Highlights

  • Mortal Kombat has grown in popularity since its debut in 1992, with an expanding roster of characters that have contributed to the game's story.
  • Characters like Shang-Tsung, Sonya Blade, and Kitana have become fan favorites and have played significant roles in the franchise.
  • Characters like Scorpion and Sub-Zero are iconic and easily recognizable, with unique abilities and weapons that make them formidable fighters in the game.

Since 1992, Mortal Kombat has garnered fans worldwide with its arcade-style fighting game. Now, Mortal Kombat is even more popular, with in-depth titles being released on various platforms. Though the first game only had a roster of seven characters (and three unplayable fighters), Mortal Kombat has developed an arsenal of Kombatants that have contributed to the game's story in some way.

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While some older characters remain as popular as ever, several newer fighters have made big names for themselves, and fans hope to see them in future releases. From the classic arcade machines and consoles to movies and books, the famous faces of Mortal Kombat are household names in the video game world.

Shang-Tsung

Soul Phylactery - Shang Tsung

As the franchise's very first main antagonist, Shang-Tsung struck fear in the hearts of those who would now become known as Mortal Kombat's long-time fans. Shang-Tsung is a brilliant sorcerer who was banished to Earthrealm.

After taking control of the Mortal Kombat tournament, his champion, Goro, had become undefeated for the longest time. As a boss in the first Mortal Kombat, and a playable character in future titles, Shang-Tsung has the unique ability to shape-shift into any of the fighters in Mortal Kombat.

Sonya Blade

Video Game Powerful Moms Mothers Sonya Blade

Sonya Blade was among the first Mortal Kombat fighters to have been introduced to the world. As one of the fighters in the first Mortal Kombat roster, Sonya Blade had become one of the most popular characters in the franchise.

Sonya, a Special Forces agent, was originally on the hunt for Kano before getting dragged into Mortal Kombat and its tournaments. Other than her incredible tenacity, one of Sonya's distinctive characteristics was her power to wield an odd magical power (though this has changed to be pure technological in various timelines).

Kitana

mortal kombat 1 kitana

Although Kitana wasn't among the first fighters in Mortal Kombat, she had earned her place as one of the franchise's most famous Kombatants after her reveal in Mortal Kombat 2. Kitana, who is easily recognized by her various blue uniforms, is one of Shao Kahn's stepdaughters (in the original timeline).

However, Kitana hated the way Shao Kahn ruled and eventually fought back against him when the time was right. Kitana weaponizes fans that she uses as swift blades to combat her opponents, which is one of her most distinctive traits.

Shao Khan

Shao Kahn preparing to fight his opponent in Mortal Kombat 11

Shao Kahn is mostly known as the original 'big-bad' when it comes to the early days of Mortal Kombat. Shao Kahn was the Emperor of Outworld and sought to take over Earthrealm. To do so, Earthrealm needed to lose the Mortal Kombat tournament, which was run by Shang-Tsung.

Shao-Kahn used to be highly feared by all Kombatants but was eventually beaten by Raiden (with the power of the Elder Gods) in one timeline, and Kitana in another. Shao Khan was stripped of his title in Mortal Kombat 1 and was then known as General Shao.

Reptile

Mortal Kombat 1 Reptile Glow Up

Reptile, true to his sneaky and mischievous behavior, was a secret character that fans could fight against in the first Mortal Kombat. Originally, Reptile was just a green palette swap of the elemental ninjas. After a while, Reptile had grown to withhold much more depth and unique power to his character that fans had never seen before. Reptile is of the Saurian, which is a fictional reptilian race.

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While fighting, Reptile has the power to manipulate acid to fight against his enemies. Reptile is also a very nimble fighter with the ability to turn invisible, making him that much more difficult to counter.

Johnny Cage

Mortal Kombat 1 Johnny Cage

In the original Mortal Kombat, Johnny Cage was a fairly forgettable fighter whose biggest trait was being a Hollywood star. Though the latter remains true, Johnny Cage has become one of the franchise's most popular fighters of all time, especially with the releases of Mortal Kombat 9 through Mortal Kombat 1.

Johnny Cage is primarily known for his sarcastic attitude and overwhelming charisma that is constantly teased throughout cutscenes and while fighting against opponents. His moves are just as satirical as his personality; he's a face in Mortal Kombat that no fan would ever forget.

Liu Kang

Mortal Kombat 1 Liu Kang

Liu Kang was the original hero of Mortal Kombat's canon storyline. Liu Kang has maintained his status as the franchise's main protagonist for the longest time but has deterred here and there. For example, Liu Kang was killed by Raiden in Mortal Kombat 9, but many fans choose to forget that ever happened.

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Inspired by the likes of Bruce Lee, Liu Kang is hailed as Earthrealm's greatest champion with some of the most fascinating moves that only a true Shaolin monk could pull off. Down the storyline, Liu Kang eventually became a god and reset the entire timeline with Mortal Kombat 1.

Raiden

mk 10 raiden

Raiden, who is known to be Earthrealm's protector, is the one who had gathered Earthrealm's finest warriors and held them up for the Mortal Kombat tournament. Over time, Raiden had become the 'father' of Mortal Kombat's roster, as he had trained and aided Earthrealm's Kombatants throughout various games.

As one of the strongest characters, according to the franchise's canon, Raiden had been able to take out Shao Khan in a very needy time. After the events of Mortal Kombat 11, however, Raiden had been 'nerfed' to a farmboy-turned-Earthrealms greatest champion, essentially swapping places with Liu Kang.

Sub-Zero

mortal kombat 1 sub zero-1

Two characters in Mortal Kombat can stand out and be recognized almost anywhere. One of those characters is Sub-Zero. Sub-Zero is one of three ninjas that starred in Mortal Kombat's first game. He was known as the blue palette swap of the three ninjas and could manipulate ice to fight against his targets.

Known as both Bi-Han and Kuai Lang, Sub-Zero had been known to generally be a villain in the series. In Mortal Kombat 1, however, the timeline had deemed Kuai Lang to be the new Scorpion, swapping the original Sub-Zero and Scorpion's characters.

Scorpion

Ignition Drive - Scorpion

The other most recognizable character from Mortal Kombat is Scorpion. Scorpion is no doubt the most popular fighter in Mortal Kombat history. Known famously for his line, "Get over here!" Scorpion uses a kunai spear when taking on his enemies. He does this to pull them closer, and to land precise blows with unique kunai spear combos.

The original Scorpion had been murdered by Sub-Zero and had been brought back to life to avenge his death. Since then, Scorpion has been known to be able to manipulate the element of fire, which synergizes well with his weapon of choice.

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