Who’s the Strongest in Mortal Kombat? Let’s Sort Out This Epic Brawl
Mortal Kombat entered the scene, delivering fatalities and gore. Fans often ask: “Who’s the strongest character?” This debate is intense. It’s as fiery as Scorpion’s hellfire and as cold as Sub-Zero’s ice powers. Let’s examine the realms, timelines, and power levels of Mortal Kombat to find the mightiest.
I. The Undisputed Apex: The One Being
When it comes to power in Mortal Kombat, one entity stands alone: The One Being. This force reigns supreme, undefeated and unchallenged. Players might not recognize it as it remains absent from playable forms or boss fights. Think of it as the ultimate absentee force in Mortal Kombat lore.
The scale of The One Being’s power is immense. It predates the Elder Gods. Imagine a force so powerful it dwarfs gods. That is The One Being. Its existence is tied to all realms. To defeat this entity needed divine collaboration from the Elder Gods. They did not destroy it; they merely subdued it.
The lore explains how the Elder Gods fractured The One Being into many realms to control its power. It’s like trying to contain oceans by dividing them into lakes. This measure highlights The One Being’s overwhelming might. While Shao Kahn conquers realms and Kronika manipulates time, they seem insignificant next to The One Being. It’s the trump card, the apex of power in Mortal Kombat. In different languages, it is called “Yīgè Cúnzài” (一個存在 in Chinese) and “Hitotsu no Sonzai” (一つの存在 in Japanese). Its status mirrors Azathoth from Lovecraftian horror, a god shaping reality without awareness. This connection further solidifies The One Being’s position in Mortal Kombat.
II. Heavy Hitters: Strongest Mortal Kombat Characters (General)
Let’s descend from cosmic heights and talk about characters we see battling in arenas. Determining the strongest among these beings is subjective. Strength in Mortal Kombat can mean different things: raw power, magical abilities, resilience, or cunning. The answer includes all of these factors.
Two names are synonymous with Mortal Kombat: Scorpion and Sub-Zero. These iconic rivals share a long history, fueled by vengeance and clan conflicts. In of strength, Scorpion comes out on top generally. Let’s analyze why.
Scorpion’s primary weapon is hellfire. This isn’t ordinary fire; it’s demonic flame infused with power. Scorpion wields flames that can incinerate souls. Additionally, Scorpion is a demon from the Netherrealm, a title that grants him significant power. Demons in Mortal Kombat are tough and formidable. Scorpion’s extensive combat experience further enhances his strength in battles.
Now, we shift to Sub-Zero’s icy domain. He specializes in cryomancy, controlling ice and cold energy. Sub-Zero can create blizzards, freeze foes, and form deadly ice weapons. As a member of the Lin Kuei clan, he has intense training and discipline. He’s tactical, using freezing projectiles and ice clones to confuse enemies during battles.
Though Scorpion and Sub-Zero dominate the franchise, we cannot overlook original heroes: Raiden and Liu Kang. Raiden is an Elder God wielding power over lightning. He protects Earthrealm against threats. Liu Kang has evolved from a monk to a fire god, mastering fire and energy. Fans argue that while Raiden and Liu Kang are powerful, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have become icons due to their rivalry. More on Mortal Kombat characters can be found on Wikipedia.
Next come oppressive rulers like Shao Kahn, Onaga, and Kronika. Shao Kahn seeks to expand his dominion with brutal strength and magic. Onaga, the Dragon King, is a powerful ancient being, possessing mystical abilities. Kronika controls time itself, manipulating timelines to achieve her goals. These antagonists represent various power aspects: strength, ancient might, and cosmic control. For further insight, Beebom lists strong characters, while TheGamer covers characters stronger than Sub-Zero.
III. Ranking Rumble: Strength by Specific Attributes
Going deeper now. Let’s analyze Mortal Kombat characters based on individual strengths. It’s time for a ranking of ninja powers, weakest links, and towering fighters.
Strongest MK Ninja
Ninjas in Mortal Kombat are skilled warriors, masters of disguise, with supernatural powers. Choosing the strongest ninja is challenging, but here’s a ranking:
- Ermac: A collective of souls bound together, Ermac wields telekinesis and soul manipulation.
- Rain: A demigod prince of Edenia, controls water and lightning; a strong contender for the top spot.
- Tremor: Manipulates earth; he can create earthquakes and control terrain.
