Bursting forth from the rugged landscapes of Cimmeria, Conan the Barbarian is about to make his grand entrance into Mortal Kombat 1 later this month, all thanks to the thrilling Khaos Reigns expansion.
This version of Conan draws inspiration from the legendary 1982 film, with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic likeness making its mark. While Arnold’s face might be familiar, it’s Chris Cox who brings the character to life with his distinct voice, flawlessly emulating the iconic Austrian accent we all associate with the legendary actor. Cox is no stranger to stepping into big shoes, having previously delivered an impressive portrayal of the Terminator in Mortal Kombat 11.
When you check out Conan’s intro, you’ll notice some surprisingly smooth swordplay, some of the best animation work we’ve seen in Mortal Kombat’s recent history. The nuances are something worth watching for, with clever Easter eggs thrown in for good measure. You’ll catch glimpses of Conan battling alongside a fiery red Sonya, and there’s even a nod to Conan’s roots with an Animality that transforms him into a Cimmerian bull—a nod to the beast he famously claimed to have slain in his youth, as chronicled by creator Robert E. Howard.
Excited to play as Conan? Mark your calendars! Early access kicks off on January 21 for those who went all-in with the Khaos Reigns expansion, and for everyone else, the wait ends on January 28. Conan carves his niche as the fifth guest character in Mortal Kombat 1, joining an eclectic lineup that includes Invincible’s Omni-Man, DC Comics’ Peacemaker, The Boys’ Homelander, and Ghostface from Scream. And stay tuned—Terminator 2’s T-1000 will be joining the fray to complete the game’s diverse roster sometime down the line.
