Much like its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 1 features a plethora of DLC characters, the first eleven of whom are available as part of Kombat Pack 1. However, these new Kombatants aren't accessible right away, with players having to wait until their respective release dates before they can start using them in-game.

Naturally, many players are keen to learn when exactly these MK1 DLC characters will be released, though, sadly, this information isn't quite as readily available as some would have liked. As of the time of writing, NetherRealm has only provided a partial Kombat Pack 1 release schedule, with the company's plans for the second part of 2024 still something of a mystery.

Updated May 7, 2024, by Tom Bowen: With Mavado now available in-game, many players are beginning to turn their attention toward the next MK1 DLC fighter. Sadly, although a trailer showcasing some of his moves was recently dropped, there's still no official word on when Homelander will be released. However, given that every other playable Kombat Pack 1 character has arrived at the same time as a new season of Invasions, many believe that Homelander will be released in early June to coincide with the beginning of Season 6. The fact that Season 4 of The Boys premieres on Amazon Prime Video around the same time only serves to strengthen these assertions.

Playable MK1 DLC Kombatants are usually released straight after server maintenance, which typically begins at 7 AM Pacific and lasts for around one hour.

MK1 DLC Character Release Schedule (Kombat Pack 1)

There are six playable Kombatants available as part of Kombat Pack 1, all of whom are scheduled for release between winter 2023 and summer 2024. Those who have purchased the Kombat Pack or the Deluxe Edition of Mortal Kombat 1 will gain access to them one week earlier than everybody else and will also pay less than the combined cost of every Kombat Pack character.

* As of the time of writing, Homelander's official release date hasn't been confirmed by NRS. The predicted dates above are based on the "Spring 2024" release window given by the developer as well as past MK1 DLC release trends. However, with Spring officially ending on June 20 and Season 4 of the Boys premiering on June 13, NRS may opt to delay the start of Season 6 to better line up with these dates.

MK1 DLC Kameo Fighter Release Schedule (Kombat Pack 1)

In addition to the six playable MK1 DLC characters listed above, Kombat Pack 1 also includes five kameo fighters. If the first few are anything to go by, it appears as though NetherRealm plans to release these in between playable Kombatants to help tide the fanbase over while they wait, though this hasn't been confirmed. Tremor and Khameleon will be the first two to arrive, with Mavado, Ferra, and Janet Cage all set to arrive in the months that follow.

How to Unlock MK1 DLC Characters

Just because players have purchased the Kombat Pack, that doesn't mean that they'll be able to start using their Mortal Kombat 1 DLC characters right away. Before they can do so, they'll first need to head to the game's store page (either in-game or via their console's digital storefront) and purchase the character from there. Assuming they have the Kombat Pack installed, this purchase will be free, making this more of an annoying final step than anything else.

Kombat Pack 1 Character Origins

Some players may be keen to learn where all of the MK1 DLC characters originate from, as there are a handful of guest characters included in Kombat Pack 1. Omni-Man (or Nolan Grayson, as he's also known) is part of the Image Comics universe and is best known for his role in Invincible, in which he serves as the titular character's father. Peacemaker is also a comic book character and is portrayed by John Cena in the DC cinematic universe. The final MK1 guest character is Homelander; yet another comic book character, only this time, from The Boys.

FAQ

Q: When will Omni-Man be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Omni-Man release date)

Omni-Man became available for Kombat Pack owners on November 9, 2023. Players without the Kombat Pack gained the ability to purchase him separately one week later on November 16, 2023.

Q: When will Quan Chi be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Quan Chi release date)

Quan Chi became available for Kombat Pack owners on December 14, 2023. Players without the Kombat Pack gained the ability to purchase him separately one week later on December 21, 2023.

Q: When will Peacemaker be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Peacemaker release date)

Peacemaker became available for Kombat Pack owners on February 28, 2024. Players without the Kombat Pack gained the ability to purchase him separately one week later on March 6, 2024.

Q: When will Ermac be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Ermac release date)

Ermac became available for Kombat Pack owners on April 16, 2024. Players without the Kombat Pack gained the ability to purchase him separately one week later on April 23, 2024.

Q: When will Homelander be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Homelander release date)

Homelander will be released in the spring of 2024.

Q: When will Takeda Takahashi be available in Mortal Kombat 1? (Takeda Takahashi release date)

Takeda Takahashi will be released in the summer of 2024.

Q: What time are MK1 DLC characters usually released?

MK1 DLC is usually released right after server maintenance, which generally takes place between 7 and 8 AM on release day. That said, there have been times when maintenance has gone on for much longer, so players should be prepared for a much longer wait.