Can you turn off blood and gore in Mortal Kombat 1? (MK1)

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here

Can you turn off blood and gore in Mortal Kombat 1? NetherRealm’s franchise is known for its gore and brutal finishers. And while MK was responsible for age ratings in video games, players are wondering if they can turn off the violent aspects of the game.

If you don’t want all that blood and guts on your screen, read on to know if you can disable these graphic details. If you’re already playing the game, here’s every Invasion Klue in Mortal Kombat 1. And here are some Mortal Kombat 1 tips to get better at the game.

Mortal Kombat 1 turn off blood and gore: An image of Li Mei and Sareena in the game.

Can you turn off blood and gore in Mortal Kombat 1?

Unfortunately, you cannot turn off blood and gore in Mortal Kombat 1. The developers believe that the game’s brand of violence would be compromised if they offered such a solution. In an interview, Ed Boon, the creative director at NetherRealm, noted that such a move would take away from the game’s identity. 

🚀 Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25!

Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only!

*Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit.

“Part of the definition of Mortal Kombat is those things,” Boon said. “So to strip away an entire layer of it, do we really want that to be the main representation that is of the game online?” He mentioned streamers as well. “I’m always trying to think what can we do to keep the spirit of what the game is, but also allow streamers, because I’m fully aware of streamers, to show the game and make content based on the game,” he said. “I think that’s the dilemma.”

Why turn off blood and gore in MK1

This isn’t just for kids or younger fans to play the game, though. Streamers who don’t want to get demonetized for excessive violence would also benefit from this move. Considering that fighting games have a devoted audience, it would have helped both creators and viewers. On the flip side, violence has been a core part of the Mortal Kombat franchise right from 1992. Sequels have only amped up the violence to new photorealistic heights. And with improvements in graphics, brutal finishers like fatalities have only gone up in intensity. Fatal Blows show everything from skulls being crushed to blades tearing away at an opponent.


🎮 Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson 🎙️


I hope NetherRealm Studios tries to implement a violence toggle option or degrees of options for the same. This will let content creators dial down the fictional gore from its finishing moves and reach a wider audience. The lack of excessive gore could also draw new people to the esports scene and the game’s story mode. The Mortal Kombat universe could benefit from reduced gore. Our Mortal Kombat 1 review had strong praise for its refined combat.

That covers turning off blood and gore in Mortal Kombat 1. With the game releasing on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, read up on Mortal Kombat 1 crossplay options. And if you main Sub-Zero, here’s our Mortal Kombat 1 Sub-Zero guide with a move list and best combos to nail your game. Check out our MK1 roster tier list if you haven’t decided on which character to main.

Is MK1 more gory than MK11?

Yes, MK1 has more gore than MK11 owing to its better graphics.

Is MK1 too violent?

MK1 features a lot of gory violence.

About the Author

Antony Terence

Antony Terence is a Guides Writer for VideoGamer. While he is particularly fond of city-builders, shooters, and strategy titles, he won’t turn down a good JRPG or a turn-based roguelike.

Mortal Kombat 1

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Beat 'em Up