- Noob Saibot: The wraith made of shadows and darkness; he attacks stealthily.
- Scorpion: A demon and ninja, his hellfire expertise earns him respect.
- Smoke: A master of smoke, he can become intangible and unleash attacks.
- Sub-Zero:A cryomancer ninja; he freezes adversaries with deadly skill.
- Sub-Zero has ice powers. His Lin Kuei training makes him formidable. However, he might not be as strong as the best ninja contenders in this ranking.
Weakest MK Character
Get ready as we explore Mortal Kombat’s characters who sit at the bottom of tier lists. Determining the weakest is subjective. It changes from game to game and player to player. Some characters seem to face an uphill struggle constantly.
- Kai: Poor Kai. He is often viewed as one of the weakest. This is especially true in Mortal Kombat 4 and Armageddon. His main problem? Low damage output. In a world of deadly combos, Kai feels weak.
- Cyrax: Cyrax faces damage scaling issues. Despite his cybernetic upgrades, he lacks power in fights. His weak attacks can frustrate players aiming for easy victories.
- Sindel (in specific games): Sindel, a powerful sorceress, sometimes earns the “weakest” title, especially in Mortal Kombat: Deception. Her throws are bad in that game, and her playstyle can be difficult. This contrasts her lore power.
- Sub-Zero (MK1 – Controversial): Sub-Zero weak? That seems absurd! Still, some argue he is the weakest in Mortal Kombat 1. This claim is controversial given his history. It shows how player opinions can influence character rankings.
Tallest MK Character
Size does matter in Mortal Kombat. Being taller than your opponent adds intimidation. Let’s look at the giants in this universe:
- Motaro: This Centaurian warrior is the tallest character in Mortal Kombat.
- Goro: Goro is the four-armed Shokan prince, clearing eight feet tall easily.
- Torr: Ferra/Torr features Torr, a large character with significant height.
- Shao Kahn: The Outworld emperor is imposing and powerful, towering over most foes.
- Geras: Built tall and strong, Geras is a formidable fighter created by Kronika.
- Raiden: The thunder god is notably tall, fitting for his status.
- Kotal Kahn: The Osh-Tekk warrior king has a significant stature.
- Sheeva: Sheeva, another warrior, though not as tall as Goro, is still taller than many humans.
Hardest Character to Beat (Master) in MK1
Mastering a character in Mortal Kombat requires much more than just button mashing. Some characters require precision and timing. Based on early gameplay impressions of Mortal Kombat 1, here are challenging characters:
- Geras: His time manipulation and combos make him complicated to learn and master.
- Shang Tsung: The shape-shifting sorcerer requires mastery of various movesets, adding layers of complexity.
- Kenshi: His telekinetic sword skills require precise execution and strategic movement.
- Ashrah: The demon hunter’s light-based attacks and combos need careful execution.
- Rain: Rain’s abilities involve precise timing and execution.
- Sindel: Though sometimes weak, her gameplay in MK1 can be complex.
- Havik: Havik’s unique moveset pushes players to think outside the box and master his style.
Character with Most Brutal Finisher
Mortal Kombat is known for fatalities. Certain fatalities are particularly brutal. For unsettling awfulness, many point to D’Vorah in MK11. Her fatality rips off a layer of flesh. This fatality makes you wince while also applauding its audacity.
Fastest MK Character
Speed matters in Mortal Kombat. Kabal is incredibly fast. A member of the Black Dragon clan, he darts around like a whirlwind. His speed is not just for show; it’s part of his fighting style. Kabal’s speed allows him to overwhelm opponents quickly.
IV. Sub-Zero vs. Scorpion: The Eternal Rivalry Deep Dive
Let’s return to a key dynamic in Mortal Kombat: the rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Who is stronger? The icy ninja or the hellfire specter? This question is complicated and depends on context.
Who’s Stronger? The Canonical Conundrum
In Mortal Kombat’s established lore, particularly in the Midway timeline, Scorpion is noted to be stronger than Sub-Zero. His demonic powers give him an edge. However, canon becomes murky with timelines and character rewrites. Lore suggests Scorpion has power, but Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang/Grandmaster Sub-Zero) has won more fights against Scorpion in the story. This rivalry showcases raw power versus skill.
