The Unveiling of Noob Saibot in Fire God Liu Kang's Reign: What's in Store?

Over the past thirty years, the Mortal Kombat franchise has established itself as having one of the largest collections of characters in the fighting game genre. From Scorpion to Raiden and Liu Kang to Kitana, the series has created some of the most well-known names in the gaming world. With the highly anticipated release of Mortal Kombat 1, fans are eagerly anticipating how the game will represent the extensive roster of characters that the franchise is known for. This anticipation is fueled by NetherRealm Studios' decision to refresh the series' storyline and introduce the innovative Kameo fighter system, which provides countless opportunities for all types of combatants to have a role in the game.

Mortal Kombat 1 marks the start of a new era for Fire God Liu Kang, following his triumphant victory over Kronika and Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. At least for now, the realms are enjoying a period of peace, and many of the iconic fighters in Mortal Kombat have had their origins reimagined. While some characters like Scorpion have been given a fresh perspective, others, like Johnny Cage, continue on their familiar paths. However, there are a few well-known names that are noticeably absent. One such name is Noob Saibot, the enigmatic ninja who has been a consistent presence in the Mortal Kombat roster throughout its history. The absence of Noob Saibot has left fans wondering for answers.

Noob Saibot's Origins Explained

To understand why Noob Saibot has not made an appearance in Mortal Kombat 1 thus far, it is crucial to understand the character's origins. Noob Saibot, known as the antagonist to many players, was originally the first Sub-Zero, whose real name was Bi-Han. Bi-Han's Sub-Zero was the one who initially feuded with Scorpion, resulting in the latter's death at the hands of Bi-Han. In both the original canon and rebooted timeline, Scorpion eventually avenges his death by killing Bi-Han at the end of the first Mortal Kombat tournament, thus setting him on the path to becoming the Noob Saibot that fans know and love.

Following Bi-Han's demise, his younger brother Kuai Liang takes on the mantle of Sub-Zero as the primary character. Meanwhile, Bi-Han's soul descends into the Netherrealm. Within this realm, the malevolent sorcerer Quan Chi resurrects Bi-Han as Noob Saibot, eradicating all traces of his humanity and transforming him into a being of pure evil. Following this transformation, Noob aligns himself with various antagonists in Mortal Kombat, including Shao Khan and Shinnok. His powers undergo a fundamental change as well. He gains the ability to manipulate darkness, using it to teleport, create projectiles, and even manifest a clone made entirely of shadows.

How Noob Saibot Could Appear In Mortal Kombat 1

Noob Saibot's origins as Bi-Han present certain challenges for his inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1, but they also offer opportunities. The Sub-Zero featured in MK1 has been confirmed to be Bi-Han through pre-fight banter, displaying the same ruthlessness and ambition as in previous timelines. MK1's latest trailer clearly showcases Bi-Han repeating his history, which could potentially lead to the emergence of Noob Saibot.

Character bios on MK1's website reveal that Scorpion does not fully support Sub-Zero's conqueror mentality, setting the stage for a future confrontation between the two ninjas. Whether intentionally or accidentally, Scorpion's actions could result in the death of Sub-Zero, serving as the catalyst for Noob Saibot's introduction in Fire God Liu Kang's new era. This would add a tragic element to the character, considering Scorpion and Sub-Zero are now brothers, and bring depth to the typically one-dimensional Noob Saibot.

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to revolutionize the franchise in unprecedented ways, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling. NetherRealm Studios is going above and beyond to provide players with an entirely fresh experience. The recent trailer for the game has already unveiled the triumphant return of Smoke, Cyrax, and Sektor, leaving fans wondering about other potential surprises in store. Given Noob Saibot's significant impact on the franchise's history and his devoted following, fans can only hope to catch a glimpse of his mysterious presence in some capacity. Mark your calendars for September 19, as that's when Mortal Kombat 1 will be available on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.