented in the future via updates. There are no confirmed dates or announcements, and so players are advised not to expect it in the near future.
10. How do you unlock Havik in MK1?
To unlock Havik as a playable character in Mortal Kombat 1, you need to complete the game’s story mode on any difficulty setting. Once the final battle is over, Havik is unlocked, along with other goodies.
11. Is Mortal Kombat 1 good on PC?
Yes, Mortal Kombat 1 is a well-made fighting game experience on PC with its rich single-player action and unique tag-team aerial brawls. The game also performs well on the platform, provided the player’s machine meets the minimum requirements.
12. Is it worth buying Mortal Kombat 1?
Many players find Mortal Kombat 1 worth buying, highlighting its excellent fighting system that allows you to perform strings and incorporate Kameo characters. The gameplay experience is considered fresh and engaging.
13. Will MK1 be on Game Pass?
No, Mortal Kombat 1 is currently not available on Xbox Game Pass. There is no indication that the game will be coming to Game Pass in the near future.
14. Does MK1 require a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription?
No, you do not need a subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play Mortal Kombat 1 on those respective platforms. However, online multiplayer and other modes will still require online connectivity.
15. How much does Mortal Kombat 1 cost?
The Standard Edition of Mortal Kombat 1 is available for $69.99 (SRP) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The Verdict
While the absence of crossplay in Mortal Kombat 1 is undoubtedly disappointing for many, the game still offers a robust fighting experience with cross-progression for players who own the game on multiple platforms. Keep an eye out for any updates or official announcements regarding the potential addition of crossplay in the future. For now, if you plan on playing with friends, you’ll need to make sure you’re all on the same platform.