Summary:
- Conan the Barbarian joins Mortal Kombat 1 with a gameplay trailer highlighting his swordplay and brutal combat style.
- The character, modeled after Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1982 portrayal, becomes available on Jan. 21 for early access and on Jan. 28 for all users.
- Conan’s moveset includes fatalities inspired by the 1982 film, making him a standout addition to the Khaos Reigns expansion.
Mortal Kombat 1 has unveiled its latest DLC character, Conan the Barbarian, in a gameplay trailer. Inspired by the 1982 portrayal by Arnold Schwarzenegger, this iconic warrior brings his Atlantean sword and savage combat techniques to the franchise. Players can access Conan early on Jan. 21, with general availability starting Jan. 28.
Conan’s Gameplay Features and Release Details
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Iconic Look in Mortal Kombat
Conan’s in-game model is a faithful recreation of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1982 depiction of the Cimmerian warrior. From his muscular build to his signature sword-wielding stance, every detail reflects the cinematic version fans adore. While Schwarzenegger’s likeness is used for the character model, Chris Cox lends his voice, adding a fresh yet familiar tone to Conan’s dialogue. This voice actor also portrayed the T-800 in Mortal Kombat 11, demonstrating his skill at capturing iconic characters.
Key Dates:
- Early Access: Jan. 21, 2025
- General Release: Jan. 28, 2025
Conan is part of the Khaos Reigns expansion, which includes new fighters, fatalities, and an additional storyline. Players can purchase the expansion to unlock Conan along with other content.
Swordplay and Brutal Combos
Conan’s gameplay revolves around his mastery of the Atlantean sword, delivering devastating slashes and powerful mid-range attacks. Designed as a rushdown fighter, he thrives in close combat, overwhelming opponents with relentless combos. His moveset reflects martial precision, with animations and choreography directly inspired by scenes from the 1982 film, including Conan’s iconic sword practice sequences.
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Key Features of Conan’s Gameplay:
- Projectile Deflection: Using his sword, Conan can counter ranged attacks, giving him an edge against zoner characters.
- Extended Combos: Players can link sword strikes into fluid, high-damage combos, making Conan a formidable presence in battles.
- Mid-Range Versatility: His combat style balances close-quarters aggression with effective mid-range engagement, ensuring adaptability in various matchups.
- Limited Aerial Moves: While not focused on aerial combat, Conan possesses tools for effective exchanges in the air, adding tactical depth.
Fatalities and Film References
Conan’s fatalities are among the most cinematic in Mortal Kombat 1, paying homage to the 1982 film. One fatality mirrors the slosh scene, where Conan melts enemies in a vat of boiling liquid—a nod to his destruction of Thulsa Doom’s cult. Another recreates the climactic battle between Conan and Doom, where Conan avenges his father by delivering a finishing blow.
These callbacks ensure Conan’s integration into the game feels authentic while celebrating his storied history. His brutal and visceral finishers align perfectly with Mortal Kombat’s tradition of over-the-top violence.
How Conan Fits into Mortal Kombat’s World
Conan’s addition to Mortal Kombat 1 feels natural, as his lore—filled with battles against cultists, monsters, and dark sorcery—mirrors the game’s themes of supernatural combat. As a warrior accustomed to slaying foes in brutal fashion, Conan complements Mortal Kombat’s roster of sorcerers, ninjas, and Outworld abominations.
- Unique Pairings: Conan’s interactions with characters like Shang Tsung and Quan Chi offer compelling rivalries, given their shared history with dark magic.
- Immersive Story Integration: The Khaos Reigns storyline hints at Conan’s role in battling Titan Havik’s attempts to reshape reality, placing him at the forefront of the expansion’s narrative.
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The State of Mortal Kombat 1 and Future Prospects
Challenges for the Franchise
Mortal Kombat 1 faces stiff competition from other fighting games like Street Fighter VI and TEKKEN 8. While the addition of Conan and the Khaos Reigns expansion aim to revitalize the game, the franchise has encountered several hurdles:
- Underwhelming Sales: Reports suggest that Mortal Kombat 1 has underperformed commercially, prompting Warner Bros. to push for a new title from NetherRealm Studios.
- Mixed Fan Reception: Players have criticized the game’s steep pricing and monetization practices.
- EVO Performance: The game was bested by Guilty Gear Strive in participation at the recent EVO tournament, highlighting its struggle to maintain a competitive edge.
Bright Spots and What’s Next
Despite these challenges, the franchise remains a cornerstone of the fighting game genre. The upcoming sequel to the Mortal Kombat film adaptation—scheduled for release in October 2025 could boost interest in the game. Additionally, updates like Conan’s inclusion show NetherRealm Studios’ commitment to delivering fresh content.
If these efforts succeed, Mortal Kombat 1 could regain momentum and solidify its place among modern fighting games. However, if sales and fan engagement remain stagnant, the next installment in the series may arrive sooner than anticipated.
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Conan the Barbarian’s arrival in Mortal Kombat 1 brings an exciting blend of nostalgic film references and innovative gameplay mechanics. From his sword-wielding combat to his cinematic fatalities, Conan feels like a natural fit within the Mortal Kombat universe. As the franchise navigates its challenges, additions like Conan’s DLC showcase its potential to captivate fans and maintain relevance in a competitive gaming landscape. Players can look forward to unleashing Conan’s brutal moveset when he arrives for early access on Jan. 21.
Source: Mortal Kombat
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