Highlights

• The Mortal Kombat Tournament is a free-for-all where martial artists, gods, and cyborgs contend for realms.
• Surprise fighters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Johnny Cage wield powerful abilities and fight for survival.
• Lore updates on Mortal Kombat's powerful characters hint at upcoming film and new universe champions.

All is fair in love, war, and the Mortal Kombat franchise. After all, everything is fair game in a Tournament that decides the fate of all the Realms. As a result, normal martial artists contend with the likes of Cyborgs, Wraiths, Revenants, and even Gods to protect their Realms, conquer other worlds, or fulfill grudges.

In turn, almost every Mortal Kombat Tournament has a surprise to offer its spectators. While the Shaolin Monk Liu Kang almost always becomes Earthrealm's savior, other Kombatants have natural abilities that put superpowers and nuclear weapons to shame. According to the lore of the universe, here are some of the most powerful characters in the franchise.

Updated by Rhenn Taguiam on April 6, 2024: With Mortal Kombat 2 having wrapped its filming in January 2024, fans of the gory video game franchise may eventually find a sequel to its 2021 film adaptation coming to theaters soon. However, fans of Mortal Kombat interested in getting to know more about the series’ lore may want to find out who some of the strongest Kombatants are across the realms, especially with gods being a more prevalent force in the franchise. Among the lore’s strongest fighters include a flame-wielding wraith hell-bent on avenging his clan, the cryomancer leader of the Earthrealm’s protector ninja clan, and a disgraced former cryomancer whose darkness inside his heart transformed him into a deadly spectre.

23 Scorpion

The Vengeful Master Of Hellfire

When the mortal known as Hanzo Hasashi and his Shirai Ryu brethren died at the hands of the Lin Kuei’s Sub-Zero, the sorcerer Quan Chi offered to transform him into a wraith named Scorpion to have his revenge. It would take different timelines to have the vengeful Hanzo realize the truth of his clan’s death, but one thing remains the same: his power of fire transforms him into an exceptionally-powerful threat. Such was Scorpion’s popularity that he became the poster character for the Mortal Kombat series.

Both the original and new timelines feature Hanzo as a master ninja and assassin, often hailed as the greatest in the Shirai Ryu, and can rival both Sub-Zeroes in terms of weapons mastery and combat prowess. His trademark weapon is the roped kunai, called the kyoketsu-shoge, and the remarkable ability to teleport. Pyrokinesis is an ability he shares across both timelines, but to different degrees. As a Wraith, the original timeline’s Scorpion can control and is immune to Hellfire, using it to burn his enemies with inextinguishable fire as intense as his current emotional pain. In the new timeline, Scorpion retains control over fire but isn’t implied to be Hellfire.

Scorpion In Mortal Kombat 1

Scorpion appears in two manners in Mortal Kombat 1. When Liu Kang created his universe according to his Grand Design, he transformed Kuai Liang into Scorpion. As such, he became Bi Han’s right-hand man who helped lead the Lin Kuei as Earth’s guardians. Under this Scorpion persona, Kuai Liang retains all the abilities of his namesake, including his control over fire as well as his signature roped kunai. After Sub-Zero’s betrayal, Kuai Liang marries Harumi Shirai of Earthrealm and names their new clan after her, and among their promising new recruits is a young Hanzo Hasashi.

22 Sub-Zero

A Title Reserved For The Lin Kuei’s Greatest Cryomancer

The mantle of Sub-Zero in the Mortal Kombat franchise would be worn by two individuals: Bi-Han and his younger brother Kuai Liang. Scorpion swears vengeance against Sub-Zero after he killed his clan, which ends with him killing the first one while Kuai Liang takes his place. Since then, the younger Sub-Zero would try to preserve the Lin Kuei’s legacy as Earthrealm’s protectors while wielding the Dragon Amulet, alongside the occasional rivalry with the Shirai Ryu. In an alternate timeline, Kuai Liang would make peace with Scorpion, finally stopping the bloodshed between the two clans.

Despite starting as a palette swap of Scorpion, Sub-Zero and his control over ice would become a notable aspect of his character. Ever the calm and collected warrior, Sub-Zero is merciless with his flash-freeze strikes and balanced kit that can accommodate fights across different ranges. He can also manipulate his life force of chi, enhancing his physical strikes.

