Key Highlights:
- Conan the Barbarian joins Mortal Kombat 1 in early access on 21 January 2025.
- A new teaser showcases his Atlantean Sword, powerful strikes and projectile-deflecting attacks.
- Conan is the second guest Fighter from Kombat Pack 2, following Ghostface.
NetherRealm Studios has revealed the first Conan the Barbarian gameplay teaser for Mortal Kombat 1, confirming that the legendary swordsman will join the roster in early access on 21 January 2025.
The 34-second clip, shared by Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon on 10 December, offers an early look at Conan’s sword-based fighting style and features an exchange with General Shao inspired by the 1982 Conan the Barbarian film.
Conan delivers the familiar line, “To crush your enemies, see them driven before you,” prompting General Shao to respond, “Truly, what is best in life.”
It’s a fitting introduction for a character whose reputation is built on overwhelming strength, battlefield experience and a willingness to confront almost any opponent.
The teaser features Arnold Schwarzenegger’s likeness from the 1982 film, although the actor providing Conan’s voice in Mortal Kombat 1 has not yet been confirmed.
In the brief gameplay footage, Conan demonstrates several attacks using his Atlantean Sword, including heavy slashes, spinning sword techniques and combinations that send opponents into the air.
He can also deflect incoming projectiles with his blade, suggesting that his sword will provide defensive options against opponents who prefer to fight from a distance.
What interests me most is how NetherRealm has made the sword central to Conan’s combat identity. Rather than introducing elaborate supernatural abilities, the teaser concentrates on the weapon, his physical strength and his ability to overpower opponents.
However, this is only an initial gameplay glimpse. Conan’s complete moveset, Fatalities and Animality have yet to be revealed, leaving plenty for NetherRealm to demonstrate before his January launch.
Conan was originally announced during the Khaos Reigns expansion reveal, alongside Ghostface from Scream and the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
He will be the fifth playable Fighter released through Kombat Pack 2, following Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot and Ghostface, whose gameplay trailer showcased knife attacks and additional masked killers in November.
Conan is also the second of the expansion’s three guest Fighters, with the T-1000 expected to arrive afterwards. NetherRealm has not yet confirmed the liquid-metal assassin’s release date.
Conan’s early access begins on 21 January 2025 for eligible Khaos Reigns owners, while the wider standalone release is expected to follow.
His addition continues Mortal Kombat’s long history of introducing recognisable film characters as playable Fighters, but the sword-focused teaser suggests a different approach from the firearms, supernatural powers and gadget-based abilities of other recent guests.
Later Update: Conan entered early access on 21 January and became available for standalone purchase on 28 January 2025. NetherRealm subsequently revealed the next guest Fighter, with GLN covering the T-1000 gameplay trailer and Madam Bo Kameo reveal.
