This week marks 10 years since Killer Instinct landed on the Xbox One and to celebrate this milestone, a new version of the game Killer Instinct: Anniversary Edition has been announced. There's no release date just yet.
This includes an Xbox Series X|S upgrade. The Definitive Edition (currently on sale for $13 / the regional equivalent) is also being retired as part of this update. The Anniversary Edition is split into two versions of KI: The Killer Instinct free-to-play base game and the Anniversary Edition. The team also mentions how "in short, we're upgrading all versions of Killer Instinct to the Anniversary Edition".
The base game features one free weekly rotating fighter, single-player, local and ranked modes and the Anniversary Edition includes all 29 fighters with premium content including VIP Double XP Booster, specialty holiday accessories, and more.
If you aren't already eligible (see the graphic below), the Anniversary Edition will set you back $29.99. It's worth mentioning the Anniversary Edition won't include the following mature-rated content: 'Definitive Edition App' and Xbox KI Classic 1 & 2. However, this content will still be available to download separately if you already own the Definitive Edition.
As part of this update, the team is also retiring the ability to purchase individual fighters and various editions, but "don't worry" about losing anything you've already purchased (fighters, skins, accessories, etc), as it will remain in your library.
Last but not least, Iron Galaxy has released its patch notes for Version 3.10. This is an absolutely massive balance update, which prioritises issues the team felt would have the largest impact. You can view the patch notes elsewhere on Pure Xbox.
While many characters have received updates, there are 10 characters that did not receive balance adjustments. There are also some additional updates such as a new logo and a bunch of UI changes.
You can learn more about this next update and the upgrade in the latest Killer Instinct blog post.
Will you be revisiting Killer Instinct when this patch rolls out? Leave a comment below.
Comments 24
Is this going to be an actual graphical overhaul, etc? Or just a repackaging of the original content?
Really a new game / reboot is what we need.
It's not even coming to Game Pass!?
Still not 1080p on series s.
The only thing I hate is not being able to turn off the loud sound effects on the butchered app made by Code Mystics, not even when listening to the soundtracks!
Welp, the anniversary edition not having classic KI1+2 means it’s time for me to buy the definitive edition now and get the free upgrade.
Thankful they told us ahead of time and while its on a steep discount!
Well that sucks. I just have the base game.
Is KI 1 and 2 available to buy?
I guess I'm confused. What exactly is different aside from the name?
It looks like it just includes the same stuff as normal except maybe the VIP XP and holiday accessories.
Been a few good years since I played KI. I should bounce back.
Didn't give a release date and the only details we got make it sound like a significant downgrade from the Definitive Edition, losing out on KI Classic 1 & 2 and the behind the scenes stuff in favor of holiday cosmetics. Great announcement.
So the XB1 version of KI is rated Teen, but the emulated original coin op is Mature?
That's absurd.
Definitive edition was on games with Gold I think a while ago I'm sure I own it maybe I bought it can't remember but it should be on gamepass
@Fishticon It's apparently coming to Xbox Game Pass (according to Windows Central) but we haven't seen any official confirmation from the KI team just yet. The Definitive Edition is already on Game Pass, so it makes sense.
@FraserG I hope so. It's a great game. I'm not good at it as I am at other fighters, but it's mechanics are so interesting. It also has an awesome style.
@Fishticon Killer Instinct 3 has all the characters of the series and more, which is fantastic. It has fewer options than the old games and the soundtrack isn't as good in my opinion but the gameplay has been refined and polished for years. Street Fighter and Killer Instinct are my favourite fighting series. I think that the fighting games that you have played the most become your favourites because they require the players to learn much, so I understand -and I'm curious about- why for others the best are Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, Tekken, Soul Calibur or whatever.
Oef yes, still play this game, and after this big update even more.
@Phantasystar77 For me, the most atrocious one is Super Smash Bros., that require players to pay hundreds each generation just to complete the roster.
@Phantasystar77 I understand that. I also abandoned Super Smash Bros. I'm curious about Tekken 8. I bought Street Fighter VI on the Xbox Black Friday sale. I haven't played it much yet but so far so good.
I have the Definitive Edition because I loved the first two games on SNES and N64 but I've never really been able to get into it.
@Banjo- For me Tekken will always be my fighting game series. While I do like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Killer Instinct for me I find myself being able to pull off the moves and combos in Tekken alot easier. Maybe it's because of all the time I put into Tekken 3 when I was a teenager, seriously I would play that at the arcade then go home and play it on my PS1. I do also prefer the story of Tekken alot more over the other games. Just something with the whole Mishima Saga.
But yeah it's not like I won't play the others, it's just that I enjoy Tekken alot more.
@Tasuki I have only played Tekken Tag Tournament 2. The combos are long but I tried to learn them for my favourite character. I think that modern fighting games are too fast, Killer Instinct 3, for instance. They require too much learning, unless you use all the in-game assistance. Older entries seem easier to master or maybe I'm wrong and it's just that I played more as a teenager.
So if I'm understanding this correctly, all of the bonus content (KI 1&2, behind-the-scenes stuff, soundtracks) is being permanently delisted for anyone who doesn't own it?
This is a tough decision... I was considering the Steam version, but it lacks the classic games. On the other hand, the Xbone is unbearable with its long load times.
@Phantasystar77
The article is wrong, I'm checking the official site and it states that all customers keep everything they already have and that all customers are eligible for the upgrade. WARNING: The only downgrade is for future buyers after the Definitive Edition is replaced with the Anniversary Edition, they won't get the bundle that includes the application with extra content nor Killer Instinct 1 and 2. They need to buy the Definitive Edition before it disappears for getting them. It's not clear if these three items will be available for new customers in the future.
https://www.ultra-combo.com/ki-10th-anniversary/
InterceptorAlpha wrote:
It also includes that.
@Liam_Doolan Check my comment above this and the official source:
https://www.ultra-combo.com/ki-10th-anniversary/
@Phantasystar77 As already mentioned in the article, your existing premium content will remain in your library.
The 10th Anniversary Update will see the release of two versions of KI: Base Game (free-to-play) and Anniversary Edition, so there's no need to worry about being left out!
The team issued a notice on social media after the initial announcement and media release, so I've made some changes to the story and swapped out the old graphic with the new one.
Killer Instinct: "We heard your feedback about the free upgrades for digital KI Definitive Edition or Steam KI to KI Anniversary Edition looking like it cost more. Those editions do = free upgrade, this updated Image fixes the price box that caused the confusion. Remember, the balance changes will be in all versions (free). Thanks as always for the feedback!"
https://twitter.com/KillerInstinct/status/1727809203694387224
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