Some fan projects have upscaled the in-game cinematics.

Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (2005) is a cult-classic action-adventure beat ’em up developed by Midway. Unlike traditional MK fighters, this co-op-focused title follows Liu Kang and Kung Lao through a retelling of MKII ’s story. With brutal fatalities, hidden secrets, and two-player drop-in/drop-out gameplay, it remains a fan favorite.

Set to Bilinear (PS2) or Anisotropic 16x to sharpen distant environments and character textures.

For fans looking to play Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks on their PS2, the game is still available for download on various online marketplaces. However, it's essential to note that the game's availability and compatibility may vary depending on the region and console version.

To truly get the "updated" experience, you must apply community upgrades.

To play Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks on a PC, you will need a PS2 emulator. is the standard, and it has received many updates over the years to improve performance and graphics.

Since the publisher won't update the game, the fans have taken matters into their own hands. Several modding communities have been tirelessly working to upgrade the PS2 version. Here's a breakdown of the most notable "updates" available right now.

The primary appeal lies in the game’s "Multi-Direction Fighting Engine," which allows players to fluidly engage multiple enemies at once while maintaining the franchise's signature brutality. By taking the lore of Mortal Kombat II and expanding it into a journey for Liu Kang and Kung Lao, the game offered a sense of scale the series rarely explored.

Recent activity from as recent as March 2026 shows that new HD texture packs are still being developed for Shaolin Monks . One such pack by a user named "CCKrizalid" was specifically designed for PCSX2 and was uploaded in 2026. Another pack by "Matasiete" is available on GBAtemp. It uses a combination of AI upscaling and manual work and is specifically designed to work with the "Ultimate Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks" mod.

Point the emulator to the folder where your Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks ISO is stored.

This lack of official support has been a sore spot for the community for years. While Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon has frequently teased the possibility of a remaster or sequel, nothing has materialized. In 2013, Boon admitted the idea had been "discussed", and a poll held by Ed Boon in 2026 asked fans whether they'd rather see a remaster of Shaolin Monks or Mortal Kombat 9 . The community voted overwhelmingly in favor of Shaolin Monks , with over going to the beat 'em up spin-off.

Pre-loaded patches to unlock Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and the classic Mortal Kombat II arcade game from the start. Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading and Setting Up

Using the PCSX2 Emulator in 2026, you can run the game at 4K resolution , apply widescreen hacks, and improve texture quality.

Narrative and Characterization Shaolin Monks reinterprets Mortal Kombat II’s storyline with a focus on character relationships and cinematic pacing. The game centers on the rivalry and brotherhood between Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they journey through Outworld to stop Shao Kahn’s invasion. Where the arcade games prioritized terse plot beats, Shaolin Monks expands dialogue, cutscenes, and motive-driven encounters that give more context to familiar characters—both allies and antagonists. This deeper character work pays dividends: players gain new appreciation for characters like Raiden, Johnny Cage, Kitana, and Kano through expanded interactions and motivations presented across branching paths and alternate encounters.

Download the latest version of PCSX2 (PC) or AetherSX2 (Android). Obtain the BIOS: You will need a PS2 BIOS file.