MK1’s latest update fixes Player 1 advantage bug while rebalancing character moves and parry interactions
Critical Player 1 Advantage Fix
NetherRealm Studios has released the crucial MK1 0.122 update, resolving the problematic Player 1 advantage that compromised competitive integrity since launch.
Competitive players quickly identified an imbalance where the first player position provided measurable benefits that distorted match outcomes. This technical flaw created frustration in ranked matches and tournament settings where every advantage matters.
The advantage manifested through multiple technical disparities: Player 2 characters suffered from expanded hurtboxes making them easier to hit, while simultaneously dealing reduced damage output. This dual disadvantage meant P1 could execute combos that were impossible for their opponent to replicate, creating fundamentally unequal gameplay conditions.
Originally slated for late September deployment, development complications forced a delay as the team worked to ensure the fix wouldn’t introduce new technical problems. The October 2nd release now provides the comprehensive solution competitive communities demanded.
Character-Specific Balance Changes
Beyond the critical Player 1 fix, the 0.122 update introduces extensive character balancing that significantly alters matchup dynamics and defensive options.
The patch focuses heavily on refining high-parry interactions, creating more consistent defensive responses to specific special moves. This represents a fundamental shift in how players must approach defensive gameplay against various character matchups.
Mortal Kombat 1’s 0.122 patch includes these comprehensive adjustments:
- Ashrah
- God’s Wrath and Demon’s Wrath now vulnerable to high parry
- Light Ascension and Dark Ascension can be high-parried
- Baraka
- (Air) Death Spin no longer high-parriable
- Reflex Tester (Back + Front Punch) immune to high parry
- Bleeding Foot (Back + Front Kick) second hit cannot be high parried
- General Shao
- Power Strike now high-parriable
- Fixed parry inconsistency between Devastator and Klassic Kahn – both immune to high parry
- Johnny Cage
- Ball Buster vulnerable to high parry
- Rising Star can be high-parried
- Shadow Kick now high-parriable
- Kenshi
- Sento Stance Lost Way (Forward + Back Punch, Back Punch, Front Punch) immune to high parry
- Kung Lao
- Knee Buckle (Back + Front Kick) now vulnerable to high parry
- Li Mei
- (Air) Flipping Heel Kick immune to high parry
- No Holds Barred (Back + Front Kick, Back Kick) cannot be high parried
- Nitara
- Enhanced Bad Blood immune to high parry
- Raiden
- Electric Fly and (Air) Electric Fly immune to high parry
- Rain
- Enhanced Upflow immune to high parry
- Geyser cannot be high-parried
- Reptile
- Death Roll immune to high parry
- Falling Fangs cannot be high-parried
- Scorpion
- Twisted Kyo now vulnerable to high parry
- Shang Tsung
- Old Form Goal Kick (Forward + Font Kick) immune to high parry
- Sindel
- Enhanced Low Hairball first hit (kick attack) now vulnerable to high parry
- Sub-Zero
- Ice Slide immune to high parry
- Tanya
- Drill Kick now vulnerable to high parry
Strategic Implications and Player Tips
The 0.122 update fundamentally changes competitive strategies, particularly around defensive options and character counterplay. Understanding these shifts is crucial for maintaining competitive performance.
Practical Strategy Adjustments: Players must relearn which moves can be safely parried against each character. For example, Raiden mains can now use Electric Fly more aggressively since it bypasses high parries, while opponents facing Johnny Cage gain new defensive options against his signature moves.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Don’t attempt high parries against Baraka’s Reflex Tester or Raiden’s Electric Fly – these moves now ignore this defensive option. Similarly, avoid relying on previously safe moves like Sub-Zero’s Ice Slide for pressure since they can no longer be parried, changing opponent response patterns.
Advanced Optimization: High-level players should focus on frame data adjustments for characters like Kenshi, whose Sento Stance Lost Way now maintains pressure through parry attempts. Test new combo routes that account for fixed pushback distances and buffer timing changes to maximize damage efficiency.
For more on Mortal Kombat 1, check out the following hubs:
Mortal Kombat 1 Review | Does Mortal Kombat 1 have a 24th character? | How to do a Brutality | How to do a Fatality | What is a Quitality? | How to taunt | How to do a Fatal Blow | How to unlock Havik | How many chapters does Mortal Kombat 1 have? | Every Mortal Kombat 1 Fatality | How long does it take to beat the campaign? | Mortal Kombat 1 currency explained | How to unlock Kameos | Mortal Kombat 1 DLC | All Achievements & Trophies | How to unlock Shang Tsung
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