Back in the day, the only reason you’d consider changing the date of your console’s clock is for Easter eggs, like The End boss battle in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. But it’s 2023, almost 2024, and now players are manipulating time due to more nefarious reasons: namely the controversial microtransactions in Mortal Kombat 1.
As you may already know, developer NetherRealm has started flogging skins from the release’s Invasion Mode in its in-game store. These can be purchased with a premium currency named Dragon Krystals, and include outfits previously available for free through gameplay as part of the title’s seasonal updates.
But fans have discovered that by changing the date of their PS5s, they can literally turn back time, and unlock these outfits for free again. It’s highly likely this glitch will get patched, as we assume publisher Warner Bros wants to push players towards microtransactions, and most games with seasonal content like this function using a server-side clock.
Nevertheless, the war between fans and financiers is stronger than ever in Mortal Kombat 1, as many are still reeling from the firm’s decision to flog Fatalities in the full-price game. Those who coughed up for the costly Halloween finisher will be getting some bonus moves as a sweetener, but the fighter’s reputation is at its lowest right now.