Sub-Zero In Mortal Kombat 1

Bi-Han returns to the mantle of Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 1, carrying with him a brutal seriousness that, on occasion, made him doubt the need to even protect all the realms. As Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, he slowly believed Liu Kang held the clan back and sought to be free of his “corruption.” Bi-Han and the Lin Kuei defect against Liu Kang but are defeated, while members Kuai Liang and Tomas defect to form their own “successor” clan. It’s unknown whether Sub-Zero becomes Noob Saibot in the next installment through mere transformation or in his original resurrection story.

21 Noob Saibot

A Disgraced Sub-Zero Turned Into A Wraith

Bi-Han’s descent into Noob Saibot was explained in the events of Mythologies: Sub-Zero when Raiden confirmed Quan Chi’s statement that Bi-Han contains evil in his heart and would suffer a cruel fate should he die with a corrupted soul. Upon his death at the hands of Scorpion, Bi-Han descends into the Netherrrealm and becomes Noob Saibot, a Wraith at the full control of the sorcerer he detested, Quan Chi. Throughout the games, Noob Saibot would antagonize his younger brother, stating how he was a disgrace to the legacy of the Lin Kuei.

Being the first Sub-Zero in the Mortal Kombat games, Bi-Han also has remarkable control over ice. Some state Bi-Han is a more skilled cryomancer compared to his younger brother, as evidenced by more brutal attacks. However, it’s Bi-Han’s transformation into Noob Saibot that transformed him into a force to reckon with. As a Wraith, Noob Saibot isn’t just partly immortal, but he can also control the darkness to create weapon constructs, clones and even become invisible. This allows him to overwhelm foes easily, especially when he summons his clones inside an opponent to tear them apart from within.

Noob Saibot In Mortal Kombat 1

Noob Saibot isn’t present in Mortal Kombat 1, although Bi-Han’s defeat at the hands of his brother Kuai Liang may pose the perfect opportunity to embark on this transformation. It’s yet to be seen whether Bi-Han’s descent into Noob Saibot will be due to a mere power upgrade or a resurrection from the dead.

20 Johnny Cage

Lacks Green Energy, But Still One Of Earthrealm's Champions

Despite his comedic appeal and rather annoying exterior, Johnny Cage packs a punch. While most would wonder what a washed-up action star is doing in a death tournament like Mortal Kombat, Johnny's fighting prowess doesn’t seem to be solely because of his status as a character.

The games eventually explained that the green energy coming from Johnny Cage is actually a bloodline power. It seems the Cages are actually descendants of ancient warriors who can tap into special powers to protect Earthrealm. And it’s not just any kind of “power” — it allowed Johnny Cage to stand up to an Elder God like Shinnok. It’s his green energy blast that managed to stop Shinnok’s resurrection plan from fully coming to fruition.

Johnny Cage In Mortal Kombat 1

Compared to his Original Timeline counterpart, Johnny Cage in Liu Kang’s new era has yet to tap into his Green Energy, which was originally explained in Mortal Kombat 11 as power inherited from his Mediterranean Warrior ancestors. Whether or not the loss of this power meant it was only about to manifest or become lost entirely is yet to be revealed. In the end of his Tower Mode, Johnny is in the process of creating the Mortal Kombat universe as per Liu Kang’s request in order to slowly indoctrinate Earthrealm about the existence of other realms.

19 Kung Lao

Rival To Raiden As Earthrealm's Chosen

Aside from Liu Kang, one of the most notable characters in Mortal Kombat would probably be Kung Lao. Aside from his signature rounded hat, Kung Lao is also Liu Kang’s “rival” as a Shaolin monk, as they both possess the same vigor and enthusiasm for their pursuit of martial arts. However, whereas Liu Kang is humble, Kung Lao is arrogant and outspoken - eager to prove his point rather aggressively.

