For decades now, Mortal Kombat has reigned as one of the biggest names in the fighting game genre. With its graphic violence and brutal finishers, this iconic series has been shocking gamers since the early 90s arcade days.
So for PC players wanting to test their skills in the arena of bloody kombat, the big question is – can you play Mortal Kombat games for free on a Windows computer? Let‘s break it down below.
A Brief Bloody History of Mortal Kombat
Before we get into the free options, first some Mortal Kombat history for the uninitiated.
The original Mortal Kombat hit arcades back in 1992, standing out with realistic digitized graphics of real martial artists and insane amounts of blood spray. It kicked off a cultural sensation, both for its groundbreaking violence and addictive competitive gameplay.
Mortal Kombat II arrived shortly after in 1993, upping the ante with more characters, improved graphics and gruesome new fatality finishing moves like Kung Lao’s bisection of opponents using his razor-rimmed hat.
[insert MK2 screenshot]The series really hit its stride with Mortal Kombat 3 in 1995, introducing fan-favorite fighters like Cyrax, Kabal and the iconic ninja Sub-Zero. The gameplay was also refined with combo chains and new mechanics like running.
Jumping to 3D arenas, Mortal Kombat 4 hit arcades and consoles in 1997. More 3D sequels followed in the 2000s, with a reboot in 2011 bringing the franchise back to its 2D roots with a retelling of the original trilogy‘s story.
Mortal Kombat X released in 2015 with cinematic presentation and new characters like blood-magik wielder Skarlet.
This brings us to Mortal Kombat 11, launching in 2019 as the latest and most content-packed entry in the legendary series. It adds superhero guest stars like the Joker plus deep customization and a time-bending story campaign.
So in summary, 30 years of spine-ripping, skull-crushing and blood-soaking brutality!
What Mortal Kombat games are available on PC?
You‘d think with such a hugely popular franchise, there would be a bunch of options for playing Mortal Kombat games on a gaming PC.
In reality, there are only a few of the more recent titles officially available:
- Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)
- Mortal Kombat X (2015)
- Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition (2011)
These can all be purchased digitally on PC gaming platforms:
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- GOG
- Green Man Gaming
- Fanatical
The most recent Mortal Kombat 11 is priced at $59.99 USD for the standard edition. The Ultimate Edition bundle with all DLC costs $99.99.
During big seasonal sales, you can sometimes grab MK11 for 50-60% off though.
The older Mortal Kombat X regularly goes on sale for under $20, making it the most budget-friendly option. The Komplete Edition of 2011‘s Mortal Kombat reboot is usually priced around $25.
So if you want to play the latest and greatest, go for Mortal Kombat 11. But MKX offers loads of content and brutal kombat at a lower price.
Can You Play Mortal Kombat For Free on PC?
Now for the big question – is there a way to play Mortal Kombat on PC without paying a thing? There are a few limited options:
Free Weekend Promotions
For a few days every several months, Mortal Kombat 11 has a free play promotion across all platforms including PC.
During these weekends, you can download the full game on Steam and play every mode for free. This is usually timed around a new DLC release.
Free Trial Version
There have also been free trials of MK11 allowing unfettered access for a limited time. Keep an eye out on the Mortal Kombat social media pages for announcements of upcoming trial periods.
Browser-Based Versions
If you don‘t mind scaled-down retro graphics, some browser emulators host the original 90s Mortal Kombat games for free play.
MortalKombatOnline has Mortal Kombat 1-3 available in-browser. There are also various Flash versions of the classics floating around the web.
While no means to play the newer titles free, it can offer a quick nostalgia fix!
The Reality of Downloading Mortal Kombat Free
Searching for "Mortal Kombat PC free download" will pull up crack sites offering free full downloads. But pirating copyrighted games is illegal and risky, exposing you to malware vulnerabilities.
For true free and legal options, your only choice is to wait for occasional free play promos from the developers or try browser-emulated classics.
Mortal Kombat PC Requirements – Can Your Computer Handle the Karnage?
Mortal Kombat 11‘s PC version supports 4K resolutions and buttery-smooth 60 FPS gameplay if your rig can handle it.
Here are the official minimum and recommended PC specs to play:
Minimum Requirements
- OS: 64-bit Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
- CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1 GHz or AMD FX-6300 3.5 GHz
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti or AMD Radeon R7 260X
- DirectX 12 Compatible
Recommended Requirements
- OS: 64-bit Windows 10
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 3.2 GHz
- RAM: 16 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 570 4GB
- DirectX 12 Compatible
You‘ll also need 60GB of drive space free. Note that the minimum requirements call for a fairly aged mid-range GPU. To achieve 60fps at 1080p, an RX 580 or GTX 1660 Super is recommended.
