Unlocking Characters in MK11 Ultimate: An Expert Guide

As a hardcore MK fan, the most frequent question I see is "how do I get access to all the fighters in MK11 Ultimate?" It‘s a fair ask with a roster spanning 37 iconic characters across a base game and multiple DLC releases.

The only way is through purchase, either individually or via what NetherRealm calls "Kombat Packs." You can‘t unlock through gameplay – the incentive is to drive engagement and retention by dropping new, fan-requested fighters over time. And based on ~8 million sales and counting, it seems to be working!

Here, I break down the different unlock options currently available along with other key details to know before jumping in.

Purchase Options for DLC Fighters

There are two ways to unlock additional fighters beyond the 25 included in MK11‘s base game:

1. Kombat Pack Bundles

Kombat Packs include 6characters each and provide the best value. Everything bundled in MK11 Ultimate:

You save ~25% off buying individually. The packs also include exclusive skins and gear sets.

2. Individual Unlocks

Big fan of just one fighter? You can opt to buy them separately:

They vary slightly but average around $6 USD each.

Who Should I Unlock First?

That decision comes down to personal preference. According to EventHubs and my own online matches, the most popular choices are:

• Mileena: A razor-toothed femme fatale first appearing in MK2
• Rain: A Demi-god known for his fluid (get it?) kicks and lightning attacks
• Spawn: Hellish antihero from the comics
• Terminator: I know why you‘ll "be back" with Arnie‘s cyborg assassin!

My advice is to watch gameplay trailers and fatalities to decide who speaks most to your playstyle.

Pro tip: Rambo has some awesomely gory finishing moves too for 80s action movie fans.

How NetherRealm Maintains Engagement

Releasing new fighters drives ongoing engagement from MK‘s over 30 million franchise fans.

It works – Mortal Kombat 11 became the best-selling title in the US for 2019. And that‘s attributed mainly to its base game sales!

The DLC and unlockables are the gateway to keeping that momentum. NetherRealm times new fighter packs and skins with tournaments, events, sales discounts, and more.

Speaking of tournaments, MK also maintains an established esports scene. So competitive players continue mastering new movesets and character matchups with each release.

It‘s a shrewd content calendar that gives you reasons to keep playing – or return after a break.

How Does MK11 Compare to Other Fighters?

Let‘s see how NetherRealm‘s approach stacks against other big names in the genre:

• Street Fighter V: Funded by in-game ads and passes. Largest roster at ~45 characters.
• Tekken 7: Pay for new fighters or a discounted season pass. Base roster comparable to MK‘s 25.
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate: Massive 75+ fighters but all unlocked upfront rather than via DLC.

Out of those, MK11 has found the right balance between base content and paid unlocks to drive profit and player retention.

The Verdict? Worth Unlocking DLC Fighters

Will buying Shang Tsung improve your skill level? No. Is having Terminator or Rambo super necessary? Also no.

But unlocking fighters expands the experience for you and the community.

It brings new combat abilities, fatalities, cosmetics, and lore to sink our teeth into. Keeping a three-year old game relevant is what MK does best.

Hope this guide gives you confidence in unlocking the cast you‘re after! Whether it‘s ninjas, guest stars, horror icons – they‘re waiting to be purchased in-game after you fulfill that brutal rite of passage called the tutorial.

Let me know who you unlock first – I‘m always eager to spar against the new recruits.