Being the reincarnation of the Great Kung Lao, the present Kung Lao shares much of his ancestor’s combat prowess. Compared to the likes of Johnny Cage and Shujinko with innate supernatural talents, Kung Lao is admittedly not as supernaturally powerful. However, he had proven capable of using his martial arts against Shang Tsung and Quan Chi simultaneously, even defeating them before Shao Kahn snapped his neck. Regardless of his untimely demise in the franchise, Kung Lao being able to defeat Shang Tsung and Quan Chi at the same time was a feat even greater than the Great Kung Lao, proving the descendant succeeding his ancestor.

Kung Lao In Mortal Kombat 1

Kung Lao maintains his ambitious and prideful sense of self in Mortal Kombat 1, unsurprisingly leading to his defeat in the selection fights for Earthrealm’s Champion. However, while his appearances with Johnny Cage and Kenshi Takahashi implied some similarities in their power levels, Kung Lao dominates in his earlier exposure to knowledge about the realms and his innate ingenuity, especially in the construction of his bladed hat. After his attempts to train the prodigious Shujinko spiraled out of control, he now shares the responsibility with Raiden.

18 Sindel

Former Queen Of Outworld Can Still Fight As A Soul

As Queen of Edenia, Sindel is no pushover. While she’s best known for her ultrasonic screaming, her control over sound is just one of her magical abilities. Sindel can actually fine-tune her control over sound to achieve different effects. For instance, she can use her scream to flay opponents or even paralyze them. Moreover, she can make her hair prehensile, giving her access to a wide range of long-ranged moves. She also has powers of levitation.

While her powerset seems limited, Sindel is powerful enough for Shao Kahn to recognize her as his queen. She can go toe-to-toe against Earthrealm’s protectors and defeat them single-handedly, even forcing Nightwolf to use his self-destruct move just to defeat her.

Sindel In Mortal Kombat 1

Whereas Sindel, in previous timelines, has become the evil resurrected Queen of Outworld, Titan Liu Kang’s design transformed Queen Sindel into a firm but fair ruler that ushered the realm’s golden era. Unfortunately, General Shao and her sorcerers’ deception would result in her death, with King Jerrod’s influence over Ermac allowing the entity to absorb her soul. In her Tower Ending in Mortal Kombat 1, she teams up with Jerrod in the hopes of dominating the other spirits residing in Ermac, subduing them to their control to have a unified front.

17 Nightwolf

Uses The Power Of Nature Itself

Nightwolf from the Matoka Tribe has dedicated himself to becoming one of Earthrealm’s protectors, using his magic in the process. Thanks to this ability, Nightwolf has access to an array of magical abilities — including energizing himself and his weapons and creating auras and shields. Moreover, Nightwolf has some control over nature, being able to summon lightning from clouds or even disintegrating enemies with a beam of light at the cost of his own life.

Outside his movelist, Nightwolf has an array of abilities that allow him to go toe-to-toe with sorcerers Quan Chi and Shang Tsung. As a Sin Eater, Nightwolf can absorb evil energies without hurting his psyche. He may even use the sins of his ancestors to bind evil entities such as Onaga — one of the beings closest to an Elder God’s power — to the Netherrealm.

Nightwolf In Mortal Kombat 1

Holding the title of Nightwolf transformed Grey Cloud of the Matoka into one of Earthrealm’s fiercest protectors, using spiritual energy to manifest Green Force that he uses to empower his attacks. He’s among Titan Liu Kang’s chosen alongside Shang Tsung and Fujin to ensure Kronika cannot interrupt Liu Kang’s new design. Unfortunately, his fate remains unknown when Fujin and Raiden stop Shang Tsung from absorbing his soul.

16 General Shao

Once A Kahn, Now A General

People across the realms know Shao Kahn for his ferocity, coupled with godlike strength. The Kahn of Outworld wields both fighting prowess and magic. Like Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn can use soul absorption to steal abilities and knowledge. As a Kombatant, Shao Kahn uses less of his magic and more of his endurance and strength. However, he can also use mysterious green energy to create projectiles, weapons, and force fields in battle.

Shao Kahn is also the stereotypical proud tyrant, which is often the cause of his downfall. However, his sheer tenacity and ambition give him more drive to act towards his goals. Shao Kahn trumps Onaga, as the former actually defeated Blaze to attain ultimate power. Sadly, Raiden's efforts would make Shao Kahn's futile.