Competitive eSports players will want to aim for >120 FPS though. This demands at least an RTX 2060 or RX 5700 graphics card paired with a high refresh rate gaming monitor.
For 4K peak fidelity, an RTX 3070 or RX 6800 can hit 60 FPS at max settings. Remember to use DLSS which renders at a lower resolution then upscales for extra performance.
Gameplay and Content – How Does MK11 Stack Up?
Let‘s see how much bloody gameplay MK11 provides compared to past series entries.
Mortal Kombat 11
- 25 fighters in base game
- 20+ added via DLC
- Cinematic story mode
- Online ranked matches
- Custom character variations
- The Krypt (treasure hunting)
- Towers of Time (challenge towers)
- The Forge (craft gear and costumes)
- Stage fatalities
Mortal Kombat 11 has the most content-packed PC release yet, with post-launch DLC expansions adding new characters, stages and gear sets.
Mortal Kombat X
- 33 base roster fighters
- Horror guest stars Alien, Leatherface, Jason Voorhees
- Multiplayer Factions mode
- Interactive environmental attacks
MKX has a sizable character lineup with the addition of multiplayer factions, though less single-player content overall.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Streamlined fighting mechanics
- Return to 2D arenas
- Revamped story mode
- Tag Team mode
- Bonus Challenge Tower
The 2011 reboot lacks newer gameplay innovations but offers a back-to-basics MK experience and the most elaborate Challenge Tower.
So in summary, MK11 is the clear winner overall providing the richest content and plenty of post-launch support. But MKX and the 2011 reboot still deliver plenty of great kombat at lower sticker prices.
DLC – Get More Gore for Your Koins
Mortal Kombat 11 has by far the most DLC available, though the older PC titles have some extras too:
MK11 DLC Includes:
- 6 additional fighters per Kombat Pack
- Story expansions
- Various skin packs
- Individual costumes & gear sets
You‘re looking at over $100 in DLC if you want it all. But you can skip the cosmetics and just grab a Kombat Pack or two for new characters.
MKX Offers:
- Kombat Packs with 4 extra fighters
- Various skin packs
- Goro unlock (pre-order bonus)
2011 MK Provides:
- Komplete Edition with all DLC
- Classic Movie Skin Pack
- PS Vita skins
Again, MK11 wins out with loads of post-launch additions. But you can augment the older titles with some bonus DLC fighters and skins for a few bucks.
The Thriving PC Modding Kommunity
The Mortal Kombat PC community has created a treasure trove of fan-made mods you can add yourself:
MK11 Mods
- New skins – movie characters, memes, anime
- Classic arena stages
- Funny finishers and fatalities
- Entirely new characters – Kermit, Shrek, Thanos
- Gameplay tweaks and rebalances
Head to sites like GameBanana to find MK11 mods conveniently bundled to simply drop into your game folder.
MKX Mods
- Adds missing fighters like Baraka
- New character skins
- Classic fatalities redone
2011 MK Mods
- Adds in bosses and NPCs as playable
- Additional arenas and stage fatalities
- Better boss AIs for practice
Just be aware using mods can disable earning achievements or online play. But they provide awesome ways to refresh the experience once you‘ve mastered everything!
Tips from Kombat Masters for Optimal MK PC Play
Here are some Mortal Kombat pro tips for stepping up your PC gameplay:
Use a quality PC gamepad – Avoid klunky keyboards for fluid fighting control. The Xbox Wireless Controller is perfect.
Learn combos in Practice first – Get your special move and juggle combos down pat before facing others.
Turn off Release Check – This makes combo execution much easier.
Lab fatalities in Practice – Memorize your favorite finishing moves to humiliate opponents.
Adjust graphics for performance – Lower some settings like shadows to hit 60 FPS minimum.
Play towers to unlock gear – Build up your roster before jumping to online matches.
Join the community – Subscribe to MK YouTube channels, forums and Reddit for the latest buzz.
Mod responsibly – Don‘t go overboard on mods that can corrupt your install or prevent achievements.
Have fun! – Talk some smack, but don‘t rage if you lose. Kombat is all about friendly competition.
Conclusion – Get Ready to Test Your Might!
Mortal Kombat‘s legendary violence and brutality is awaiting PC gamers, even if you can‘t play totally free.
Just grab MK11 or MKX on sale to experience flawless kombat and crushing fatalities. Add the DLC fighters and user mods to magnify the content.
With gory combat coupled with complex combos and strategies, the iconic Mortal Kombat series satisfies both casual players and hardcore competitive fighters.
Get yourself a gamepad, pick your kharacter, and test your might in the arena of Mortal Kombat!
