Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11), developed by NetherRealm Studios, continues to receive post-release updates that shape its competitive balance and player perception. The Aftermath expansion added story content and characters; subsequent patches—including the NSP Update 1017—serve to refine gameplay, fix issues, and update online systems. This paper provides a structured overview of Update 1017, situates it within MK11’s live-service lifecycle, and evaluates short- and medium-term effects.
When Mortal Kombat 11 launched in April 2019, it was already a high-water mark for fighting games—boasting a cinematic story, refined mechanics, and grotesque yet artistic Fatalities. But NetherRealm Studios proved their commitment to longevity with Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, a massive story expansion released in May 2020. Later, incremental patches—including the often-discussed “update 1.017” on platforms like the Nintendo Switch—refined the experience further. To understand Aftermath’s impact, one must examine its narrative ambition, gameplay additions, and the technical evolution represented by patches like 1.017.
A Story That Rewrites History
Aftermath continues immediately after the base game’s ending, where Liu Kang becomes the Fire God and Lord of Time. Rather than a simple epilogue, the expansion introduces a time-travel heist led by Shang Tsung (returning with Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s iconic portrayal). Joined by Fujin, the god of wind, and Nightwolf, the trio navigates alternate timelines to retrieve Kronika’s crown. The narrative cleverly retcons the original ending, offering multiple conclusions—including a shocking betrayal where Shang Tsung can win, erasing Liu Kang and reshaping reality. This branching finale gave players agency and cemented Aftermath as essential, not just additive.
Gameplay Additions That Mattered
Beyond story, Aftermath brought three new playable characters: Fujin (an agile wind-manipulator with combo-heavy strings), Sheeva (a Shokan warrior revamped with dragon-summoning and a devastating teleport stomp), and the returning cyborg ninja RoboCop (a guest character with zoning tools and an auto-9 pistol). Each added unique match-up dynamics. The expansion also introduced “Stage Fatalities,” a beloved classic feature, and new Friendships, offering lighter alternatives to brutalities. For competitive players, Aftermath rebalanced the entire roster, adjusting frame data and krushing blow requirements.
Patch 1.017 – The Switch Version’s Turning Point
On Nintendo Switch, Mortal Kombat 11 faced unique challenges: lower resolution, longer load times, and occasional frame dips. Update 1.017 (sometimes listed as version 1.0.17 or part of the Aftermath integration) was a critical stability and performance patch. While exact notes vary by region, players reported improved texture streaming, reduced audio crackling during Fatalities, and smoother Krypt movement. More importantly, it fully merged Aftermath content for those who purchased the expansion, ensuring Fujin’s wind-kicks and Sheeva’s stomp didn’t tank the framerate. For Switch owners, 1.017 was the moment MK11 became reliably playable in handheld mode—a technical achievement given the game’s visual fidelity.
Legacy and Lasting Value
Aftermath and its subsequent patches demonstrated NetherRealm’s post-launch philosophy: treat expansions as reinventions, not afterthoughts. The Switch’s 1.017 update, though small compared to PC or console patches, symbolized the studio’s dedication to parity across all platforms. Today, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath remains a gold standard for fighting game DLC—offering a meaty single-player campaign, beloved characters, and technical refinements that kept the community active until Mortal Kombat 1’s release in 2023.
In the end, whether you played on a high-end PC or a Nintendo Switch patched to version 1.017, Aftermath proved that a fighting game’s story could rival Hollywood blockbusters—and that thoughtful updates could make even the underpowered hardware feel like a portal to Outworld.
If you need information about legitimate ways to obtain and update Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath (e.g., purchasing from the eShop or using official patch downloads), let me know and I’ll be glad to help.
This paper examines the NSP Update 1017 for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, released as an incremental post-launch patch. It analyzes patch contents (balance changes, bug fixes, netcode and performance adjustments, and content updates), assesses impacts on competitive play and player experience, and discusses implications for ongoing developer support and community reaction. Recommendations for future patches and research directions are provided.
If you’ve been keeping Mortal Kombat 11 on your Nintendo Switch docked, undocked, or running through your favorite custom firmware, you’ve likely seen the latest update pop up: Version 1.0.17.
For players using an NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) setup, this update is more than just a bug fix. Here’s a deep dive into what Update 1.0.17 actually does, why it matters for the Aftermath expansion, and what you need to know before installing.
For competitive community
Future research
Update 1.0.17 includes data for all 12 DLC fighters, including the Kombat Pack 1 (Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Terminator, Joker, Sindel, Spawn) and Kombat Pack 2 (Mileena, Rain, Rambo). If you have the Aftermath NSP base, this update ensures compatibility with all unlockers.