Shao Kahn In Mortal Kombat 1

Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat 1 is demoted to the rank of General, revealing a begrudgingly submissive figure to both Sindel and Liu Kang. The General maintains his original self’s sense of ambition, however, as he reflects discontent in Outworld’s rather “stagnant” peace. While lacking the undeniable power of his original counterpart, Shao’s influence has earned him followers even after escaping prison. Discontent with the lack of combat readiness of his revolt’s willing soldiers, he sends Reiko on a mission to subdue Onaga in the hopes of using the beast to topple Mileena’s rule.

15 Ermac

Quan Chi's Soul Army Freed From His Control

One of the most exciting qualities of Ermac is its nature as an entity. Instead of being a singular person, Ermac is a compilation of multiple souls of warriors made physically through Shao Kahn’s magic. In turn, Ermac has always referred to himself in the plural, possessing a whole host of psychokinetic abilities, including levitation, telekinesis, and firing projectile blasts. Not only that, even Takeda’s attempts at telepathy were ineffective against Ermac, establishing Ermac as one of the most potent Kombatants in the game.

While Ermac does indeed get weaker the longer he stays in the Netherrealm, staying outside of it allows him full access to his abilities. Moreover, his nature as a collection of warrior souls means he likely has access to each of these warriors’ fighting styles, prowess, and abilities - similar to how Shang Tsung gains access to the same things whenever he takes the souls of other fighters.

Ermac In Mortal Kombat 1

While still a collection of souls, Ermac in Mortal Kombat 1 is no longer created specifically to serve Shao Kahn. Instead, Quan Chi’s dark magics with the Soul Stealer created Ermac from the Forest of Living Souls. When Mileena defeats Ermac in Kombat, Quan Chi loses control, and the spirit of King Jerrod takes over. Under Jerrod’s control, Ermac took the soul of his wife, Queen Sindel, upon her death. However, when the lack of Quan Chi’s magic risked the destruction of the entity’s souls, Ermac freed Quan Chi from captivity. When Quan Chi betrayed Ermac, the collective souls inside the entity would have to reconcile their differences or risk eternal destruction. Should Ermac find a united front, not only would it pose the memories and combat knowledge of thousands of souls, but also their abilities.

14 Shujinko

Ambitious Power Absorber

Despite his old stature, Shujinko is one of the most potent Kombatants in Mortal Kombat gameplay by virtue of both his age and interactions with most of the franchise’s most powerful characters. When Damashi (who turned out to be Onaga) tasked Shujinko with acquiring the powerful Kamadogu, Shujinko was gifted with the ability to copy the powers of anyone he fights. In Deception’s “Konquest Mode,” Shujinko is shown using the powers of Liu Kang, Sindel, and Scorpio - potentially transforming him into a one-man army, provided he can copy enough abilities.

If there’s anything that gives Shujinko an intense setback, it’s his age and potentially frail body, as he may not be able to use the powers of others as fully as imagined. However, Shujinko in the main timeline in his prime would easily have been able to fight the likes of Shang Tsung, and Quan Chi, and may even go toe to toe against Shao Kahn with enough training.

Shujinko In Mortal Kombat 1

Shujinko in Mortal Kombat 1 retains the faults of his original self, taking the form of quite the ambitious but also rather prodigious student. However, Shujinko’s story in Mortal Kombat 1 is cut short before he could even gather the Kamidogu, summon Onaga, and realize his faults while possessing the skills of numerous fighters. Instead, Kung Lao’s training of Shujinko got out of control to such an extent that Liu Kang had to intervene and strip him of his memories and stolen powers. While Shujinko is set to train once more, it’s unknown whether he stays on the path of good or becomes the same ambitious individual manipulated by darker powers.

13 Fujin

The Absent God Of The Wind

Originally an unnamed boss in Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Fujin is eventually revealed to be the God of Wind and the younger brother of Raiden. Compared to the stricter Raiden, Fujin is more carefree and aims to protect the people he cares for - reflecting the fleeting and flexible nature of the wind.

Similar to Raiden who can control all aspects of lightning and thunder, Fujin is capable of manipulating all things wind. Not only can he levitate and walk in the air, but he can also transform current into deadly projectiles that can hit enemies from a safe distance. He can even condense tornadoes into miniature versions to send opponents flying away or toward him. As a god, Fujin is naturally immortal.

