How does the Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion Mode work? Well, you’d be forgiven for being a bit confused, as it acts as a sort of RPG/board game hybrid that aims to complement the main story showcased in the main campaign. In fact, Invasion Mode pulls from the rich history of the Mortal Kombat series, specifically the various (and often wacky) mini-games offered in previous games.
If you’re looking to jump into the Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion Mode, just know that it’s easily the most unique fighting game mode this year in a year that’s absolutely packed with them. It’s this, the MK1 gear system, and the new Kameo fighters mechanic that really helps to set Mortal Kombat 1 apart from its peers. Here’s what you need to know about MK1 Invasion Mode, including a look at how seasonal credits work and how long a season of Invasion Mode lasts.
What is MK1 Invasion Mode?
Invasion Mode is a single-player affair that mixes an RPG and a board game. It features minigames and a separate, seasonal currency that can be earned by progressing through the map.
It can be a little bit daunting when you load it up, but it helps to approach it as a series of challenges that remix elements of the main campaign. In Invasion Mode, you progress through realms, taking on invading forces that each offer their own unique group of challenges and stages. Some may require you to focus on specific fighting mechanics, like blocking, while others may present as bullet hell-style minigames. Essentially, you’ll be tasked with experimenting with everything you learned by playing the campaign.
It all starts with a tutorial section set in Johnny Cage’s haunted mansion. Invasion Mode is full of unique locations like this, many of which call back to previous games in the series. It’s very similar to the World of Light mode that launched with Super Smash Bros Ultimate, in that, you move through a board game-like map filled with Easter Eggs for long-standing fans.
By playing Invasion Mode, you can unlock customizable cosmetics for your MK1 characters, behind-the-scenes content, and more Kameo fighters. Veteran players will no doubt recognize elements of the Krypt or Towers, given that Invasion Mode is a sort of greatest-hits version of Mortal Kombat classic modes.
There’s plenty to explore as you progress through Invasion Mode, and you’ll even earn in-game currency as you go. This can be spent at the Kollector to buy equipable items that change the stats of your characters. Finally, remember that there are seasonal credits and updates to enjoy, meaning that Invasion Mode will change and evolve post-launch. Make sure to check in regularly to see what new challenges and bosses have been added.
MK1 Invasion klues and solutions
Throughout Invasion, you may stumble upon special nodes with unique names. There’s at least one special node in each of the six zones, but unless you know the answer to the Invasion klue, you won’t be able to go beyond this area. It’s important to note that some of these special nodes require specific MK1 Fatalities, characters, and Kameo characters, so be sure to check out our guides beforehand.
Here is every Mortal Kombat 1 Invasions klue and the solutions to the riddles in Season of the Cryomancer:
- SAI-O-NARA -hit the opponent with Mileena’s Sai at least nine times without them blocking.
- POTS VSOIHNG – use Kameo forward throws.
- PAT LANIPS – use Kameo Sub-Zero’s Spine Rip Fatality.
- BOLTS & JOLTS – use any of Raiden’s Brutalities.
- UP IN…: Smoke’s Up in Smoke Fatality.
- DEADLY TAIL – use Sareena’s Inner Demon Fatality.
- FOR HARM – use Goro’s Prince Of Pain Fatality.
- HELPING HANDS – use Tanya’s Helping Hands fatality.
- ATOMIC – use Havik’s Atomic Heart Fatality.
- SLAPPED TOGETHER – use Kung Lao’s Slapped Together Fatality.
- BIG FINISH – use Li Mei’s Grand Finale Fatality.
- REWOP RATS – use Johnny Cage’s Hollywood Walk of Pain Fatality.
- RETAL EM EXA – use General Shao’s Axe-ident Fatality.
MK1 seasonal credits
Invasion Mode will receive seasonal updates as it goes along. New Realms and challenges will be added every six weeks, giving you new opportunities to spend seasonal credits. These credits cannot be bought with real-world money, and you’ll need to play Invasion Mode and progress to earn them. These can then, in turn, be used to purchase seasonal items like cosmetics for your favorite fighters.
When does the next MK1 Invasion Mode season start?
We expect the next season of Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion Mode to start around Wednesday, February 14, 2024. This is due to seasons lasting six weeks, with the current one ending on February 13, 2024.
This date is yet to be confirmed by NetherRealm, but if it alters, we’ll update this guide to reflect the change. As this is relatively close to Valentine’s Day, we’d expect season 4 of MK1 Invasion Mode to feature a themed boss with an appropriate MK twist.
How long is a season of Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion?
Each season of Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion Mode lasts roughly six weeks. After six weeks, there will be a refresh, adding in new realms, different bosses, new invading forces, and more. You can take on these seasonal updates as they drop, allowing you to try out new challenges and earn even more Seasonal Credits. Essentially, Invasion Mode will refresh after each six-week period, giving you more reasons to jump back in.
While Invasion Mode will undoubtedly demand a lot of your time, there’s plenty more to uncover in Mortal Kombat 1. To ensure you’re ready for the battle ahead, check out our list of Mortal Kombat 1 Brutalities and how the MK1 gear system works. Elsewhere, there’s our explainer on MK1 Dragon Crystals, which can be used in the store to purchase everything from new outfits to Easy Fatality Tokens.