The Ultimate Guide: Unveiling Every Character in Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1, despite being the twelfth mainline entry in NetherRealm's renowned fighting game franchise, serves as a reboot that aims to return the series to its original essence. Throughout its history, spanning the arcade and console eras, this notoriously violent franchise has experienced numerous transformations, ultimately evolving into one of the best-selling series in the industry. While Mortal Kombat 1 pays homage to the original trilogy, its innovative approach includes a vast array of Kombatants, resulting from years of experimentation and the introduction of new generations.

NetherRealm has meticulously managed the decision to have Fire God Liu Kang rewrite the game's history, as it marks the third time that Mortal Kombat's timeline will be reset. Among the multiple casts of older characters and recent newcomers that have been explored in previous games, the studio's choice to return to the fundamentals proves to be invigorating. Although Mortal Kombat 9 had a similar approach following Armageddon's reset, the fresh interpretations of existing characters in Mortal Kombat 1 have already established a completely distinctive identity for the franchise.

Mortal Kombat 1's Kombatants

Sub-Zero - In the new timeline, Sub-Zero is the grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. He inherited this role from his father and is seen as a bold prodigy. However, he has become complacent with the preventative training of his clan and now has political ambitions for the Lin Kuei that take priority. This new incarnation of Sub-Zero, Bi-Han (who eventually became Noob Saibot), is more violent and harsh compared to previous versions, which could have significant meaning in the end.

Scorpion - One of the major surprises in Mortal Kombat 1's new timelines is the reinterpretation of Scorpion as the brother of Sub-Zero and a fellow member of the Lin Kuei. He has completely shed his undead wraith history and now embraces a productive rivalry with Sub-Zero. However, he is disappointed by his brother's lack of respect for their clan's traditions. Keeping his icy brother in check could potentially lead to a deeper conflict. Following the series' past, this world's Scorpion could actually be Kuai Liang, the original timeline's Sub-Zero.

Liu Kang - Taking over from Raiden, Liu Kang emerges as the fresh face of the game, embodying the Fire God. Having reset history in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, he now champions the "New Era" where everyone has the chance to find peace. However, an unknown adversary threatens to disrupt this reality, compelling him to fight and preserve it.

Kung Lao - Without his loyal companion Liu Kang by his side in this new world, Kung Lao's life takes an entirely different turn, despite his similar appearance. In this altered timeline, he sheds his previous role and adopts the humble occupation of a farmer. Now a young warrior filled with determination, Kung Lao strives to achieve glory and create a meaningful life for himself this time around.

Raiden - Unlike the familiar God of Thunder, this new version of Raiden in Mortal Kombat is a young farmer from the same village as Kung Lao. Known for his selflessness and kindness, he has taken on the role of a humble hero, guided by an elemental god.

Kitana - In a surprising twist, Kitana does not hold her usual position of royalty in Outworld. Instead, it is Mileena who serves as the true princess, being trained to become Empress. Kitana's new role involves loyal service to her sister, as their bond has grown stronger than ever before.

Mileena - In Mortal Kombat 1, Mileena portrays herself as the older twin sister of Kitana and the rightful heir of Outworld. However, unlike the previous version where she was a half-Tarkatan clone designed to mimic the princess, this new iteration of Mileena offers a more complex portrayal. Initially identical to Kitana, Mileena eventually develops the "Tarkat disease," which leads to her disfigurement. This representation showcases the series' most intricate portrayal of the femme fatale character.

Johnny Cage - Breaking away from his character development in MKX and MK11, where he evolved into a mature member of the Special Forces, Johnny Cage is once again portrayed as the Hollywood movie star. With his opulent mansion serving as a memorable game stage, Johnny Cage's new narrative involves his decline as a social media sensation in the 21st century. This fresh twist rejuvenates his character and breathes new life into his story.

Kenshi - In a major update to the lore, Kenshi takes on a new role as a reluctant member of a Yakuza-affiliated family. His mission is to retrieve his iconic Sento blade. Interestingly, Kenshi's original backstory does not include his signature blindness. However, as the story progresses, fans can expect him to lose his sight and transform into the character they know and love.

