Choose Your Destiny…
The Mortal Kombat franchise has a long and storied legacy in the gaming world. Known for its brutal combat, iconic characters, and fatalities, it’s no wonder that fans keep coming back for more. Over the years, some entries in the series have stood out for their sheer difficulty, leaving players frustrated yet determined to master their skills. In this blog post, we’ll be ranking the hardest Mortal Kombat games in Mortal Kombat history, based on challenge, AI difficulty, and overall gameplay complexity.
1. Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Topping the list as the hardest Mortal Kombat game is the classic Mortal Kombat II. Released in 1993, this game not only improved on its predecessor with better graphics and deeper mechanics but also introduced a notoriously brutal AI system. Players of Mortal Kombat II were quickly introduced to cheap tactics and “psychic” AI that seemed to counter every move. It was a time when gamers had to memorize long combo strings, learn precise timing, and outsmart an AI that seemingly knew their every input before they made it. For many fans, Mortal Kombat II is remembered as both a beloved and rage-inducing experience.
2. Mortal Kombat (2011)
When Mortal Kombat (also known as Mortal Kombat 9) rebooted the series in 2011, it brought back the intense difficulty that fans of the franchise expected. What made this game particularly tough was its combination of an in-depth story mode, challenging ladder matches, and highly competitive online play. But what truly pushed Mortal Kombat 9 into the realm of the hardest Mortal Kombat games was the Tower of Challenges. These challenges ranged from bizarre combat situations to impossibly tough AI opponents, forcing players to master every character and every strategy. Only the most dedicated players managed to complete all 300 challenges in the game.
3. Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996)
Mortal Kombat Trilogy combined characters and content from the first three Mortal Kombat games, creating one of the most complete, yet challenging experiences in Mortal Kombat history. With an enormous roster of fighters, this game required players to adapt quickly to different playstyles. The AI in Mortal Kombat Trilogy could be incredibly punishing, especially on higher difficulty levels, where it would read your moves with unsettling precision. The sheer amount of content, coupled with the unpredictable nature of combat, makes this game a standout for players seeking a challenging Mortal Kombat experience.
4. Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004)
Next up on the list is Mortal Kombat: Deception, which featured a unique blend of combat and puzzle-based elements, including the addition of a Konquest mode. Deception introduced intricate mechanics like stage-specific hazards and an overhauled combo system. While the game introduced many features that kept things fresh, it also raised the difficulty bar significantly, especially when playing against high-level AI. Many players found Deception’s final boss battles, particularly against Onaga, to be some of the toughest in Mortal Kombat history. Onaga’s insane damage output and unpredictability required perfect timing and strategy to defeat.
5. Mortal Kombat X (2015)
When Mortal Kombat X was released in 2015, it quickly earned a reputation for being one of the most brutal Mortal Kombat games to date. With its emphasis on fast-paced gameplay and high-damage combos, even a small mistake could spell doom for the player. The introduction of Faction Wars and the Living Towers added even more layers of challenge, as they provided constantly changing conditions that required players to adapt quickly. The game’s intense learning curve and punishing AI made Mortal Kombat X a truly demanding experience, even for veteran players of the franchise.
6. Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)
Many fans consider Mortal Kombat 3 to be one of the hardest Mortal Kombat games from the series’ early years. The fast-paced combat, new combo system, and a roster of some of the most powerful AI opponents to date ensured that Mortal Kombat 3 was not for the faint of heart. Boss fights in particular were incredibly tough, with Shao Kahn standing out as one of the most difficult adversaries in Mortal Kombat history. His unrelenting strength, unblockable attacks, and massive health bar made him an opponent that many players struggled to beat, solidifying Mortal Kombat 3’s reputation as a challenging classic.
7. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006)
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon aimed to be the ultimate Mortal Kombat experience, featuring a massive roster with every character from the series up to that point. While this added diversity was welcomed, it also made the game significantly more challenging. Players had to face an overwhelming variety of fighting styles and movesets, and the AI became increasingly difficult to manage in the latter stages of the game. Armageddon’s final boss, Blaze, was particularly notorious for his difficulty, requiring precise timing and strategic maneuvering to defeat.
8. Mortal Kombat 4 (1997)
Rounding out our list is Mortal Kombat 4, the first 3D installment in the series. This game presented a steep learning curve, particularly because it introduced 3D movement, weapons, and new combo mechanics that required players to rethink their strategies. While the game had a smaller roster compared to previous titles, the AI in Mortal Kombat 4 was unforgiving, and some of the boss fights—especially against Shinnok—are remembered as being some of the hardest in Mortal Kombat history. The jump to 3D gameplay meant players had to quickly adapt to a whole new combat system, adding to the overall difficulty.
Honorable Mention: Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005)
Although Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks isn’t part of the main fighting series, it deserves an honorable mention. This action-adventure spin-off was surprisingly tough, with brutal difficulty spikes and challenging boss fights. For fans of Mortal Kombat looking for a challenge beyond the traditional fighting formula, Shaolin Monks offered plenty of punishing moments that tested even the most skilled players.
No matter how hard it gets, we will always love Mortal Kombat games!
The Mortal Kombat series has given us some of the most memorable and challenging gaming experiences of all time. From the hardest Mortal Kombat games like Mortal Kombat II and Mortal Kombat 9, to the deeply complex entries like Mortal Kombat X and Deception, each game in the franchise has its own unique way of testing a player’s skill. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, these titles will push your limits and remind you why Mortal Kombat has remained one of the most beloved fighting game franchises in history.
