The Ultimate Mortal Kombat 1 Fighter Tier List: Unleash Their Hidden Powers!

The Mortal Kombat 1 reboot has brought back beloved characters with fresh new versions. This alternate-universe rendition of MK1 features 23 playable characters and 15 Kameo fighters, all of whom have previously appeared in the series.

To optimize their gameplay experience, players may be interested in knowing which fighters are the most powerful and which ones are not worth exploring. While tier lists are subjective, here are the top-performing characters in Mortal Kombat 1, as well as those who may struggle to hold their ground against the competition.

Mortal Kombat 1 Tier List: S-Tier Fighters

Determining a precise tier list for Mortal Kombat 1 characters with satisfying cameos can prove to be exceptionally challenging. Ultimately, the choice of fighter relies heavily on an individual player's preferred gameplay style. In the inaugural R1ps tournament following the release of the MK1 beta, the finals showcased Mileena, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero, three fighters who typically do not occupy the esteemed S-tier position on various online rankings. Nevertheless, a few combatants consistently tend to ascend to the apex of most tier lists, earning themselves a dedicated fan base in this revitalized MK edition.

Kenshi

Johnny Cage

Kenshi's arsenal comprises an array of telekinetic and psychokinetic maneuvers, coupled with the exceptional ability to summon a Spirit to bolster his combat prowess. Mastering the art of simultaneously controlling two fighters requires immense skill, but the efforts invested in honing Kenshi's playstyle are well worth it. With impressive reach, formidable neutral game, and a comprehensive selection of moves at his disposal, Kenshi stands as a formidable adversary even without the additional support of his ghostly companion and Kameo. However, his moveset, although highly versatile, demands a slower pace and greater complexity compared to many other fighters in MK1, rendering him one of the less beginner-friendly characters in the game.

With an impressive array of easy combos, Johnny Cage stands out as one of the most formidable fighters in Mortal Kombat 1. His diverse range of attacks, including those with varying heights and distances, together with his exceptional ability to stagger opponents, make him a force to be reckoned with. However, what truly sets Cage apart is his Hype Meter, a unique feature that permits him to interrupt other fighters' Special Moves. Building up the Hype Meter necessitates taking damage, but the potential for great rewards convincingly justifies the associated risks.

Raiden

Shang Tsung

Raiden has solidified his position as one of the most iconic figures in the history of Mortal Kombat. In the first installment of the game, choosing Raiden grants players access to a formidable long-range projectile assault, an impressive repertoire of standard attacks, and a devastating aerial maneuver known as the Electric Fly. This Fly attack not only proves useful for escaping tight predicaments but also for forcing adversaries into disadvantageous positions. Additionally, Raiden offers a more beginner-friendly experience compared to other characters typically ranked in the top-tier category, making him a worthy contender in the competitive ladder.

Shang Tsung encompasses two separate fighters within himself, each with their own distinct capabilities. These include an Old Man moveset and a Young kit, both offering unique playstyles. Players have the ability to seamlessly switch between these two forms during a battle. Young Shang Tsung excels in delivering a remarkable mid-kick combo with impressive range, while Old Man Shang Tsung possesses an assortment of combo starters. His extraordinary ability allows him to acquire and replicate the moves of his adversaries, including their Brutalities and Fatalities, resulting in the most unpredictable movesets to be found in MK1.

MK1 Best Fighters: A-Tier Combatants

Moving on, let's now explore the characters of Mortal Kombat 1 who possess formidable skill sets and powerful techniques but are slightly ranked lower in terms of overall power. These A-Tier fighters remain exceptional choices for gamers aiming to obliterate their adversaries, although they are marginally less dominant compared to the aforementioned four fighters.

Liu Kang

Li Mei

This remarkable deity holds the distinguished title of being the sole character to make an appearance in every single installment of the MK series. Renowned for his blistering speed and a vast repertoire of techniques to disrupt his adversaries' combos, he possesses an exceptional ranged fireball attack. Additionally, his punishing capabilities surpass those of any other character, enabling him to annihilate even the most secure combinations. Undoubtedly, he stands out as the easiest character to grasp and master, solidifying his rightful place in the S-tier of any MK1 tier list centered on ease of play.

Although Li Mei lacks in popups, she compensates with a versatile toolkit and two of the most devastating flipkicks in the industry. One of her standout techniques involves placing a lantern overhead her opponent, which compels them to approach without jumping. This grants the player a better understanding of the opponent's next move. Her combos are straightforward to learn and execute, while offering considerable duration, making her an excellent choice for those looking to reacquaint themselves with the game. However, Li Mei does have some weak spots in her fighting repertoire, which can be mitigated by teaming up with someone like Jax.

General Shao

Shao possesses a health pool slightly below the average, aligning perfectly with his glass-cannon style. Paired with his formidable axe, capable of unleashing devastating impacts on both opponents and the ground, he becomes a force to be reckoned with. Opponents will do well to avoid his powerful smashes, as they inflict significant damage. For those who gravitate towards slower yet more impactful attacks, Shao is the ideal choice. Regrettably, his normal attacks pale slightly in comparison to those of other fighters.

Scorpion

Scorpion's kit in MK1 can be best described as comfortable. His moveset will ring a bell for those familiar with his previous appearances in MK games. From Scorpion's iconic grab move and teleportation ability to his fiery attacks and solid normals, players will feel right at home with him. If you're searching for a character that offers a seamless transition into the new game while preserving the familiar, Scorpion is the perfect choice. Moreover, Mortal Kombat 1 marks the triumphant comeback of his rope blade ranged attack, known as "Get Over Here," granting him an extended reach.

B-Tier and Below Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 B-Tier or Lower Fighters

Out of the 23 fighters available in Mortal Kombat 1, not all of them possess move sets that are worth learning. These characters may have limited range, slower speed, inferior Fatalities, or other drawbacks that prevent them from making the cut.

Ashrah

Baraka

Geras

Havik

Kitana

Kung Lao

Mileena

Rain

Reiko

Reptile

Sindel

Smoke

Sub-Zero

Tanya

Unreleased DLC Characters in MK1

There are also a handful of characters currently unavailable for play testing as they will be Mortal Kombat 1 DLC in the future. These characters are:

Ermac

Homelander

Omni-Man

Peacemaker

Quan Chi

Takeda

Mortal Kombat 1 is available for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series S/X.