Original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) – The Gray Anti-Hero
Let’s explore Sub-Zero’s icy origins. Bi-Han, the original Sub-Zero, played complex roles. He acted based on the Lin Kuei’s agenda. His motives are often morally gray. He is not purely evil but pragmatic and ruthless. His death at Scorpion’s hands fueled their cycle of vengeance. After death, he becomes Noob Saibot, a wraith of darkness and malice.
Later Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang) – The Heroic Successor
After Bi-Han’s death, his younger brother, Kuai Liang, takes over as Sub-Zero. He fights for Earthrealm and strives to honor the Lin Kuei. Kuai Liang faces manipulation or mind control but still tries to do right. He embodies redemption and positivity within a morally gray world.
Relationship Dynamics: From Vengeance to Uneasy Truce
The bond between Sub-Zero and Scorpion includes hatred, vengeance, and eventual truce. In the original timeline, Scorpion hatred stems from deception by Quan Chi. Scorpion believes Bi-Han caused his family’s massacre, igniting their conflict. Eventually, an uneasy truce forms through Kuai Liang’s actions.
Revenge drives Kuai Liang to seek justice for his brother’s death. This action echoes the cycle of violence. As the story develops, he discovers Quan Chi’s manipulations. He also uncovers the truth about Scorpion’s past. They evolve from rivals to allies. In Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), Fire God Liu Kang reshapes time. Here, Bi-Han becomes Sub-Zero again, while Kuai Liang becomes Scorpion. This twist explores the relationship between them if roles were reversed. Their journey shifts from hatred to understanding and respect. It emphasizes themes like forgiveness and breaking cycles of violence.
Scorpion’s Arsenal: Hellfire and Demonic Fury
Scorpion draws powers from the Netherrealm. Hellfire fuels his abilities. He controls flames and infernal energy. His demonic nature grants him strength and resilience. This makes him a formidable opponent. Centuries of combat sharpen his skills. Scorpion uses his powers effectively. He is strong, cunning, and driven by vengeance. His quest for justice varies by timeline.
Sub-Zero’s Arsenal: Cryomancy and Dragon Medallion Power-Up
Sub-Zero masters cryomancy. He wields ice and cold as his powers. He freezes opponents, creates weapons, and forms barriers. In some stories, he gains the Dragon Medallion. This item boosts his cryomancy. It raises his ice control to near-godlike levels. Sub-Zero transforms into a being capable of massive ice manipulation. This reflects his immense potential and hidden skills.
Sub-Zero’s Foes: Beyond Scorpion
Scorpion is not Sub-Zero’s only rival. He has various enemies outside the fire ninja. In certain storylines, Scorpion sends killers after Sub-Zero’s family. This leads to conflicts and changing allegiances. These events deepen his character. They highlight clan wars and threats he faces. Kung Lao saves Sub-Zero’s family from Scorpion’s assassins. This shows friendships and rivalries beyond the Sub-Zero/Scorpion focus.
V. Power Comparisons: Mortal Kombat vs. Other Fictional Titans
To understand Mortal Kombat’s power dynamics, we must compare its characters to others in fiction. Let’s match MK heavyweights against titans from various universes.
Mortal Kombat vs. Dragon Ball: Goku and the Saiyan Scale
Comparing Mortal Kombat to Dragon Ball is challenging. Dragon Ball characters operate on a power scale that overshadows most franchises. Goku fights numerous opponents on another level entirely. Characters like Beerus, Jiren, and Zeno exist in realms of overwhelming power. They could easily defeat most Mortal Kombat characters without effort. Even Goku has lost to several foes in his saga, showcasing vulnerability. The strongest Mortal Kombat fighters would struggle against even mid-tier Dragon Ball Z characters. The differences in power scale are evident.
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Comics: Superman and the Kryptonian Crew
DC Comics introduces immensely powerful characters, yet they feel more balanced than Dragon Ball’s cosmic beings. Superman stands as a symbol of strength, but he faces limits in challenges. Darkseid, Brainiac, and Wonder Woman can pose significant threats to him. Darkseid’s Omega Beams rival Superman’s might while Brainiac exploits his weaknesses. Wonder Woman matches Superman with her mighty strength and combat skills. In crossovers, top Mortal Kombat characters might present challenges to Superman, but his versatility would often give him an edge.
