Summary
In recent years, theMortal Kombattimeline has become increasingly divergent. Since the initial timeline reset inMortal Kombat (2011)a.k.a.MK9,there have been multiple versions of similar events to keep track of. The overall story has become even more difficult to follow now that the recently releasedMortal Kombat 1has reset the timeline again, this time more drastically. To complicate things further, anotherMKgame was released around the same time asMK1, the mobile exclusiveMortal Kombat: Onslaught. Though the universes of these games may seem very similar, there are some substantial differences between the two.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaughtis set in an alternate timeline to the mainlineMortal Kombatgames. The characters, locations, and themes are consistent among the two timelines, but the events that unfold drastically change the course of them. However, the story ofMortal Kombat 1opened the door to amultiverse of timelines withinMortal Kombat. As such,Mortal Kombat: Onslaught’s timeline does technically exist adjacent to the timeline ofMortal Kombat 1. Although closely related, the differences between timelines are numerous.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught Timeline Key Differences
RELATED:How Mortal Kombat 1 Takes a Minor Character to The Next Level
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught Vs. Mortal Kombat 1’s Timeline
By utilizing an art style very close to that ofMortal Kombat 11,Mortal Kombat: Onslaughtcan be mistaken for being in the same timeline as that game. Though, unlikeMK9orMK1,MK: Onslaughtis not a diverging timelinebut one that exists completely separately. The backstory is fairly similar though, initiating with the competition between Earthrealm and Outworld in theMortal Kombattournament. Onslaught then goes on to focus primarily on the corrupted Elder God Shinnok, who attempted to kill his fellow gods and destroy theMortal Kombatrealms.
Shinnok was first introduced inMortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zerobut made his mainline debut inMortal Kombat 4as the main antagonist and final boss of that game. Shinnok returned again as the main villain ofMKX, afterMK9’s timeline reset. He has not yet appeared inMK1’s newest timeline.Shinnok’s story inMK:Onslaughtis similar to the main timeline, where he has been cast to the Netherrealm after failing to defeat his fellow Elder Gods. Shinnok then hatches a plan to escape his imprisonment and seek revenge on those who have sent him there.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught’s Alternate Characters
One of the main objects in the plot ofMK: Onslaughtis the Mask of Drahmin, several other powerful relics. Shinnok seeks to use these relics in his fight against Raiden and the Elder Gods, so the heroes of Earthrealm must find them first. Many of these relics were referenced in previousMortal Kombatgames but never given much importance. InMK1’s new era, it is unclear if these relics exist as there has been no mention of them yet, or the Oni Drahmin himself.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught’s timeline is similar in many ways toMortal Kombat 1’s, as many of the characters and their relationships are the same. But the biggest difference is the fact thatOnslaughtdoes not yet mention Titans or Keepers of Time. It is not yet specified whether the timeline of that game is also managed by the same Keeper of the Hourglass that governs the timelines ofMortal Kombat 1. In any case, it has been demonstrated through added characters that alternate versions from other timelines can make an appearance inOnslaught. This has been shown most recently withthe addition ofMortal Kombat 1Scorpion. Time will tell if these timelines are more canonically connected than they seem.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
