Killer Instinct will soon receive a surprise update for the Xbox Series X’s tenth anniversary
Killer Instinct is coming back in a big way, thanks to a 10th anniversary update coming later this year.
The announcement was made on stage at EVO 2023, the biggest fighting game tournament of the year, which took place over the weekend. Notable figures such as IP head James Goddard, Killer Instinct lead combat designer Adam ‘Keits’ Heart and fighting game YouTuber Maximilian Dood addressed the audience about the upcoming surprise update.
Landing this year, the Killer Instinct update includes Xbox Series X|S improvements, including 4K support. The game’s official Twitter account also confirmed that the developer, Iron Galaxy, is back to handle the update, which will also include a balance patch and improved matchmaking, essentially preparing Killer Instinct for a new generation.
Our friends @IronGalaxy are back! And together, we’re bringing you the free Killer Instinct 10th Anniversary Update later this year, including a balance update, improved matchmaking, and 4K support for Series X|S. Soon more information!August 5, 2023
You may be wondering why a game that last had a major update over six years ago is now getting balance changes. Largely, it’s because the last few additions to it Killer Instinct roster – Kilgore, Shin Hisako and Eagle – didn’t get much in the way of tweaks or balance updates. Now such characters can finally get the shine they never got over half a decade ago.
I’m personally excited about the 4K update as well. Killer Instinct looked damn good in 2013, and it’ll be great to see the console version look sharper than ever on Xbox Series X. The game has also enjoyed a significant player base over the years, thanks in no small part to the Steam launch back in 2017. The improvements to matchmaking, thus, will be a must when pairing up players trying out the game for the first time.
And if you are curious to check out Killer Instinct when the update drops, know that we consider it one of the best fighting games thanks to its fast-paced moment-to-moment action, a deep yet intuitive combo system, ingenious match-responsive sound design, and a great soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, Celldweller and Atlas plug.
Will you be playing Killer Instinct when the anniversary update comes out? Consider our guide to the best fighting sticks if you’re eager to buy a controller tailored for fighting games.