Mortal Kombat 1 crowned best-selling fighting game this gen

Mortal Kombat 1 has officially claimed the title of the best-selling fighting game of the current generation, with over 6.2 million copies sold worldwide. The milestone was confirmed by series co-creator Ed Boon, who noted that despite the game’s controversial reception among fans, it has outperformed heavyweights like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8.

Released in 2023 as a full reboot of the franchise, Mortal Kombat 1 earned generally positive reviews from critics, boasting an average score of 84 on OpenCritic. However, a segment of the community voiced disappointment over its perceived lack of content and various online play issues. Compared to past entries like Mortal Kombat 11, which enjoyed a longer support cycle and more expansive updates, Mortal Kombat 1’s lifespan has been relatively short.

A Record-Breaking Yet Brief Run

While sales figures are impressive, the timing of this announcement is interesting. Back in May, NetherRealm Studios revealed it would no longer release new DLC fighters or story expansions for Mortal Kombat 1, ending major content support after less than two years. The studio will, however, continue to provide balance updates and bug fixes while focusing development on its next big project.

Prior to its support ending, Mortal Kombat 1 received two DLC character packs and the Khaos Reigns expansion. These additions, though well-received, weren’t enough to keep some fans from feeling shortchanged after earlier promises of extended post-launch content. Still, Mortal Kombat 1’s strong sales demonstrate that the Mortal Kombat brand remains a powerhouse in the fighting game scene.

It’s worth noting that the only current-gen fighting game that could challenge Mortal Kombat 1’s crown is Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, which sold 5 million copies in just three months. However, no updated sales data has been shared in over half a year.

For players who haven’t yet joined the fight, this might be the perfect time to pick up Mortal Kombat 1. You can use our price comparator to find the best deals for Mortal Kombat 1 across platforms and experience firsthand why this title has claimed the top spot in the generation’s fighting game sales charts.