Takeda Takahashi Joins Mortal Kombat 1 Next Week: Gameplay Revealed!

Takeda Takahashi Joins Mortal Kombat 1 Next Week: Gameplay Revealed!

Mortal Kombat 1’s final Year 1 DLC fighter is set to arrive next week, and it’s none other than Takeda Takahashi. The young Shirai Ryu warrior makes his debut in a Mortal Kombat game, showcasing his capabilities alongside his older clanmates, Scorpion and Smoke.

In Mortal Kombat X, Takeda was introduced as Kenshi’s son. However, in the remixed timeline of Mortal Kombat 1, Takeda’s backstory has been altered, and he is now Kenshi’s cousin. Raised as a Yakuza, Takeda was more loyal to the clan than his cousin. This loyalty led the Yakuza to task him with assassinating Kenshi. The cousins clashed in a fierce battle, with Kenshi emerging victorious. Mortally wounded, Takeda sought the aid of the Shirai Ryu, where Kenshi protected him from the Yakuza’s retribution for his failed mission. This turn of events led Takeda to have a change of heart, prompting him to join the Shirai Ryu. He now wages war against Earthrealm’s criminal underground and, eventually, the malevolent forces of Outworld.

Takeda’s combat style remains true to the Shirai Ryu tradition, featuring his signature pair of bladed whips. Additionally, he employs shurikens, a barrage of teleporting flame attacks, and an aerial grapple best described as a mid-air corkscrew piledriver. Check out Takeda in action below.

Takeda will be available on July 23, both as a standalone purchase and as a free download for Kombat Pack owners. On the same day, previously revealed Kameo fighter Ferra will also be available for purchase. Both Takeda and Ferra will be playable for the first time during Evo 2025 this weekend.