Mortal Kombat 1 offers players an enthralling story mode filled with intense battles and intriguing new lore. While most players are playing online multiplayer and exploring the new Invasion Mode, solo players are more inclined to play the rebooted world of Mortal Kombat 1, which has been reshaped due to Liu Kang's manipulation. This new world presents fresh storylines and explanations for origins.
How Many Chapters Are There in MK1?
Mortal Kombat 1 has a total of 15 chapters. Most chapters have four sub-chapters, typically corresponding to the number of fights in each chapter, though some chapters feature additional battles. Each chapter introduces players to a different character, allowing them to engage in several fights that progress the story.
| Chapter | Act | Chapter Name | Character |
| Chapter 1 | 1 | The New Era | Kung Lao |
| Chapter 2 | 1 | Mr. A-List | Johnny Cage |
| Chapter 3 | 1 | Chosen One | Raiden |
| Chapter 4 | 2 | Secrets and Lies | Kenshi |
| Chapter 5 | 2 | Weird Science | Baraka |
| Chapter 6 | 2 | Upward Climb | Ashrah |
| Chapter 7 | 2 | Narrow Escape | Reptile |
| Chapter 8 | 3 | Band of Brothers | Sub-Zero |
| Chapter 9 | 3 | Civil War | Scorpion |
| Chapter 10 | 3 | Protect and Serve | Li Mei |
| Chapter 11 | 3 | For The Empire | Sindel |
| Chapter 12 | 3 | Queen’s Gambit | Mileena |
| Chapter 13 | 4 | Deadly Alliance | Shang Tsung |
| Chapter 14 | 4 | Time of Death | Liu Kang |
| Chapter 15 | 4 | Armageddon | Any |
Chapter 1: The New Era – Kung Lao
- It Takes a Village
- Where There’s Smoke
- Snowed In
In a village in Fenglian Province, farmhands Kung Lao and Raiden frequently visit Madame Bo's teahouse. During one visit, Lin Kuei extorts Madame Bo and attack her. After intervening and facing challenges from Sub-Zero and Scorpion, Lao and Raiden emerge victorious. Lord Liu Kang then reveals the assault was a test of their skills and invites them to the Wu Shi Academy, which they eventually accept.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Raiden | N/A | N/A | Fengjian Teahouse (Day) |
| 2 | Smoke | Raiden | N/A | Fengjian Teahouse (Night) |
| 3 | Scorpion | Raiden | Sub-Zero | Fengjian Teahouse (Night) |
| 4 | Sub-Zero | Raiden | Scorpion | Fengjian Teahouse (Night) |
Chapter 2: Mr A-List – Johnny Cage
- Treasure Hunter
- Dead Rising
- Home Invasion
- Special Guests
Johnny Cage, while filming in an ancient temple, faces challenges that blur the lines between reality and fiction. After a deadly encounter with monsters and the tragic loss of his friend Adam, it's revealed they're on a movie set. Despite hoping this film will revive his dwindling career, the director is skeptical. At home, Johnny's financial troubles and lavish spending strain his marriage. After his wife leaves, he confronts Kenshi Takahashi over a valuable katana, leading to an unexpected visit from Liu Kang and other fighters. Convinced of Liu Kang's divine identity, Johnny ponders his newfound destiny.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Kalima | Adam | Kalima | Temple of Katara Vala (Movie Set) |
| 2 | Katara Vala | N/A | Kalima | Temple of Katara Vala (Movie Set) |
| 3 | Kenshi Takahashi | N/A | N/A | Cage Mansion (Sunset) |
| 4 | Sub-Zero | N/A | Scorpion | Cage Mansion (Night) |
Chapter 3: Chosen One – Raiden
- Pop Quiz
- Midterms
- Final Exam
- Another World
- Master of Arms
- Bait and Switch
- General Quarters
At the Wu Shi Academy, Raiden, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi train for the upcoming Mortal Kombat tournament against Outworld. Johnny faces personal challenges, while Lao masters his bladed hat. The tournament, revealed by Liu Kang as a test of strength to promote peace, sees Raiden defeating multiple opponents, including Johnny, Kenshi, and Kitana. The climax is Raiden's victory over General Shao. Tensions rise between Outworld's leaders, with Empress Sindel navigating political dynamics and Mileena's health concerns leading to Kitana replacing her in the tournament.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Johnny Cage | N/A | N/A | Wu Shi Academy (Day) |
| 2 | Kenshi Takahashi | N/A | N/A | Wu Shi Academy (Day) |
| 3 | Kung Lao | N/A | N/A | Wu Shi Academy (Evening) |
| 4 | Li Mei | Lightning Elemental | N/A | The Great Hall (Day) |
| 5 | Reiko | Lightning Elemental | N/A | The Great Hall (Day) |
| 6 | Kitana | Lightning Elemental | N/A | Hanging Gardens (Day) |
| 7 | General Shao | Lightning Elemental | N/A | Hanging Gardens (Day) |
Chapter 4: Secrets and Lies – Kenshi Takahashi
- Outcasts
- Secret Agenda
- Umgadi
- Metamorphosis
