Xbox Game Pass Just Got One of Its Most Brutal Additions Yet

Fans of fighting games and Xbox Game Pass just got something more to be excited about, with the addition of Mortal Kombat 1 to the gaming subscription service on December 10. A franchise known for its over-the-top gamified violence, charismatic characters, and ever-evolving lore, Mortal Kombat has been around for more than 30 years, with 12 mainline entries, countless spinoffs and collections, movies, comic books, and TV shows. And now some Xbox Game Pass subscribers can try out the latest mainline addition to the series at no extra cost.

For decades, along with a few other celebrated series, Mortal Kombat has defined fighting games, with each new entry attempting to push boundaries, whether by expanding the roster, refining combat mechanics, or reimagining the mythos. The series has built a legacy as one of gaming’s most iconic and recognizable franchises, fighting game or otherwise.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Joins the Xbox Game Pass Lineup

On December 10, Xbox Game Pass added the latest mainline entry in the franchise, Mortal Kombat 1, for subscribers of the Ultimate, PC, and Premium tiers. Despite its name, the award-winning game is actually the twelfth main installment in the series, serving as a second reboot and thus introducing a third main timeline created by Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat 1 features a story campaign that follows the Fire God as he recruits fighters for the tournament, allowing players to explore the remade universe and see reimagined versions of beloved characters with new backstories.

Beyond story mode, Mortal Kombat 1 includes a seasonal mode called Invasions, a single-player campaign where players move on a board, fight battles, and complete various challenges. Mixing RPG-style progression mechanics, rewards like cosmetics and currency, and regular fighting gameplay, Invasions offers variety for those looking for a more dynamic experience beyond the cinematic, narrative-focused story campaign.

Mortal Kombat 1 also introduced Kameo Fighters, a feature that allows players to select a kind of tag-team partner that can create interesting synergies and help sway the battle with their unique attacks. Kameos are separate from the main roster and are selected before a fight, and the player’s ability to use them is dependent on a gauge that appears beneath the health bar.

As 2025 winds down, the games being added to Microsoft’s gaming service shouldn’t be slowing down. Though the titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in the second half of December haven’t been officially confirmed yet, subscribers have gotten access to games from a wide range of genres so far this month. Starting with Marvel Cosmic Invasion and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage from Life is Strange’s Don’t Nod, gamers have also gotten Stellaris, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Routine. Most recently, Xbox Game Pass added the Soulslike deck-builder Death Howl, Dome Keeper, and A Game About Digging a Hole.

Xbox Game Pass offers something for most gamers, with a tier for those who want access to everything and another for those who prefer to spend a little less every month, as well as a couple tiers in between. The Ultimate tier gives subscribers access to over 500 titles on both console and PC, including numerous games that are available on launch day. The subscription also offers EA Play, Ubisoft+, and Fortnite Crew access and everything that comes with those memberships. On the other end of the spectrum is the Xbox Game Pass Essential tier, which provides a library of 50 games to choose from. All tiers include various perks offered throughout the year, special discounts on games, online console multiplayer, and cloud gaming for some titles.

Recently added to Xbox Game Pass in December