Shang Tsung - In the conclusion of Mortal Kombat 11's Aftermath DLC, Shang Tsung becomes the ultimate adversary for Liu Kang. The introduction of the Fire God seemingly wipes Shang Tsung out of existence. However, in the Mortal Kombat 1 reveal trailer, Shang Tsung reappears through a portal, raising speculation that the dark world he created in Aftermath's bad ending could still exist. While it is uncertain if this is a new incarnation of Shang Tsung, fans can only access him as a downloadable content character by pre-ordering the upcoming title.

Smoke - Despite not being a blood relative, Smoke remains fiercely loyal to his fellow Lin Kuei members Sub-Zero and Scorpion. With his smoke-themed abilities and a new knife-focused fighting style, Smoke has embraced his human form from Mortal Kombat 9, delivering brutal yet lightning-fast strikes. With his teleportation and aerial movements, this version of Smoke truly embodies the essence of a Mortal Kombat ninja.

Rain - Rain has been completely reimagined as a sorcerer wielding a staff, while still harnessing his water-manipulating abilities. For the first time since Armageddon, Rain is included in the base roster of the game. He becomes a part of an antagonistic force that opposes Liu Kang and the Lin Kuei. Despite his morally dubious nature, which has been present since his introduction as cocky Edenian royalty in the original timeline, Rain's new design emphasizes his wizard-like elements. His moveset includes various projectiles that cover the screen, making him a technical choice for fans of NetherRealm's renowned dominant zoners.

Kameo Fighters Making Their Debut in Mortal Kombat 1

Sonya Blade - Sonya Blade's design in Mortal Kombat 1 embraces the nostalgic look of the original game, staying true to her vintage appearance. Her attire from the 90s, which has not been seen in recent years, serves as a clear indication of the potential for a roster filled with callbacks.

Jax Briggs - Similar to his partner, Jax Briggs' Kameo design pays homage to the past. His appearance retains both of his organic arms in an undamaged state, while he continues to inflict the same level of pain as always.

Kano - As a part of the Special Forces-themed Kameo selection, Kano, the nemesis of Sonya and Jax, makes an appearance with a look that predates his iconic goatee from the Mortal Kombat games.

Goro - Briefly showcased in the gameplay trailer, Goro's Kameo depicts him adorned in majestic attire, while his body size has been scaled down from his usual towering form.

Kung Lao, the legendary character beloved by fans, makes a comeback in the form of a Kameo, complete with his iconic bladed hat.

Stryker, on the other hand, presents a modernized version of his original appearance. His Kameo, equipped with a taser, nostalgically pays homage to Mortal Kombat's past and offers a tantalizing glimpse of the fan service still in store.

Sub-Zero - Confirming the retro theme of Kameo fighters, this Sub-Zero version embodies the iconic blue ninja with his trademark Spine Rip fatality.

Scorpion - True to his traditional ninja outfit, the Kameo edition of Scorpion transcends the limitations of his latest human form. Unveiling a skull beneath his mask for the classic "Toasty!" fatality, this supernatural iteration of Scorpion solidifies the notion that Kameo fighters have minimal relevance to the original lore of Mortal Kombat 1's new realm.

Cyrax - Cyrax's classic robot outfit has received an HD update. Players can now utilize his Kameo to summon assistance, using his retractable saw blades and devastating bombs that are showcased in his unique Fatal Blow.

Sektor - Completing the duo, Sektor, Cyrax's red and more sinister counterpart, also makes an appearance. Known for his fast and supportive maneuvers such as a teleporting uppercut, Sektor backs up the player with his signature rockets, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Frost, the treacherous apprentice who betrayed her master Sub-Zero in the original timeline, unexpectedly appears alongside the other members of the Lin Kuei. While her previous cyborg form, which served Kronika in Mortal Kombat 11, was known for its experimental nature, Frost has now returned to her classic design, aligning with the aesthetics of other Kameo fighters. Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.