In Earthrealm, Liu Kang learns from Geras that Shang Tsung has reverted to his villainous ways. Liu Kang sends Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi to Outworld to apprehend Shang Tsung. There, they witness Shang Tsung attacking Tarkatans and capturing Baraka. After a series of misunderstandings and battles, they find Shang Tsung in a lab with Princess Mileena, who is undergoing a transformation. The situation escalates, leading to Kenshi's blinding. The chapter concludes with revelations about a prophecy and a mysterious benefactor manipulating events behind the scenes.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Baraka | Johnny Cage | N/A | Tarkatan Colony (Night) |
| 2 | Rain | Johnny Cage | Tanya | Shang Tsung's Lab (Dawn) |
| 3 | Tanya | Johnny Cage | Rain | Shang Tsung's Lab (Dawn) |
| 4 | Mileena | Johnny Cage | N/A | Shang Tsung's Lab (Dawn) |
Chapter 5: Weird Science – Baraka
- Breakout
- Lethal Hybrid
- Desperate Measures
- Trapped
- Mistaken Identity
In Shang Tsung's hidden lab, Earthrealmers, including a blinded Kenshi and Baraka are imprisoned. Syzoth, their jailer, aids them due to his family being held hostage by Shang Tsung. However, after a confrontation, they learn his family is already killed. Escaping, they encounter the Living Forest, where Syzoth shares his past as a unique Zaterran exploited by Shang Tsung. They later meet Ashrah, a former demoness, who allies with them against Quan Chi, a mutual enemy.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | x5 Tarkatan Klones | Kung Lao | N/A | Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits (Experiments Off) |
| 2 | Super Tarkatan | Kung Lao | Tarkatan | Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits (Experiments On) |
| 3 | Reptile | Kung Lao | N/A | Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits (Experiments Off) |
| 4 | Ashrah | Reptile | N/A | Living Forest (Day) |
Chapter 6: Upward Climb – Ashrah
- Ancient Enemies
- Total Chaos
- Vendetta
- Soul Magic
The group encounters Quan Chi and his allies, who are activating a soul-stealing device. Ashrah warns of its devastating potential. During a confrontation, Ashrah and Kenshi manage to defeat Quan Chi's powerful minion, Ermac, and neutralize the soul-stealing device. The captive souls retaliate against Quan Chi. After the battle, Johnny invites Ashrah and Syzoth to Earthrealm. Separately, Shang Tsung discusses plans with Kronika, hinting at a larger scheme involving Liu Kang.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Nitara | Reptile | Havik | Living Forest (Day) |
| 2 | Havik | Reptile | Darrius | Corrupted Forest (Day) |
| 3 | Quan Chi | Reptile | Ermac | Corrupted Forest (Day) |
| 4 | Ermac | Kenshi Takahashi | Sareena | Corrupted Forest (Day) |
Chapter 7: Narrow Escape – Reptile
- First Constable
- Battle Royal
- Rear Guard
- Great Escape
Syzoth navigates the rooftops of Sun Do during a festival while being pursued by city constables and General Shao's troops. Kitana warns her sister Mileena about getting involved with Umgadi due to their oaths, but Mileena remains dissatisfied. Earthrealmers and Ashrah disguise themselves for the festival, with Syzoth creating a diversion. However, Reiko spots him, leading to a confrontation. Syzoth refuses to surrender, knowing he'll be killed by General Shao. With the help of Kenshi, he defeats Li Mei and Kitana, and battles Tanya and Khameleon. Johnny, Ashrah, and Kung Lao join the fight, and they escape through a portal to Earthrealm. There, they meet Liu Kang and learn of a new Deadly Alliance. Geras reveals an unknown woman aiding their foes, sparking intrigue about a survivor from a previous timeline with a grudge against Liu Kang.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Li Mei | Kenshi Takahashi | Reiko | Sun Do (Night) |
| 2 | Kitana | Kenshi Takahashi | Tanya | Sun Do (Night) |
| 3 | Tanya | Kenshi Takahashi | Khameleon | Sun Do (Night) |
| 4 | General Shao | Kenshi Takahashi | Goro | Sun Do (Night) |
Chapter 8: Band of Brothers – Sub-Zero
- Death From Above
- Force of Will
- Winter Chill
- Sabotage
- Bad Offer
Sub-Zero, now the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, seeks an audience with Lord Liu Kang. He rejects tradition, causing tension with his brother Smoke. Raiden assigns the Lin Kuei the task of finding soul stealers and capturing Shang Tsung. At a fortress, the brothers clash over their clan's future. They defeat enemies like Nitara and Ermac but are distracted by riches. The Lin Kuei attack Quan Chi but are ambushed by Shao's forces. Shang Tsung tempts Bi-Han with ambition, sowing discord within the clan. Meanwhile, Geras observes a mysterious meeting between Shang Tsung and someone called "Kronika."
