How to Start a Same System Mortal Kombat 11 Match

This guide walks you through starting a local multiplayer match in Mortal Kombat 11 on the same console or PC. You’ll learn how to set up two controllers, navigate the main menu, choose your fighters, and get into the fight quickly. Everything you need is already in the game, so no extra downloads or accounts are required.

What You’ll Need

• Mortal Kombat 11 installed and updated on your console or PC.
• Two controllers that work with your system (e.g., two PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch controllers, or a keyboard plus a controller on PC).
• Both controllers must be turned on and connected before launching the game.
• A display and enough space for two players to sit comfortably.

Step-by-Step

1. Connect both controllers. Turn on the second controller and sign it in to a guest or second profile if your console requires it. On PC, plug in or pair the second controller and make sure it’s recognized by the system.
2. Launch Mortal Kombat 11. Start the game from your console’s home screen or PC launcher (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.). Wait for it to reach the main menu.
3. Press any button on the second controller. When the main menu appears, press a button (like A/X) on the second controller to activate it as Player 2. You should see a notification that Player 2 has joined. If not, go to the next step.
4. Navigate to “Local Multiplayer”. On the main menu, use the left stick or D-pad to highlight “Local Multiplayer” and press A/X (or the confirm button) to enter.
5. Select “Versus”. In the Local Multiplayer menu, you’ll see options like “Versus”, “Klassic Towers”, and “Practice”. Choose “Versus” and press confirm.
6. Choose your fighters. The character select screen appears. Player 1 uses the first controller, Player 2 uses the second. Each player highlights their desired fighter from the roster and presses confirm. You can also select a variation (e.g., “Tournament”, “Competitive”) if you want to use a specific moveset. If you want random characters, select the dice icon.
7. Select the stage. After both fighters are chosen, you’ll be taken to the stage select screen. Highlight a stage and press confirm, or choose the random option if you don’t care.
8. Confirm the match settings. You’ll see a match options screen where you can adjust round time (e.g., 90 seconds), rounds to win (usually 2), and other toggles. Adjust as you like, then press confirm to start the match.
9. Fight! The game loads the stage and the match begins. The first player to win the required number of rounds wins the match. After it ends, you can choose to rematch, change characters, or return to the main menu.

Common Mistakes

• Not connecting the second controller before the game starts. If the second controller isn’t on or signed in, the game won’t recognize it as Player 2. Always connect and sign in both controllers before launching MK11.
• Selecting “Online” instead of “Local Multiplayer”. This is a frequent mix-up. Online modes require an internet connection and subscriptions (like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold) and don’t allow same-system play.
• Pressing buttons on the second controller too early. If you press buttons on the second controller during the game’s initial loading screens, it might not register. Wait until the main menu is fully visible.
• Using a controller that isn’t compatible. Some third-party controllers may not be recognized by MK11. Check that both controllers are official or compatible with your system.
• Not paying attention to the variation selection. If you skip the variation selection, you might end up with a default variation you didn’t want. Take a moment to choose the variation that suits your playstyle.

Tips

• Use the “Competitive” mode. In the match options, you can turn on “Competitive Mode” to disable custom variations and ensure a balanced, tournament-standard experience. This is great for fair matches.
• Customize your controls. Before starting, go to Settings > Controls to remap buttons if you prefer a different layout. This can be done from the main menu.
• Practice first. If either player is new, head to “Practice” mode (also under Local Multiplayer) to learn the moves and combos without the pressure of a real match.
• Adjust the difficulty. If you’re playing against a friend who is much better or worse, you can set the AI difficulty in “Klassic Towers” but for Versus, you can’t change difficulty. Instead, consider setting a handicap in the match options (e.g., one player starts with less health) to balance the fight.
• Check for updates. Make sure your game is updated to the latest version to avoid bugs and ensure all characters are available.

Troubleshooting

• The second controller isn’t working. First, check that the controller is turned on and connected (e.g., via USB or Bluetooth). On consoles, you may need to sign in to a guest profile. On PC, try unplugging and replugging the controller, or restart the game.
• The game doesn’t show “Local Multiplayer” option. This is rare, but if you don’t see it, ensure you’re on the main menu and not in a submenu. If you’re on the main menu and still don’t see it, try restarting the game.
• Player 2 can’t select a character. Make sure the second controller is recognized by pressing a button on it on the character select screen. If nothing happens, go back to the main menu and try pressing a button on the second controller again.
• The match starts but only one player is active. This can happen if the second controller disconnects during loading. Reconnect the controller and restart the match.
• You see a “Player 2 has left” message. This usually means the second controller was turned off or disconnected. Turn it back on and press any button to rejoin.
• On PC, the game only detects one controller. Go to your PC’s device manager or game controller settings to verify both controllers are installed. You may need to install drivers for third-party controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an internet connection to play same-system multiplayer?

No, you only need an internet connection for online modes. Local multiplayer works entirely offline.

Can I play with one controller and a keyboard on PC?

Yes, on PC you can use a keyboard as Player 1 and a controller as Player 2, or vice versa. The game supports mixed input devices.

Can I play with two players on the same Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can play with two Joy-Cons (one per player) or with two Pro Controllers. Just make sure both are connected to the Switch.

Do both players need a separate profile on the console?

No, you can use a guest account for Player 2. On PlayStation and Xbox, you can sign in as a guest without creating a new profile.

Can I change the number of rounds in a match?

Yes, in the match options screen before the fight, you can set the rounds to win to 1, 3, or 5. The default is 2.

Why can’t I select certain characters?

Some characters are locked behind DLC or need to be unlocked through gameplay. If you haven’t purchased or unlocked them, they’ll appear grayed out. You can still play as them if you have the Kombat Pack or by unlocking them in the Krypt.

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