Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) reboots NetherRealm’s legendary fighting franchise, and its soundtrack matches the reinvention with a cinematic, hard-hitting score led by composer Wilbert Roget II, backed by a deep bench of guest composers.
As a fresh start for the timeline, the music balances orchestral weight with electronic edge — a brutal-but-nuanced sound for Liu Kang’s newly forged universe.
Quick Facts
| Title | Mortal Kombat 1 |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Fighting game |
| Developer | NetherRealm Studios |
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Games |
| Lead composer | Wilbert Roget II |
| Style | Orchestral + electronic |
| Release date | September 19, 2023 |
| Vinyl release | Enjoy the Ride Records / Mondo |
The Score & Composers
Wilbert Roget II — known for Call of Duty: WWII and earlier Mortal Kombat work — composed the core score, described by the team as bringing nuance to a brutal world by blending orchestra and electronics.
He was joined by a roster of stage-music composers, including longtime Mortal Kombat sound architect Dan Forden, Grammy-winning Assassin’s Creed Valhalla composer Stephanie Economou, and Devil May Cry 5 composer Casey Edwards, alongside Nathan Grigg, Dan Negovan, Dean Grinsfelder and Joel Corelitz.
The fresh score suits the game’s story: Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the franchise’s timeline after the events of Mortal Kombat 11, with Liu Kang reshaping the universe — so the music had to feel both new and unmistakably “Mortal Kombat,” a balance Dan Forden’s long history with the series helps anchor.
The Composer Team
Mortal Kombat 1’s music was a collaboration across a lead composer and several guest contributors.
| Composer | Role / Known For |
|---|---|
| Wilbert Roget II | Lead composer (Call of Duty: WWII) |
| Dan Forden | Stage music; classic Mortal Kombat sound |
| Stephanie Economou | Stage music (Grammy winner, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla) |
| Casey Edwards | Stage music (Devil May Cry 5) |
| Nathan Grigg | Stage music |
| Dan Negovan | Stage music |
| Dean Grinsfelder | Stage music |
| Joel Corelitz | Stage music |
Where to Stream
Mortal Kombat 1 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC. The official soundtrack streams on Apple Music and Spotify, with collector vinyl editions issued by Enjoy the Ride Records and Mondo.
For more game scores, browse our streaming soundtrack hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Mortal Kombat 1 soundtrack?
Wilbert Roget II composed the lead score, with stage music from a team including Dan Forden, Stephanie Economou, Casey Edwards, Nathan Grigg, Dan Negovan, Dean Grinsfelder and Joel Corelitz.
Is the Devil May Cry 5 composer in Mortal Kombat 1?
Yes. Casey Edwards, known for Devil May Cry 5, contributed stage music to Mortal Kombat 1.
What does the Mortal Kombat 1 score sound like?
It mixes orchestral and electronic music for a cinematic but brutal tone fitting the rebooted timeline.
When was Mortal Kombat 1 released?
Mortal Kombat 1 launched on September 19, 2023.
Can I buy the soundtrack on vinyl?
Yes. Collector vinyl editions were released by Enjoy the Ride Records and Mondo.
Is Mortal Kombat 1 a reboot?
Yes. It reboots the series’ timeline following Mortal Kombat 11, with Liu Kang forging a new universe — and the score reflects that fresh start while keeping the franchise’s signature intensity.
Related reading: All streaming soundtracks · TV soundtracks hub