Mortal Kombat vs. Greek Mythology: Zeus and the Olympian Pantheon
In mythology, Zeus reigns as the king of Greek gods. His control over thunder and lightning makes him immensely powerful in that pantheon. Comparisons between Zeus and Mortal Kombat’s Raiden reveal striking similarities. However, Zeus often operates on a more primordial scale than Raiden does in MK. Raiden, though powerful, may not match Zeus’s dominance over nature in myths. A battle between the two would show their thunder god powers, but Zeus likely holds the advantage.
Mortal Kombat vs. Ninja Gaiden: Sub-Zero vs. Ryu Hayabusa
Now we explore ninjas across gaming worlds, highlighting Ryu Hayabusa from Ninja Gaiden. A Death Battle showcased Sub-Zero versus Ryu Hayabusa. The analysis claimed Ryu would defeat Sub-Zero due to superior strength, speed, and agility. His ultra-fast movements and ancient techniques provided a decisive edge during combat. The humorous conclusion noted, “Looks like Sub-Zero just got ‘Mortal Kombated’. The winner is Ryu Hayabusa.” Skill sets influence match outcomes amongst martial artists.
VI. Rogues’ Gallery: Villains of Mortal Kombat
No Mortal Kombat tale is complete without iconic villains posing threats to realms. Here are some notorious enemies:
- Shang Tsung: This sorcerer excels at stealing souls and shapeshifting. He often plots to conquer Earthrealm for Outworld’s benefit. In the 2021 film, he’s depicted as a cunning manipulator ensuring Outworld’s success.
- Shao Kahn: The emperor embodies brutality, seeking dominance over all realms for his rule.
- Quan Chi:A master necromancer operates from the shadows to orchestrate chaos and conflicts.
- Chi is a main antagonist. He uses lies and false memories to fuel wars and gain power.
- Shinnok: A former Elder God, seeks to corrupt and dominate all realms. Raiden tries to stop Shinnok but falls into dark impulses, resembling a future self that uses Shinnok’s amulet for strength.
- Kronika: The keeper of time. She manipulates timelines for her perfect era. Present Raiden and Special Forces aim to defeat her. They learn the Elder Gods are dead, revealing the depth of her schemes.
- Mileena: A fierce clone of Kitana. She serves as a strong fighter and antagonist in earlier Mortal Kombat games.
- Kano: A mercenary and leader of the Black Dragon clan. He often acts as a chaotic villain. Kano heals Kabal and gives him an iconic mask.
- Sindel: The queen of Edenia who returns. Evil forces manipulate her, such as Quan Chi and Shao Kahn. She becomes a powerful antagonist against Earthrealm. Despite initially being good, she becomes a formidable villain. Kano and Sindel kill many Earthrealm warriors, showcasing her dangerous power.
- Onaga: The Dragon King. He is an ancient ruler of Outworld. He seeks to reclaim his throne and revive his dragon kingdom.
VII. Final Round: Other Considerations in the Mortal Kombat Arena
Before declaring the strongest character, beyond The One Being, we must evaluate more Mortal Kombat power factors.
Strongest MK1 Fighter (Gameplay Tier List)
In Mortal Kombat 1 gameplay context, early tier lists showcase characters like Kitana, Sindel, Liu Kang, Ashrah, Reiko, Kenshi, Homelander, and Johnny Cage as some of the strongest. Rankings rely on moveset versatility, damage output, combo potential, and competitive effectiveness. Gameplay strength is ever-changing as players find new tactics and techniques.
Easiest Mortal Kombat Character for Beginners
Some characters are easier to learn for newcomers. In Mortal Kombat 11, Fujin, Erron Black, Raiden, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Jax Briggs, Kano, and Shang Tsung are often recommended. Kung Lao is frequently suggested as a great starting character. He often appears first in Story Mode and has a balanced moveset easy to grasp. Kung Lao is versatile, good at many areas but not specialized in any single one.
“SonicFox”: The Mortal Kombat Master
No Mortal Kombat strength talk is complete without Dominique “SonicFox” McLean. A top professional player, SonicFox excels in Mortal Kombat, among many games. SonicFox has records for the most victories and highest earnings in Mortal Kombat X tournaments. Their skills highlight human mastery, showing it can sur character advantages.
Cole Young: The Movieverse Newcomer
The Mortal Kombat film introduced Cole Young, a newcomer to the lore. Portrayed as an MMA fighter unaware of his lineage, he s the Mortal Kombat tournament and the struggle between Earthrealm and Outworld. His film storyline focuses on discovering potential and ties to Mortal Kombat. Cole Young expands the Mortal Kombat narrative into film.
