Quick Verdict: Mortal Kombat XL is the better pick if you want a genuinely complete classic Mortal Kombat package at a third of the price, with every DLC fighter and fatality already included. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the better pick if you want the newest combat system, the largest roster, and the strongest critical reception. Mortal Kombat XL costs $19.99 on Steam, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate costs $59.99, and both already have their own “how to get it free” guide linked below.
Mortal Kombat XL and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate are both complete-package releases from NetherRealm Studios, bundling every piece of DLC into one purchase, but they represent different eras of the franchise. XL is the definitive version of Mortal Kombat X. Ultimate is the definitive version of the studio’s newest, most acclaimed entry. This guide breaks down where each one wins.
Mortal Kombat XL vs 11 Ultimate at a Glance
| Category | Mortal Kombat XL | Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate |
| Release Date | 2016 (complete release of Mortal Kombat X) | November 17, 2020 (Ultimate Edition) |
| Price on Steam | $19.99 | $59.99 |
| Developer | NetherRealm Studios | NetherRealm Studios |
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment | Warner Bros. Entertainment |
| Metacritic Score | Not separately documented at the same scale | 91 |
| Roster Size | 24 fighters, each with 3 combat variations | 37 fighters, the franchise’s largest complete roster |
| Guest Fighters | Alien vs. Predator characters, Leatherface | Terminator, Joker, Spawn, RoboCop, and Rambo |
| Best For | Players who want a complete, budget-friendly classic MK package | Players who want the newest, most critically acclaimed, and largest roster |
Combat System
Mortal Kombat XL gives each character three distinct combat variations, letting a single fighter like Scorpion wield dual swords in one build or summon a demon in another. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate uses a custom variation system for building your own fighter loadout, plus a Fatal Blow mechanic that grants a powerful comeback move once per match at low health. Edge: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, for a more modern, deeply customizable combat system.
Roster and Guest Characters
Mortal Kombat XL’s 24-fighter roster brings in guest characters from Alien vs. Predator and Leatherface, adding horror-crossover appeal. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate’s 37-fighter roster includes Terminator, Joker, Spawn, RoboCop, and Rambo, voiced by Sylvester Stallone himself. Edge: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, for a significantly larger roster and higher-profile guest characters.
Completeness and Value
Mortal Kombat XL bundles every DLC fighter and skin from Kombat Pack 1 and Kombat Pack 2 into its $19.99 price, with no missing content to chase down separately. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate bundles the base game, both Kombat Packs, and the Aftermath expansion into its $59.99 price, with NetherRealm officially ending DLC support in July 2021 to make it the franchise’s final complete version. Edge: Mortal Kombat XL, for delivering a genuinely complete package at a third of the price.
Critical Reception
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate holds a well-documented 91 Metacritic score and an 88 percent positive Steam rating from over 85,000 reviews. Mortal Kombat XL’s reception isn’t tracked at the same scale in the same review aggregators, though it’s widely regarded as one of NetherRealm’s most complete releases before Mortal Kombat 11 arrived. Edge: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, for a strong, well-documented critical consensus.
Age and Technical Presentation
Mortal Kombat XL is a 2016-era fighting game with light hardware demands, running comfortably on modest, mid-range PCs. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate uses a newer, more modern engine, with more visually detailed character models and fatalities. Edge: Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, for a more modern technical presentation.
Price and Value
Mortal Kombat XL costs $19.99 for a fully complete package. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate costs $59.99, three times as much. Edge: Mortal Kombat XL, for the dramatically lower price paired with zero missing content.
Which One Should You Play First?
- Want the most modern, critically acclaimed fighter with the deepest roster: start with Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate.
- Want a complete, budget-friendly classic MK package at a third of the price: start with Mortal Kombat XL.
- New to fighting games and want to spend less to start: start with Mortal Kombat XL.
- Want the newest combat system and highest-profile guest characters: start with Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate.
Overall Verdict
Mortal Kombat XL remains a genuinely complete, budget-friendly way into the franchise, bundling every piece of Mortal Kombat X content at a third of the price of the newer entry. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate costs more but delivers the studio’s most modern combat system, largest roster, and strongest documented critical reception. If price and completeness matter most, start with Mortal Kombat XL. If you want the newest, most acclaimed NetherRealm fighter available, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is worth the extra cost.
Get Both For Less
Both games already have their own dedicated guide on this site covering legitimate ways to get them below full Steam price. Read How To Get Mortal Kombat XL Free and How To Get Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Free for the full breakdown of both routes.
FAQ
Which is better, Mortal Kombat XL or Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate?
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the better pick for the newest combat system, the largest roster, and the strongest documented critical reception. Mortal Kombat XL is the better pick for a complete, budget-friendly package at a third of the price. Neither is objectively better, they fit different budgets.
Is Mortal Kombat XL cheaper than Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate?
Yes. Mortal Kombat XL costs $19.99 on Steam compared to Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate’s $59.99, a third of the price.
Does Mortal Kombat XL include all the DLC?
Yes. It bundles every fighter and skin from Kombat Pack 1 and Kombat Pack 2 into the base $19.99 purchase, with no missing content to buy separately.
Which game has the bigger roster, XL or 11 Ultimate?
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate has the bigger roster at 37 fighters, compared to Mortal Kombat XL’s 24 fighters.
Are both games made by the same studio?
Yes. Both Mortal Kombat XL and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate were developed by NetherRealm Studios and published under the Warner Bros. umbrella.