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Nitara | Scorpion | Sareena | Ying Fortress (Snow) |
| 2 | Ermac | Scorpion | Nitara | Ying Fortress (Snow) |
| 3 | Quan Chi | Scorpion | Shang Tsung | Treasure Chamber (Smelter On) |
| 4 | Shang Tsung | Scorpion | Quan Chi | Treasure Chamber (Smelter On) |
Chapter 9: Civil War – Scorpion
- Broken Oath
- Firewater
- Face Off
- Afterburn
- Brothers in Arms
Shang Tsung and General Shao lay out their plans to the Lin Kuei warriors, with Bi-Han rejecting Kuai Liang's objections. The focus of their strategy isn't the soul stealers but the formidable Dragon Army of Emperor Ying, powered by souls and controlled by the Dragon Crown. Bi-Han's allegiance to the Deadly Alliance is sealed, but he reveals a shocking truth to Kuai Liang about their father's demise, leading to a fierce confrontation. Kuai Liang battles multiple adversaries, including Shao, Shang Tsung, Rain, and Quan Chi, while escaping. He also faces off against Havik and Darrius and reunites with Smoke, ultimately defecting from the Lin Kuei to forge a new path.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | General Shao | Fire Elemental | Shang Tsung | Tomb of the Dragon Army (Dormant) |
| 2 | Rain | Fire Elemental | Quan Chi | Treasure Chamber (Smelter On) |
| 3 | Havik | Fire Elemental | Darrius | Treasure Chamber (Smelter On) |
| 4 | Sub-Zero | Fire Elemental | Ice Elemental | Ying Fortress (Snow) |
Chapter 10: Protect And Serve – Li Mei
- Ambush
- Second Wave
- Dutiful Daughter
- Outbreak
At Lord Liu Kang's temple, he activates the soul stealers and learns of a benefactor from a parallel timeline aiding the Deadly Alliance. To save Earthrealm and Outworld, he plans to entreat with Empress Sindel and expose traitors. On his journey, he encounters obstacles, including Li Mei and her constables, Reiko, Motaro, Tanya, and the Umgadi. Despite challenges, Liu Kang aims to prove his innocence and willingness to cooperate with Sindel, even offering to surrender Earthrealm if his claims aren't substantiated by evidence found in Shang Tsung's laboratory.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Reiko | Liu Kang | Motaro | Sun Do (Day) |
| 2 | Tanya | Liu Kang | Khameleon | Hanging Gardens (Day) |
| 3 | Kitana | Liu Kang | Tanya | The Great Hall (Afternoon) |
| 4 | Mileena | Liu Kang | N/A | The Great Hall (Afternoon) |
Chapter 11: For The Empire – Sindel
- Open Rebellion
- Bad Lieutenant
- Beyond Limits
- Usurper
Sindel is shocked by disturbing discoveries in a lab and learns that Lord Liu Kang was once the Keeper of Time and the creator of all existence. He summons Geras to prove his claim and shows Sindel her past lives. Liu Kang explains that he gave up his power to avoid becoming like Kronika. General Shao arrives with the Amulet of Shinnok, trapping several characters in it. Sindel defeats various opponents in battle, allowing Liu Kang to retrieve the amulet and free their allies. He asks for Sindel's help to save Earthrealm, emphasizing their friendship over any divine command.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Nitara | Li Mei | Goro | Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits (Experiments Off) |
| 2 | Reiko | Li Mei | Motaro | Shang Tsung's Lab (Overcast) |
| 3 | Rain | Li Mei | General Shao | Shang Tsung's Lab (Overcast) |
| 4 | General Shao | Li Mei | Reiko | Shang Tsung's Lab (Overcast) |
Chapter 12: Queen's Gambit – Mileena
- Father Figure
- Subterfuge
- Revelations
- Unleashed