Fujin In Mortal Kombat 1

The God of Wind Fujin’s presence in the Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath DLC marked his return to the franchise 14 years after his last appearance in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, where Liu Kang tasked him with the secret mission of ensuring Shang Tsung’s victory against Kronika. After his demise, Liu Kang reappears to defeat Shang Tsung and assume guardianship over the Hourglass, creating his new era. While Liu Kang promises Shang Tsung that the sacrifices of his friends will be rewarded in a new life under his stewardship, no reference is made to Fujin in Mortal Kombat 1.

12 Raiden

Earthrealm's New Mortal Champion

Formerly the God of Thunder, Raiden is one of the wisest and most powerful beings in the universe. His control over lightning allowed him to travel at the speed of light, summon lightning, and perform resurrection. Raiden isn't indestructible and cannot use his powers outside his domain. He cannot participate in Mortal Kombat, limiting his ability to interfere with Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's plans. In fact, Raiden's non-interfering nature catalyzed conflicts within the franchise. Eventually, he assumed a darker persona to stop it.

Now that he's given up his godhood to Liu Kang Raiden is but a mortal. However, he's still no pushover. His millennia's worth of knowledge and combat training could allow Raiden to contend with the likes of Shinnok when it comes to cunning and strategy.

Raiden In Mortal Kombat 1

Whereas Raiden was Liu Kang’s mentor and Earthrealm’s protector in the Original Timeline, Titan Liu Kang transformed Raiden into his mortal student in the new universe. Liu Kang explained to the younger Raiden that while the original Raiden was a man of incredible wisdom and power, his willingness to let rage consume him to protect Earthrealm transformed him into a dangerous threat. Unfortunately, Raiden in Mortal Kombat 1 only being able to channel lightning through an amulet has severely depowered the former Elder God.

11 Quan Chi

Necromancer Who Weaponizes People's Souls

Quan Chi is known for two things: being the Netherrealm's most powerful sorcerer, and Shinnok's most faithful servant. However, his allegiance with the Dark Elder God doesn't mean he's a pushover. Inside Quan Chi is a desire to rule reality, and he has the vicious, coldhearted pragmatism to supplement his magical prowess.

Quan Chi matches Delia, Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, and Shinnok in terms of magic. As a necromancer, he can steal souls and reanimate the dead. His magical feats involve illusions, alteration, conjuration, and a limited degree of omniscience. It's thanks to him that Scorpion became a Wraith, and Shinnok returned to the realm of the living. Had Quan Chi acted alone, his cunning could prove enough to pit the Realms' most powerful villains against each other.

Quan Chi In Mortal Kombat 1

While instrumental in the efforts to defeat Titan Shang Tsung, Quan Chi’s treasonous crimes landed him in the prisons of Outworld. When a desperate Ermac frees him, Quan Chi betrays his creation in pursuit of the Hourglass and Dark Magic to defeat Liu Kang. Similar to his Original Counterpart, Quan Chi treads a path quite similar to his “rival” Shang Tsung, both in pursuit of darker powers to achieve their own versions of omnipotence.

10 Shang Tsung

Shapeshifting Sorcerer Who Always Finds His Way To Power, Godhood

One of Mortal Kombat's original champions, the Elder Gods cursed Shang Tsung with quick aging due to his ambition. To retain his youth, Shang Tsung must absorb the souls of others. As cunning as he is, he realized that this soul absorption granted him not just the appearance, but the abilities of souls he obtains.

This power set should put Quan Chi as the more powerful sorcerer. However, Shang Tsung's mastery of soul absorption gave him centuries' worth of knowledge and abilities that almost matched that of Gods. In fact, Shang Tsung trumped Quan Chi in that he created Kronika's Crown. Shang Tsung not only knows the inner machinations of the Hourglass of Time but can withstand its strain should he decide to shape time in his image.

