The Ultimate Guide to the Most Mind-Blowing Character Transformations in Mortal Kombat 1

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 is rebooting the timeline with significant changes to the backgrounds and origins of the characters, including monumental shifts in dynamics.

In the new universe, Scorpion and Sub-Zero are portrayed as biological brothers, while Raiden has taken up the occupation of a farmer. Kitana now has a twin sister named Mileena. Outworld has undergone significant changes, with Sindel assuming the role of Empress and Shao Kahn serving as a general. Moreover, the Tarkatans are afflicted by a disease under the leadership of Baraka. Additionally, Reptile is now included as a member of a shape-shifting reptiloid race known as Zaterran.

Mortal Kombat 1 is undergoing its second reboot in the franchise's 30-year history. Following the events of Mortal Kombat 11's Aftermath DLC, wherein Fire God Liu Kang reset the universe to establish a new era of harmony, Mortal Kombat 1 will introduce an exciting twist to the familiar Mortal Kombat storyline and characters.

To maintain peace in his realm, Fire God Liu Kang has meticulously altered the backgrounds and origins of every Mortal Kombat character. While some of these modifications are so subtle that even devoted fans may fail to spot them, others represent significant changes that have the potential to challenge established dynamics within the Mortal Kombat universe.

Every Major Character Change In Mortal Kombat 1 Revealed So Far

NetherRealm has unveiled several trailers for Mortal Kombat 1, each featuring two fighters along with their movesets and a glimpse of the new storyline. However, the most comprehensive information about each character can be found on the official Mortal Kombat 1 website, where every Kombatant has their own detailed biography. The first character listed is Liu Kang, the series' main protagonist, whose bio confirms his transformation into the Fire God and his mission to restore peace by resetting the timeline.

As a result of Liu Kang's actions, significant changes have occurred to beloved characters, particularly those from Earthrealm. While Kung Lao's depiction remains largely unchanged, Raiden has undergone a complete transformation. Formerly an Elder God, he now leads a humble life as a mortal farmer. Johnny Cage's persona remains mostly intact, although he no longer possesses his previous magical abilities. Kenshi's past iterations are also comparable, but his backstory has been significantly expanded. It now reveals his determination to liberate his family from the Yakuza, who have enslaved them for centuries.

In Liu Kang's new universe, a major character change involves Scorpion and Sub-Zero, who are now portrayed as biological brothers. Scorpion, formerly Hanzo Hasashi, is replaced by Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero from the previous continuity. Sub-Zero is the leader of the Lin Kuei, while Scorpion acts as his trusted right-hand man. Smoke, raised alongside the brothers, serves as the surrogate son of the original grandmaster. The Lin Kuei face various threats in this alternate universe, including Rain, who transitions from a fellow ninja to a formidable mage.

Transitioning to Outworld, the situation differs from the norm. Sindel assumes the role of Empress, bringing a new dynamic to Mortal Kombat 1's universe. Shao Kahn, no longer the Kahn, now serves as the general of Outworld's armies. Mileena, instead of being a mutated clone, emerges as Kitana's biological twin sister and the rightful heir to the Outworld throne. However, her recent contracting of the Tarkat disease poses a potential obstacle. In this universe, the Tarkatans are no longer a distinct race but rather Outworld citizens afflicted with a dreadful disease. Baraka takes on the role of their noble leader, working to improve their living conditions. Reptile, also undergoing significant changes, sheds his previous identity as a ninja or lizard-man and belongs to a reptiloid race known as the Zaterran. This species possesses the ability to shape-shift between human and reptilian forms.

Mortal Kombat 1 will release September 19th for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.