Mortal Kombat 1; a simplified gear/loot system

Mortal Kombat 11 introduced some crazy designs for each character that gave you an intense level of customization for each character. Some say, it was too robust and was overwhelming for those focusing on a singular character and all the "gear" that came with them. This time, in Mortal Kombat 1, the developers took a step back in the new gear system. All the while, it still feels familiar and just as rewarding as the previous game.

Gear

The gear system is similar with the rarity system of Mk11. Every interchangeable piece of gear can range from common to legendary. You can, assumingly, equip multiple pieces of gear for each character (so long as they don't conflict). For example, I have the gear piece of "maskless" for Skorpion. So, when equipped it takes off his mask. In that same screen you can also have a maskless item and another skin for his spear (presumably).

Skins/Pallet

This most diverse customization option comes from different skins and color pallets. You can equip different colors for each individual character and Kameo. The skins are what makes the customization as robust as MK11. For example, I have the seasonal skins for Mileena. It's a variant taken from Skorpion's looks/color schemes. This skin gives Mileena (noticeable) tattoos, different hairstyle, and clothing attire. It completely changes the look of a character instead of the color of their cloths.

Character Progression

The character progression is the most dramatic change towards how you can even unlock these skins and colors. Of course, there is still a "loot" system that can grant you random rewards. Those rewards can range from anything from concept art and even gear (have not seen skins/color pallets yet).

Each character is given their own "battle pass" that can be progressed through the more you level up a specific character., Of course, the more you play and win with a character, the more you level them up. Note that, this is not a Battle Pass system as you cannot purchase your way through the tiers. You need to grind out a specific character if you are looking for their specific gear.

It's also nice for unlocking fatalities and brutalities. In Mortal Kombat 11, all fatalities and brutalities for every character were earned randomly thanks to the "loot crates" of the Krypt. This time however, you need to progress a specific character's level if you want their next brutality or fatality. This is also the case with the Kameo fighters, the more you use them the more you level them up and progress through their own separate battle pass. You can go up to level 35 with each character (I'm unsure what every tier gives you as I've yet to max out a specific character). It's also worth mentioning you can unlock a character's foreground and background for your nameplate (similar to MK11). This time, those nameplate unlocks are specific to your character's "battle pass."

Slower, more refined progression

Overall, the unlocks do come a lot slower than MK11. You no longer have to worry about random unlocks from the Krypt chests if you want something for a specific character. If you are just looking to grind out a character like Mileena, all you need to do is play as her and you'll unlock every gear that is specific to her (presumably).