! Whether you purchased the DLC or are sticking with the base game, there is plenty of new content to sink your teeth into. ⚔️ New Content (DLC Required) New Story Chapters:
An all-new cinematic story epilogue featuring Fire God Liu Kang, Fujin, and Shang Tsung. 3 New Fighters:
The God of Wind, utilizing wind-based projectiles and swordplay.
The Shokan queen, a powerful grappler with unblockable stomps.
Guest fighter voiced by Peter Weller, specialized in long-range ordinance. 🎁 Free Updates for All Players Friendships:
Non-violent finishers return for every character (e.g., Scorpion hugging a teddy bear). New Stages: Includes the return of the Soul Chamber Stage Fatalities:
Use the environment to execute your opponents in specific arenas. 🛠️ General Gameplay & Balance Adjustments Armor Break:
New moves added for most characters specifically designed to break an opponent's armor. Practice Mode: Added more AI interaction options for better training. Character Tweaks: mortal kombat 11 aftermath nsp update 1017 updated
Received significant changes (8 individual tweaks) to her gameplay and krushing blows. Improved krushing blow triggers.
Universal adjustments to recovery frames and hit reactions for various moves across the roster. Mortal Kombat Games Support Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath Update (Friendship Fatalities)
The update for Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath (Version 1.0.17) on the Nintendo Switch is a vital patch that ensures the game remains balanced and technically sound following its massive story expansion. This specific update, often associated with the NSP file format for digital installations, brings several key character adjustments and system refinements to the handheld version.
Below is a detailed breakdown of what this update offers and why it is a necessary download for any Switch player. 1. Key Character Balance Changes
The 1.0.17 update focused heavily on fine-tuning the frame data and hit reactions for the entire roster. Here are some of the most notable changes found in the official Release Notes:
Baraka: His Low Stab and Straight Shank moves received increased recovery frames on miss, making them riskier to use.
Cassie Cage: Her Straight Punch now has more recovery frames on miss, though it provides more hit advantage on grounded opponents.
Kitana: Received significant tweaks, including a startup frame reduction for her Neck Slice (now 11 frames down from 13) and a rework of Edenian Razors, which now attacks with one fan but can be amplified for more.
Sheeva & Fujin: Both Aftermath DLC characters saw adjustments to their unique moves, such as Sheeva's Tele-Stomp receiving a startup frame reduction for better efficiency. 2. Aftermath Expansion Content
While the 1.0.17 update includes technical fixes, it is built to support the massive Aftermath Expansion. If you have the expansion, this update ensures the following content runs smoothly:
A Brand New Story: A 5-chapter cinematic epilogue that follows Fire God Liu Kang as he attempts to forge a new timeline.
New Playable Fighters: Access to the wind god Fujin, the Shokan enforcer Sheeva, and guest star RoboCop.
Klassic Finishers: The return of Friendships (non-violent finishers) and Stage Fatalities for the entire roster. 3. Technical Improvements for Switch
The Switch version of MK11 is a technical marvel, maintaining 60fps even in handheld mode. The 1.0.17 update specifically targets:
Online Stability: Minor improvements to the Kombat League to prevent rare desyncs.
Visual Fixes: Corrections for blood color issues on certain characters and alignment fixes for gear during cinematic finishers.
Storage Requirements: The full game, including the Aftermath update, requires approximately 32.5 GB of space. 4. Summary of Update 1.0.17 Features
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Patch Note - All changes - Red Bull
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion, often associated with major Nintendo Switch updates such as version
, is a substantial content pack that significantly expands the base game. While the specific "1.0.17" version typically refers to one of the incremental maintenance patches on Switch, the core of the experience remains the same across recent versions. Expansion Highlights Cinematic Story Extension
: Adds a ~3-hour campaign that continues directly from the base game's ending. It features a "time-travel heist" narrative starring the sorcerer Shang Tsung New Playable Fighters Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11), developed by NetherRealm Studios,
: The God of Wind, known for flashy, space-controlling wind attacks. : The four-armed Shokan Queen, a powerful grappler.
: A guest character focused on long-range "keepaway" gameplay. Gameplay Additions : Includes the return of Friendships (non-lethal finishers) and new Stage Fatalities Performance on Nintendo Switch Stability and Performance : The game targets
during gameplay, though resolution is dynamic and may dip in handheld mode. Storage Requirements
: The full "Ultimate" experience (including Aftermath) requires approximately
of space. Even with a physical cartridge, substantial updates (up to 24 GB) may be required. Visual Fidelity
: While character models are simplified compared to other platforms, reviewers consider it a technical achievement for the portable console. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath DLC review
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath (Update 1.0.17) brought significant balance shifts and major content expansions to the Nintendo Switch. This version is particularly notable for being a massive technical overhaul that prepared the handheld console for the "Aftermath" story expansion. Major Expansion Features New Story Chapters
: A brand-new cinematic epilogue centered on Fire God Liu Kang and his quest to secure a new timeline with the help of unlikely allies like Shang Tsung. Playable Fighters : Three new characters joined the roster: : The Wind God, utilizing wind powers and a crossbow. : The four-armed Shokan queen and heavy-hitting grappler.
