Key Highlights:
- Kameo Fighters function as support characters with unique assist moves, Fatalities, and Brutalities.
- 10 Kameos are available by default; 5 unlock via profile levelling, plus 6 more through Kombat Packs.
- A fast unlock method involves Invasions mode, XP-boosting Relics, and Tower grinding.
Quick Links:
What Are MK1 Kameo Fighters?
Kameo Fighters are Mortal Kombat 1’s headline mechanic, allowing players to summon support characters during a fight. These assists can interrupt combos, extend offence, or apply pressure, and are usable once your Kameo Meter is at least half-full.
Each MK1 Kameo has its own move set, including directional variations when summoned and unique finishers – they’re not just cosmetic extras, but tactical assets in the new meta.
How Kameos Work in Combat
When selecting your fighter, you’ll also choose a Kameo. Pressing R1 (PlayStation), RB (Xbox), or R (Switch) during a match triggers the assist, depending on your meter.
Holding a direction modifies their behaviour (e.g., forward for aggression, down for defence). Mastering this interaction adds depth to even the simplest combos. Kameos also come with their own Fatalities and Brutalities, giving players more cinematic ways to finish off opponents.
All 15 Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1
| Kameo Fighter | Available From |
|---|---|
| Cyrax | Default |
| Darrius | Default |
| Frost | Default |
| Goro | Default |
| Jax | Default |
| Kano | Default |
| Sareena | Default |
| Sektor | Default |
| Sonya | Default |
| Stryker | Default |
| Scorpion | Profile Level 5 |
| Sub-Zero | Profile Level 10 |
| Kung Lao | Profile Level 15 |
| Shujinko | Profile Level 20 |
| Motaro | Profile Level 25 |
The final five require levelling your Player Profile Level – not Invasion Level – to specific milestones.
Fastest Way to Unlock All Kameo Fighters
Unlocking Kameos can be grind-heavy, but there’s a reliable and fast method:
Step-by-Step Unlock Strategy
- Adjust Settings:
- Go to Settings > Gameplay
- Set Rounds to Win to 1
- Set Difficulty to Very Easy
- Enter Invasions Mode:
- Complete the Invasions tutorial if you haven’t already.
- Open the Loadout screen: Triangle (PS) / Y (Xbox)
- Equip a Relic – specifically the Shao Relic — which grants a 15% XP Boost
- Grind Using Towers:
- Enter Towers Mode (found in the main menu)
- Use Fatalities and basic combos during fights to maximise XP gain
- Repeat completed towers to farm more XP efficiently
Bonus Tips
- Each Fatality or Brutality you perform increases XP gained post-match.
- Replaying short towers is faster than grinding individual matches.
- Player levels increase in 5-level increments for each Kameo unlock. You’ll need to reach Level 25 to unlock Motaro, the final Kameo.
| Unlock Level | Kameo |
|---|---|
| Level 5 | Scorpion |
| Level 10 | Sub-Zero |
| Level 15 | Kung Lao |
| Level 20 | Shujinko |
| Level 25 | Motaro |
Additional Kameo Fighters via Kombat Packs
Beyond the base roster and profile unlocks, six more Kameo Fighters are available through premium content:
- Tremor
- Khameleon
- Janet Cage
- Mavado
- Ferra
- Madam Bo
The first five – Tremor, Khameleon, Janet Cage, Mavado, and Ferra – are included in the original Kombat Pack as Kameo-only characters. Madam Bo, on the other hand, is introduced via Kombat Pack 2.
How to Unlock These Kameos:
You can unlock all six by either:
- Purchasing Kombat Pack 1 and Kombat Pack 2 separately, or
- Buying the Mortal Kombat 1: Definitive Edition, which bundles the base game with all DLC content, including both Kombat Packs and all Kameo Fighters.
These additional fighters expand your assist options even further and are expected to become increasingly relevant in competitive play and online modes.