Outworld and Earthrealm forces join together to confront the Deadly Alliance at their fortress. Ermac battles Tanya, Mileena defeats Ermac, and King Jerrod gains control of Ermac. Mileena pretends to defect to the Alliance, allowing her allies to launch an attack. They defeat Shang Tsung and discover his mysterious benefactor, "Damashi," who turns out to be another Shang Tsung from a parallel timeline. This alternate Shang reveals his plan to merge the timelines by destroying all life. The Deadly Alliance turns against him, leading to battles with dark doppelgangers. Empress Sindel dies, Mileena becomes the new Empress, and Ermac absorbs Sindel's soul. Liu Kang's allies prepare to intercept an invading army, while Geras reveals a hidden power that could help them.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Ermac | Tanya | Sareena | Ying Fortress (Dawn) |
| 2 | Shang Tsung | Tanya | Quan Chi | Tomb of the Dragon Army (Dormant) |
| 3 | Dark Raiden | Tanya | Dark Sindel | Tomb of the Dragon Army (Active) |
| 4 | Dark Sindel | Tanya | Dark Nitara | Tomb of the Dragon Army (Active) |
Chapter 13: Deadly Alliance – Shang Tsung
- Blind Faith
- Stormy Weather
- Ice & Fire
- Dark Kahn
Johnny Cage uses a drone for surveillance, surprising Mileena. Scorpion hatches a plan to deal with the Dragon Army: Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and Raiden will close portals, Kenshi and Jerrod will attack the Army, and the rest will battle their Dark counterparts. The plan begins with Jerrod and Kenshi causing a landslide and launching attacks. However, closing the portals proves difficult. The Deadly Alliance, feeling betrayed, battles Shang Tsung's minions and ultimately destroys the portal. They face challenges but are saved by Raiden. After defeating various foes, they realize Dark Shao powers the portal. They try to kill him but are interrupted. In the end, the Alliance, Raiden, and allies unite to defeat the stranded Army.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Dark Kenshi | Quan Chi | Dark Ermac | The Gateway (Night) |
| 2 | Dark Rain | Quan Chi | Dark Smoke | The Gateway (Night) |
| 3 | Dark Scorpion | Quan Chi | Dark Sub-Zero | The Gateway (Night) |
| 4 | Dark Shao Kahn | Quan Chi | Dark Reiko | The Gateway (Night) |
Chapter 14: Time Of Death – Liu Kang
- Time of Death
- Under Pressure
- Evil Twin
- Bad Sisters
Liu Kang regains his Titan power and, along with other Titans like Kitana, Kung Lao, and Raiden, confronts the threat of Titan Shang Tsung, who seeks to conquer multiple timelines. Despite their initial surprise at the existence of other Titans, they unite to defend their realities. Shang Tsung, realizing the existence of multiple timelines, attempts to destroy Liu Kang's Hourglass and escape to conquer other realities. To counter him, the Titans decide to gather their own army of Titans and engage in a decisive battle at the Pyramid of Argus to put an end to Shang Tsung's plans.
| Fight | Opponent | Player's Kameo | Opponent's Kameo | Stage |
| 1 | Dark Baraka | Titan Kitana | Dark Reptile | The Hourglass (Intact) |
| 2 | Dark Li Mei | Titan Kitana | Dark Tanya | The Hourglass (Intact) |
| 3 | Dark Liu Kang | Titan Kitana | Dark Kung Lao | The Hourglass (Damaged) |
| 4 | Dark Kitana | Titan Kitana | Dark Mileena | The Hourglass (Damaged) |
Chapter 15: Armageddon
- It Has Begun
- Fighting Chance
- Forward March
- War of Attrition
- Inch by Inch
- Kombat Kids
- Worse Than Death
- Too Many Mileenas
- Deadly Alliances
- Stairway to Hell
- Horrible Bosses
- Home Again
- Kredits
The Light Titans engage in a fierce battle against the Dark Titans. Liu Kang, accompanied by an ally chosen by the player, embarks on a challenging journey up the Pyramid of Argus to face nine formidable adversaries. However, when they reach the summit, Liu Kang is defeated and captured by the Titan Deadly Alliance. The player's ally steps up to take his place, ultimately triumphing. Liu Kang commends their efforts and then takes charge to confront Shang Tsung and restore the timeline. As the timeline crumbles, Liu Kang sends the ally back to their own dimension, marking the dramatic climax of the chapter.