: A guest fighter voiced by original actor Peter Weller, focused on long-range keepaway tactics. Free Content for All : Even without purchasing the DLC, players received: Friendships
: Lighthearted finishers that allow matches to end without violence. New Stages : Return of classics like the Dead Pool and Soul Chamber. Stage Fatalities : Environment-based finishing moves. Update 1.0.17 Balance & Gameplay Fixes
This specific patch focused on refining the meta and fixing performance issues: Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath Update (Friendship Fatalities)
One useful feature included in the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath update (v1.0.17 on Switch, often listed as 1.0.17 / 10.17) is:
The ability to use Friendships and Stage Fatalities without needing to perform the classic "hold Switch/Flip Stance" button modifier.
Before this update, pulling off a Friendship or Stage Fatality required holding down the Flip Stance button (or a similar modifier) during the final input sequence, which was unintuitive and easy to mess up.
After updating to 1.0.17 (paired with the Aftermath expansion), the input system was streamlined so that:
This makes finishing moves much more accessible in real matches or towers, reducing input errors and letting you enjoy the content added in the Aftermath expansion (like the Stage Fatalities on the Retrocade and Shaolin Trap Dungeon stages).
The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath update (Version 1.17) for Nintendo Switch focused heavily on refining the Practice Mode, adjusting the "Aftermath" expansion content, and balancing key characters. Core Expansion Features
The Aftermath update introduced the following major additions:
New Story Content: A brand-new cinematic story conclusion centered around Shang Tsung's time-traveling scheme. New Fighters : Access to three new playable characters: , , and .
New Stages & Fatalities: Added iconic stages and the return of Stage Fatalities and Friendships for all characters. Version 1.17 Specific Adjustments
Released in mid-2020 for Switch, this specific patch included: Practice Mode Overhaul: If you need information about legitimate ways to
Armor Break Lessons: Added a tutorial specifically for Armor Break attacks.
Breakaway AI: New AI settings for "Breakaway" (Off, Fast, Delay, Late) to help players practice timing against opponents escaping combos.
Button Log Improvement: Added a "Full" button log option that displays Right Stick inputs. General Gameplay Refinements:
Input Buffer: Increased the input buffer when exiting a block hit reaction from two to five frames, making the transition from defense to offense smoother.
Brutalities: Added several new Brutalities and adjusted requirements for existing ones (e.g., holding certain buttons during the hit).
AI Logic: Improvements to computer-controlled fighters and move list corrections. Key Character Balance Changes
Kitana: Received significant rework, including five extra frames of hit advantage on "Heal Poke" and adjustments to "Edenian Razors" (now attacks with one fan but can be amplified for more).
Jacqui Briggs: The "Bionic Bounce" ability was nerfed to cost one bar of defensive meter when used to move toward or away from an opponent.
Kung Lao: The reaction to his "Vortex" move was changed to prevent opponents from using Breakaway.
Johnny Cage: "Rising Star" can no longer be amplified when flawless blocked. Official MK11 PS4, XB1, and Switch Release Notes 05/26/20
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath [v1.0.17] Update This update integrates the Aftermath expansion content and applies critical stability fixes for the NSP version. 🟢 Key Features
Story Expansion: Access the all-new cinematic Story mode chapters. New Fighters: Full support for Fujin, Sheeva, and RoboCop. Stage Fatalities: Re-enabled for compatible environments.
Friendships: Added classic non-lethal finishers for all characters. 🛠️ Technical Improvements
Memory Optimization: Reduces crashes during long towers or Krypt exploration.
Frame Stability: Smoother performance during high-particle effect Fatal Blows.
Asset Fixes: Resolves texture popping issues in the Aftermath stages.
Online Sync: Updates netcode compatibility for local and wireless play. ⚠️ Installation Notes
Base Game Required: Ensure the MK11 base NSP is installed first.
Version Match: This update (v1.0.17) is specifically built for the Aftermath edition.
Save Data: Compatible with previous 1.0.x save files; no progress loss expected.
💡 Tip: If characters appear locked after updating, try restarting the software to refresh the DLC license handshake. To help you get the game running smoothly: Your current firmware version (e.g., 16.0.0) Any specific error codes appearing If you need help locating dlc unlockers
Game-breaking glitches—such as the "infinite loading" glitch in the Aftermath chapter 2 or the missing announcer voices—are fully resolved in this update.