What Killer Instinct is
Killer Instinct is a 2D fighter with a roster of 29 characters, each with their own fighting style, combos and finishers. Matches take place across 20 stages with stage destruction, and the soundtrack reacts to the fight as it goes. Combo Breakers sit at the center of the game: you learn to break out of an opponent's combo string, and the Dojo tutorial plus Combo Breaker Training exist specifically to teach the core mechanics and the timing of breaking. The Anniversary update brought matchmaking improvements and balance changes alongside the existing content.
Playing together
Online PvP is the main way groups meet up, with competitive matches running on fighting-game netcode. Before your first match the game runs a Performance Grading test, so expect that step first. Monthly Ranked Leagues run online, with placement in the top 32 on the line. Local Multiplayer and Remote Play Together are listed as supported, so a group can share a session on one setup or over a connection. Controller support covers Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers and Xbox 360 fight sticks, plus a Windows keyboard.
Modes to know before starting
Free play gives you a weekly rotating fighter across all game modes, including online multiplayer; upgrading to the Anniversary Edition unlocks all 29 fighters, retro costumes and premium accessories from Seasons 1 to 3. Story Mode covers character origins and rivalries. Shadow Lords is a replayable rogue-like fighter mode where you assemble a team, collect Guardians, Artifacts and Consumables for abilities and buffs, and fight Gargos and his Mimics. Playing Shadow Lords unlocks Jago permanently for all modes. Survival throws endless waves at you, either against classic fight AI or Shadow Survival, where Shadow Fighters copy the strategy and playstyle of the real players who trained them. Combo Assist Options are customizable if you want help executing sequences.