Mortal Kombat 1 April 16 patch notes: KOTH Krossplay support, balance changes, more

Complete breakdown of MK1’s April 16 update including Krossplay, character adjustments, and new gameplay strategies

Update Overview

NetherRealm Studios has unleashed a comprehensive April 16 update for Mortal Kombat 1, bringing substantial gameplay refinements alongside the early access debut of Ermac.

This substantial patch—version 1.004.000—represents a significant 31GB download on PS5 systems, demonstrating the depth of changes implemented. The update strategically aligns with Season 5: Storms, positioning Raiden as the primary Invasions mode antagonist until early June.

Competitive players will appreciate the cross-platform KOTH integration, while character specialists must adapt to sweeping balance adjustments affecting combat flow and combo potential across the roster.

System-Wide Improvements

PC Steam & Epic Games Store

• Enhanced game stability across all modes
• Optimized performance for diverse hardware configurations including Valve Steam Deck
• Refined storage speed verification for Krossplay matchmaking eligibility
• Resolved Liu Kang’s hair clipping through headband during certain animations
• Corrected palette coloration issues affecting Smoke’s visual presentation
• Eliminated soft lock scenarios in King of the Hill match progression
• Updated move list accuracy and localization consistency
• Advanced AI behavioral patterns for improved training sessions
• Enhanced Screen Reader functionality for accessibility
• Integrated Ermac into the main fighter selection
• Added Deception-themed skins for Shao Kahn and Sindel alongside Deadly Alliance variants for Quan Chi and Shang Tsung
• Rectified multiple visual anomalies in brutality executions
• Improved AI proficiency with wakeup and reversal attack scenarios
• Enabled guest user access to unlocked content in Local Versus mode
• Fixed Pause Delay setting incorrectly affecting non-gameplay modes
• Corrected health value display inconsistencies in Survivor Tower
• Resolved timing display errors for Daily and Weekly Quest counters
• Fixed streak statistic tracking following Kombat League and KOTH sessions
• Eliminated unresponsive states when losing internet connectivity during DLC character purchases
• Adjusted timing and damage scaling for Story Mode Kameo Fatal Blows
• Refined control recovery timing after Match Extended scenarios for improved intuitiveness
• Fixed camera anomalies when rapidly toggling Kustomize Photo Mode
• Restored missing Lesson Komplete announcer audio during Kombo Challenges
• Added Right Stick fighter rotation capability in Premium Shop and Seasonal Store
• Implemented Change Pose functionality within Kustomize Photo Mode
• Corrected name display errors in Replays after viewing Kombat Kards
• Fixed audio synchronization issues during half-speed Replay playback
• Resolved unresponsive states when signing out during Replay viewing
• Fixed Kameo move execution failures during specific roster character dash timing
• Corrected victim region miscalculations after duck blocking and releasing block
• Fixed rare facial animation inconsistencies during gameplay sequences
• Adjusted opponent positioning during initial frames of standing reactions
• Enabled Maximum Damage activation in multiplayer environments
• Equalized motion blur application between Player 1 and Player 2 perspectives
• Enhanced Rollback netcode for superior online performance