Shang Tsung In Mortal Kombat 1

Despite Titan Liu Kang ensuring his version of Shang Tsung won’t grow in power, the benefactor only known as Damashi conspired to install the new Shang Tsung in Queen Sindel’s court. This Damashi revealed herself as a Titan Shang Tsung, created when Kronika’s defeat created a multiverse of timelines where Kombatants have become Titans of their own. After Titan Shang Tsung’s eventual defeat, the younger Shang Tsung was imprisoned under Queen Mileena’s rule. After a prison escape, Shang Tsung found himself on an abandoned sorcerer’s island with a dormant Well of Souls. The ending of his Tower Mode states that Shang Tsung will start learning to use the Well’s power, implying that Shang Tsung may very well reacquire his powerset in the Original Timeline prior to his ascension to godhood.

9 Geras

The Immortal Defender Of The Hourglass

Geras was originally created as an artificial construct to protect Kronika, the Keeper of Time. Being a creation of the Titaness herself, Geras boasts an extraordinary physiology coupled with superhuman levels of strength, durability, and battle prowess.

However, what sets Geras apart from the rest of the Kombatants isn’t necessarily his creation but rather his nature. Kronika created Geras as a “fixed point in time,” meaning he’s able to restore his previous state regardless of what happened to him. He’s practically achieved immortality, being able to heal from any injury, even fatal ones, in seconds. It took Raiden binding Geras to an anchor and sinking him in the endless Blood Seas to contain him.

Geras In Mortal Kombat 1

While drowned for eternity in the Original Timeline, Titan Liu Kang recreates Geras in his new era with the task of solely defending both the timeline and the Hourglass. Due to the circumstances of his creation, Geras is implied to be impossible to corrupt, hence Liu Kang’s decision to choose him as the Hourglass’ new Keeper should the Titan eventually perish in the future. Geras’s immunity to temporal machinations makes him one of the most powerful beings in the realms, especially when combined with his absolute immortality.

8 Cetrion

The Former Elder Goddess Of Light And Life

Introduced as Shinnok’s counterpart, Cetrion serves as the Elder God of Light. Whereas Shinnok represented Darkness, Cetrion represented light and its purity, manipulating the elements and life itself. Cetrion has control over all elements, although she does seem to have a fondness for manipulating the earth.

However, her true power lies in her nature as an Elder God. Essentially a deity, Cetrion cannot be truly killed like Shinnok. Cetrion can even survive injuries like decapitation, similar to Shinnok. What holds Cetrion back is her devotion to her mother, as she can become just as much of a threat should she decide to take matters into her own hands.

Cetrion In Mortal Kombat 1

Since Kronika absorbs Cetrion’s essence to empower her in the Original Timeline, it’s presumed that she perished alongside her mother when Liu Kang defeated Kronika for control over the Hourglass. However, when Mortal Kombat 11 specified that Cetrion is immune to Kronika’s temporal tampering due to her status as an Elder God, there’s a possibility of Cetrion existing somewhere in Mortal Kombat 1, much like how Liu Kang simply neutralized and depowered her twin Shinnok in the new timeline.

7 Kronika

The Former Titan Keeper Of Time

Despite her short stay as the antagonist of MK 11, Kronika is not one to mess with. Aside from being the mother of Elder Gods Shinnok and Cetrion, the Titaness Kronika is the Keeper of Time. As the Architect of Destiny, she can control the flow of time. She can even summon individuals from various points in time without triggering any paradoxes. Kronika can manipulate energy and the sands of time, incorporating them into her attack.

Kronika's downfall is her lack of omnipotence. She requires energy sources to control the Hourglass, such as her crown, Earthrealm's Jinsei, or the essence of an Elder God. Had she been given enough planning, Kronika could have used her time manipulation to win without lifting a finger.

Kronika In Mortal Kombat 1

When Liu Kang defeated Kronika for control over the Hourglass, it was revealed that Kronika was permanently removed from the timeline. However, Kronika’s appearance served as the “avatar” of Titan Shang Tsung in his attempted corruption of Titan Liu Kang’s timeline, this time taking the identity of Damashi. While technically dead and no longer Keeper of the Hourglass, Kronika’s mastery over temporal control in her prime puts her leagues above other Titans. Interestingly enough, since it was mentioned that Elder Gods like Cetrion and Hourglass Protector Geras aren’t affected by temporal effects, it should be possible for Kronika to remain a threat elsewhere in the multiverse.

