The arrival of Conan the Barbarian as a DLC character in Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) has players buzzing with excitement. On January 16, NetherRealm Studios unveiled Conan’s gameplay trailer during the first Kombat Kast stream of 2025, giving fans their first glimpse at the barbaric warrior in action.
With the MK1 Conan release date fast approaching, here’s everything you need to know about his abilities, gameplay mechanics, and what lies ahead for Mortal Kombat 1.
MK1 Conan Gameplay Trailer: A Bloody Showcase
The official Conan gameplay trailer highlights the character’s mastery of his iconic sword, bringing brutal mid-range attacks to the Mortal Kombat roster.
Key Features from the Trailer:
- Mid-Range Combat: Conan’s sword allows him to execute devastating slashes and pokes, making him a formidable opponent in the neutral game.
- Combo Potential: Players can link his sword strikes into streams of attacks for optimal damage.
- Limited Air Play: While not air-dominant, Conan’s arsenal includes useful tools for aerial exchanges.
The trailer was part of the Kombat Kast broadcast, streamed on the official Mortal Kombat YouTube channel. This marked the first Kombat Kast of the year, setting the tone for future MK1 updates.
Conan the Barbarian in MK1 Khaos Reigns DLC
Conan is the latest addition to the Khaos Reigns DLC expansion, which has already brought iconic characters to Mortal Kombat 1.
DLC Characters in Khaos Reigns:
- Cyrax
- Sektor
- Noob Saibot
- Ghostface
The DLC package will conclude with the release of T-1000, the Terminator-inspired character, later this year.
Image via Mortal Kombat 1.
When is Conan Coming to MK1?
The official release date for Conan the Barbarian is:
- January 21: Available for owners of the Khaos Reigns expansion.
- January 28: Available for purchase as a standalone character.
T-1000 and the Future of MK1 DLC
The T-1000 was briefly teased in the Pro Kompetition Season 2 trailer, which also featured Conan. This marks the final character in the current DLC lineup, but rumors about the cancellation of Kombat Pack 3 have left the fighting game community speculating.
Despite these rumors, MK1’s esports scene appears robust, with 10 events confirmed for Pro Kompetition Season 2 and the game securing a spot in the Evo 2025 lineup.
Conan’s Impact on MK1 Esports
Conan’s release coincides with key dates in the competitive Mortal Kombat calendar:
- Frosty Faustings XVII: January 23–26. While Conan is unlikely to be tournament-eligible for this event, fans can expect to see him in action during upcoming competitions.
- First Pro Kompetition Event: February 22–23, where Conan will likely make his esports debut.
Conclusion
The addition of Conan the Barbarian brings a thrilling barbaric flair to Mortal Kombat 1. With his unique swordplay, mid-range dominance, and iconic presence, Conan is set to make waves both in casual play and the competitive scene.
Don’t miss out on the chance to wield the Barbarian’s might when he arrives on January 21 as part of the Khaos Reigns DLC. Whether you’re a fan of Mortal Kombat or Conan’s legendary lore, this crossover is an exciting new chapter for the franchise.
Mortal Kombat MK1 Pro Kompetition Season 2: All You Need to Know