Main Fighter Adjustments

• Baraka
  • Enabled Bleeding Blade to successfully trade hits in combat exchanges
• General Shao
  • Corrected Settled Dispute knockdown animation when connecting with Kameo fighters
  • Fixed visual issue preventing axe drop during specific brutality scenarios
• Geras
  • Added UI indicator for current Hourglass level utilization
  • Atomic Driver now provides 2 additional frames of hit advantage with earlier animation release
  • Fixed Stone Tablet spawning location near corners during Slow Down execution
  • Resolved camera inconsistencies during History Lesson in high-latency matches
• Raiden
  • Electromagnetic Storm no longer pulls non-combo airborne opponents with reduced pushback and 27 damage reduction
  • Enhanced Electromagnetic Storm excludes non-combo airborne targets with 10 additional recovery frames
  • Increased recovery duration for Electric Fly variants by 8 frames
  • Razzle Dazzle series features additional start-up frame with 5 more blockstun frames and increased pushback
  • Electric Charge active state enhances Razzle Dazzle block properties when holding Back Punch
  • Enhanced Razzle Dazzle follow-up incorporates different hit reaction properties
  • Doubled Electric Charge time requirement for maximum power accumulation
  • Fixed lingering audio when Lightning Strikes is interrupted by Kameo Partners
• Rain
  • Added new Basic Attacks: Shipwrecker and Puddle Step
  • Introduced new Kombo Attacks: Kraken Killer and Surface Breacher
  • When It Rains… initial hit gains 2 frames of hit advantage
  • Flood Gate provides 7 additional hit advantage frames with 2-frame slower recovery
  • Undertow offers 5 more hit advantage frames with reduced blockstun and faster recovery
  • Waterwhirled initiates 5 frames faster
  • Water Beam Charge now cancellable into select Special Moves
  • Water Beam Charge Cancel accelerates by 5 frames with single Kombo usage restriction
  • Rain God cancel start-up increased by 4 frames during combos
  • Fixed duck blocking inability after dashing during charge cancels
• Peacemaker
  • Heavy Overhand Of Justice damage reduced by 20
  • Enhanced Force Multiplier secondary and tertiary hits reduced by 10 damage each
  • Activate Human Torpedo! damage decreased by 10
  • Enhanced Human Torpedo! suffers 20 damage reduction with increased combo scaling
  • Enhanced Sonic Boom damage reduced by 20
  • Activate Force Field maximum absorption limited to 2 hits with 2-second duration reduction
  • Fixed Eagly attack persistence after blocked Ground-Air Offensive or Beautiful Bird Bullet
  • Corrected hit pause application during The Ultimate Ally interruptions
  • Fixed knocked down opponent pushing during Activate Human Torpedo!
  • Resolved incorrect directional movement during Activate Anti-Gravity Soft Landing near walls
  • Eliminated Enhanced Activate Forcefield stacking with specific timing
  • Fixed camera issues during simultaneous Activate Anti-Gravity mirror matches
  • Prevented assault rifle disappearance during blocked or missed Fatal Blows
  • Fixed missing visual effects during precise Force Field timing transitions
  • Resolved visual anomalies when teleported by Motaro during special moves
  • Adjusted Helmet impact audio with Chambered Round Gear equipped

Kameo Fighter Updates

• Frost (Kameo)
  • Fixed Snow Flakes desynchronization during Krossplay matches
• Jax (Kameo)
  • Expanded Back Breaker hit region during combo sequences
  • Fixed Kameo meter color persistence after specific practice reset timing
• Kung Lao (Kameo)
  • Buzz Saw no longer connects with non-combo airborne opponents
• Shujinko (Kameo)
  • Breaker recovery accelerated by 15 frames
  • Fixed brief invisibility after Breaker into immediate Kameo attack
  • Added most Copy Kat and Mimic abilities to move list display
  • Expanded Kopy Kat and Mimic capabilities across multiple fighters including enhanced hold variations and improved recovery frames

Online & Multiplayer Enhancements

• Implemented Krossplay functionality for King of the Hill matches across PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5 platforms
• Resolved multiple Krossplay and KOTH invitation issues
• Fixed “Players Met” roster updating for Private Match participants
• Eliminated extended delay when opponent disconnects during Kasual Versus
• Fixed timer expiration requirement when King exits lobby before initial match
• Corrected Quest tracking during Private online matches
• Enabled Mask consumable functionality during Survival missions
• Fixed opponent name display errors in Endurance and Ambush encounters
• Resolved directional facing issues for new Endurance fight opponents
• Fixed visual duplication during opponent defeat explosions in Endurance matches
• Enabled Kombo Attack cancellation into Talisman Activations
• Fixed Up Block functionality when switching sides with jump attacks
• Resolved Breaker triggering issues with Kustom Dummy in Breaker Mode
• Fixed damage number overlap during multi-hit Fatal Blows
• Corrected Random Playback Trigger selection before current recording completion

Strategy Guide & Pro Tips

Mastering the Meta After the April Update

The substantial balance changes require strategic adaptation. Raiden players must recalibrate their pressure game with the Electromagnetic Storm adjustments, while Peacemaker enthusiasts face significant damage reduction across key specials. The character now demands more precise resource management and combo optimization.

Advanced Shujinko Techniques

With the expanded mimic capabilities, Shujinko becomes a versatile strategic tool. Practice the new hold variations to unlock extended combo routes and mixup potential. The faster breaker recovery enables more aggressive defensive play, while the additional move list visibility facilitates quicker adaptation during matches.

Common Execution Errors to Avoid

Many players struggle with the revised timing on Raiden’s Electric Charge—the doubled charge time demands better resource planning. Avoid wasting meter on poorly spaced Electromagnetic Storms that can now be punished more severely. For Rain users, master the new basic attacks to maximize pressure opportunities created by the frame advantage improvements.

Krossplay Optimization

With cross-platform King of the Hill now available, ensure your system meets the storage speed requirements for optimal matchmaking. The refined rollback netcode improves connectivity, but maintaining stable internet remains crucial for competitive play across platforms.

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