6 The Titan Kombatants In Mortal Kombat 1

When Titan Kombatant Shang Tsung of the Original Timeline revealed himself as the mysterious “benefactor” that tried to bring ruin to the Original Timeline Liu Kang’s grand design, Liu Kang returned to his role as Keeper of his own timeline to call for aid across the multiverse. In response, Original Timeline counterparts of Kitana, Kung Lao, and Raiden visited as Titans of their respective universes to assist Titan Liu Kang’s defense.

As shown in Mortal Kombat 1, Titan Kombatants “canonize” Mortal Kombat 11 endings, with other Titans possessing combinations of Kombatant powers after defeating Kronika. It’s surmised that Titan Kombatants should possess their original skillset as well as limited reality and temporal control when outside their native universe. Their powers only become hindered when facing fellow Titans, as their equal power levels return them to their approximate non-divine Kombatant equivalents.

The Titan Kombatants In Mortal Kombat 1

While a fight with Titan Shang Tsung and his timeline’s versions of Mortal Kombat characters didn’t destroy Titan Liu Kang’s Hourglass, he awaited his rival’s forces atop the Pyramid of Argus in his own timeline. In here, a recreation of the Battle of Armageddon is enacted, this time with Titan Liu Kang’s Titans of Good fighting Titan Shang Tsung’s Titans of Evil. While the new Deadly Alliance of Titans Shang Tsung and Quan Chi were erased, the end credits of the game revealed a Titan Havik hoping to sow chaos across the multiverse. It’s implied that countless other Titans are in charge of their respective timelines, with Liu Kang’s Geras now tasked to stand watch and look into temporal threats.

5 Fire God Liu Kang

The Mortal Titan, God Of Fire

Players of MK 11 would easily put Liu Kang in literal god-tier. In the game's story, Kronika's fear of both Liu Kang and Raiden's potential motivated her to manipulate time to pit them against each other endlessly. Unfortunately, Raiden saw through her plan and merged himself with Liu Kang, imbuing his godly essence into him. Liu Kang became a Fire God, possessing the aspect of fire and lightning.

It's difficult to pinpoint the Fire God's abilities. However, it's safe to assume that the Fire God would have his martial arts imbued with a deity's strength. His feats include annihilating a Netherrealm legion and even besting Kronika. Moreover, given his control over Kronika's Crown and the Hourglass of Time, the Fire God could also control time to do his bidding. He managed to forge a timeline away from Kronika's machinations.

Fire God Liu Kang In Mortal Kombat 1

While technically still the creator of the current Mortal Kombat 1 timeline, Fire God Liu Kang willingly demotes himself into a mere demigod to avoid the same temptations that corrupted Kronika as the Keeper of the Hourglass. However, the threat of Titan Shang Tsung forced Liu Kang to assume the mantle of Titan once again. While Titan Shang Tsung is eventually neutralized, Liu Kang, wielding his Titan powers with a demigod’s body, has burnt out his immortality. Although still capable of living through eons, Titan Liu Kang may be killed.

4 Onaga

No Longer Former Royalty, A Mythical Beast That Could Topple Regimes

The Dragon King Onaga served as the ruler of Outworld prior to Shao Kahn. As Outworld's Kahn, Onaga demonstrates superior strength, endurance, and magical resistance. He has the uncanny power to raise the dead, which he used to constantly revive his famed army. Had Shao Kahn not poisoned him, Onaga would have become the biggest mortal threat across the Realms.

In fact, Shao Kahn's choice to eliminate Onaga demonstrates the latter's threat level. His sheer cunning makes him a formidable foe. As a spirit, he duped fighters into giving him a mortal host, absorbing the powers of other Kombatants. Had Shujinko failed to realize his treachery, Onaga could have prepared to defeat Blaze and attain unspeakable power.

Onaga In Mortal Kombat 1

Onaga is mentioned in Mortal Kombat 1, primarily in the Tower Endings of Reiko and General Shao. Since their efforts to build an army were deemed pointless, their last resort would be taking control of Onaga, this time described as a being trapped within Mount Tsaagan after Shao’s ancestors defeated him. While not mentioned as former Outworld royalty, Onaga retaining the fearsome reputation of a Kombatant whom even Shao fears is a testament to his existing power in any timeline.