In the ever-evolving realm of Mortal Kombat 1, the community buzzes with speculation about future DLC fighters. Since its launch, the game has embraced a reborn universe crafted by Liu Kang, introducing fresh character dynamics, Kameo Fighters, and the Invasions mode. As Kombat Pack 1 rolled out and Invasions seasons unfolded, series director Ed Boon confirmed a story expansion akin to Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath, and more Kombat Packs seemed inevitable. Yet, conflicting leaks and datamines have swirled around Kombat Pack 2, with one guest character in particular capturing fans' imaginations: the Doomslayer from modern DOOM titles.
The Leaks and the Legacy of Uncertainty
Before Mortal Kombat 1 even hit shelves, corroborated leaks suggested the Doomslayer could join the roster. Post-launch datamines contradicted these claims, along with most pre-release rumors about Kombat Pack 2. However, Mortal Kombat has a long history of inconclusive leaksâremember Ash Williams from Evil Dead being datamined for Mortal Kombat 11 but never materializing? Or the Mortal Kombat 12 leak that threw expectations into disarray? As a result, every leak, including the one featuring the Doomslayer, must be taken with a grain of salt. Even in 2026, as the game continues to receive updates and the community dissects every byte of data, the Doomslayer's fate remains uncertain.
The leaked roster, which surfaced alongside the Doomslayer rumor, included a mix of returning fighters and guest characters. Here's a breakdown of what was supposedly planned:
| Character | Type |
|---|---|
| Noob Saibot | Main roster |
| Kano | Main roster |
| Sareena | Main roster |
| Harley Quinn | Guest |
| Deathstroke | Guest |
| Doomslayer | Guest |
| Bo' Rai Cho | Kameo |
| Drahmin | Kameo |
| Hsu Hao | Kameo |
| Moloch | Kameo |
| Rain | Kameo |
This list alone sparked endless debates. While some names felt like nostalgic returns, the inclusion of three guest charactersâHarley Quinn, Deathstroke, and the Doomslayerâraised eyebrows. For many fans, the Doomslayer stood out as the most thrilling yet problematic addition.
A Perfect Match on Paper
If the Doomslayer does arrive, it would mark a historic moment. Mortal Kombat's only previous video game guest fighter was Kratos from God of War, who appeared exclusively in the PS3 and PSP versions of Mortal Kombat 9. The Doomslayer fits Mortal Kombat's gory, M-rated aesthetic like a glove. His most recent title, DOOM Eternal, offers a blueprint for his playstyle: assigning different guns to every part of his moveset. Even with plenty of close-range attacks, his animation variety could make him a spectacle to watchâespecially when translating his iconic Glory Kills into Fatalities and Brutalities. The potential for visceral, over-the-top finishers is immense, and fans have already imagined the carnage.
The Double-Edged Sword
Yet, several obstacles could prevent the Doomslayer from ever stepping into the arena. First and foremost, just like Kratos, the Doomslayer is a first-party Microsoft character following the 2021 Bethesda acquisition. That means his Mortal Kombat 1 appearance, however sensible, could be locked to Xbox Series and PC platformsâmirroring Kratos's Sony exclusivity. This assumes NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games are even willing to strike such a deal, and haven't already ruled him out for this very reason.
Setting aside exclusivity, other concerns linger. Mortal Kombat 1 has handled zoning characters better than Injustice 2 and Mortal Kombat 11, but the Doomslayer's arsenal of gunsâplus Harley Quinn and Deathstroke sharing his leakârisks a return to oppressive ranged combat. Even if that's balanced, his inclusion would break the seal on modern Mortal Kombat featuring video game guests. After years of movie and comic book characters, game crossovers would be refreshing, but the shrinking pool of realistic, ultra-violent AAA gaming IPs means Mortal Kombat 1 shouldn't make promises future entries can't keep.
The Community's Verdict
As 2026 unfolds, the debate rages on. Some fans argue that the Doomslayer is too perfect to pass up, while others worry about platform exclusivity and gameplay balance. The leak's contradictory nature only fuels the fire. For now, the Doomslayer remains a tantalizing "what if"âa double-edged sword that could either elevate Mortal Kombat 1 to new heights or introduce complications that ripple through future installments. Whether he eventually joins the roster or fades into rumor, one thing is certain: the Mortal Kombat community will keep talking about it. đŽđĽ
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