Mortal Kombat 1 is the continuity for the long-running fighting game franchise, making it the perfect entry for players new to the series.
In MK1, many fan-favourite characters have made a return as reimagined versions after a long period of absence from the series.
The game is continuously being updated with additional downloadable characters, featuring guest appearances from popular franchises.
Without further ado, here’s a look at the 32 Mortal Kombat 1 characters and 20 Kameos.
What Playable Characters are there in Mortal Kombat 1?
Liu Kang – Fire God
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat (1992)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Geras & the Elder Gods
Fighting Styles: Jeet Kune Do, Choy Lay Fut, Dragon
Liu Kang is a staple Mortal Kombat character, having been in all but one Mortal Kombat game. A Shaolin Monk hailing from Earthrealm, Liu Kang was one of the original fighters that Raiden recruited to fight in the Mortal Kombat tournament in the first game and was the one who defeated Shang Tsung to save Earthrealm and win the tournament.
In Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang absorbed Raiden’s Elder God powers, turning himself into the Fire God Liu Kang. With this power, he defeated Kronika and became the keeper of time, using this power to reset the Universe and begin the setting of Mortal Kombat 1. He will have to learn to master his newfound powers in order to save Earthrealm and all of reality in this new Mortal Kombat storyline.
Sub-Zero – Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat (1992)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Lin Kuei
Fighting Styles: Ninjitsu, Shotokan, Dragon
Sub-Zero is even more prolific than Liu Kang, having appeared in every single Mortal Kombat game. As a long-standing Mortal Kombat character, he is perhaps the most recognisable figure to have come from the games, with an iconic blue outfit, mask and ice-related abilities.
In the rebooted universe, Sub-Zero (aka Bi-Hand) leads the warriors of the Lin Kuei, a warrior clan whose mission is to protect Earthrealm from any and all threats. However, after generations of peace, the Lin Kuei have relaxed their duties, leaving the realm vulnerable to attack. Bi-Han will have to lead the Lin Kuei back to strength in order to combat a new threat.
Scorpion – Lin Kuei Warrior
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat (1992)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Lin Kuei
Fighting Styles: Hapkido, Pi Gua, Moi Fah
Throughout the history of the Mortal Kombat games, Scorpion and Sub-Zero have been bitter rivals of opposing clans, furiously battling one another to the death. Almost as prolific as his arch enemy, Scorpion (or Hanzo Hasashi) is another instantly recognizable Mortal Kombat character. He is known for his yellow colour scheme, kunai attacks and skeletal form.
In the new timeline, Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers and both members of the Lin Kuei. Here, they work together to protect Earthrealm from any threats to the long-standing peace. However, trouble is brewing between the pair as Sub-Zero’s rejection of tradition is at odds with Scorpion’s dedication. How far will the brothers go to uphold their beliefs?
Kitana – Princess of Outworld
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Realm: Edenia
Allegiance: Mileena, Sindel, Outworld
Fighting Styles: Tessenjutsu, Eagle Claw, Ba Gua
Kitana, the Princess of Outworld is one of the most iconic female Mortal Kombat characters. In the original timeline, she was the adopted daughter of Shao Khan, the ruler of Outworld. Originally loyal to the realm, she later aided the Earthrealm defenders and fell in love with Liu Kang. However, she met her end at the hands of her resurrected mother, Sindel.
In Mortal Kombat 1, Kitana is still Princess of Outworld, however, here she is dedicated to the protection of her sister and Heir of the realm, Mileena. While many call for the level-headed Kitana to usurp her sister as heir of Outworld, Kitana has so far rejected these calls, protecting her Mileena against any who would oppose her reign. After Mileena was plagued with Tarkat, her main mission is to rid her sister of this disease.
Johnny Cage – Hollywood Action Star
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat (1992)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Earthrealm
Fighting Styles: Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Shorin Ryu
Johnny Cage came to the foreground of the franchise back in the very first instalment. As an arrogant actor but extremely talented martial artist, he proved his worth to Earthrealm when he defeated Goro, the half-dragon, half-man Shokan. He later fell in love with fellow Earthrealm defender Sonya Blade and helped begin a new generation of defenders.
Johnny Cage’s Mortal Kombat 1 iteration retains much of his character from previous entries. Still an egotistical Hollywood actor and martial artist, his fame has long since faded. Now in danger of being forgotten by the masses, he joins Liu Kang in defending Earthrealm, not out of duty, but for his own gains, hoping to restore some of his former fame.
Kenshi Takahashi – Yakuza
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Shirai Ryu & Earthrealm
Fighting Styles: Kenjutsu, Tai Chi, San Shou, Judo
First appearing in Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance, Kenshi is a later addition to the Mortal Kombat roster, but is still loved by fans. Originally, he was a blind swordsman with great telekinetic power. Later, he would father a son, Takeda, who would become a defender of Earthrealm in his own right.
The Mortal Kombat 1 character of Kenshi has a somewhat less noble start. Kenshi is descended from an ancient family of noble warriors who found themselves decimated and in their moment of weakness joined the Yakuza. Centuries later, he is now a reluctant member of the organisation, looking to break free from its hold and restore his family’s honour by reclaiming their prized sword, Sento.
Kung Lao – Farmer Turned Fighter
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Realm: Earthrealm
Allegiance: Earthrealm, Raiden & Liu Kang
Fighting Styles: Mantis, Shaolin Fist, White Lotus, Wing Chun
Kung Lao, a Shaolin Monk of great ability, has always been somewhat of a foil to Liu Kang. Trained together, Kung Lao has always been brash and arrogant whereas Liu Kang is measured and selfless. In the original timeline, the end came for Kung Lao when the Evil Shao Khan snapped his neck suddenly and dishonourably during a Mortal Kombat tournament in Outworld.
No longer is Kung Lao a Shaolin warrior. Instead, in MK1 he is a farmer who has spent his life toiling the fields of his home, all the while dreaming of a much greater destiny for himself. He gets his chance when Liu Kang comes to him, asking him to join the Earthrealm warriors. This is Kung Lao’s opportunity to forget his humble beginnings and make a name for himself as a legend.
Mileena – Heir of Outworld
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat II (1993)
Realm: Outworld
Allegiance: Outworld, Sindel & Kitana
Fighting Styles: Saijutsu, Ying Yeung, Mian Chuan
Mileena joined the Mortal Kombat roster in Mortal Kombat 2. Almost overnight she became an icon of the series, known for her razor-sharp teeth and brutal fatalities. She was revealed to be an experiment by Shao Khan to clone Kitana and create a new heir to the throne of Outworld. She eventually inherited this role, however, was usurped by Kotal Khan and later killed by D’Vorah.
In the new timeline, she is Kitana’s older twin sister and rightful heir to the throne of Outworld. However, she remains impulsive and reckless, causing many to support her sister for the throne instead. But her fiercest struggle is that she is infected with the Tarkat disease, information that if it became public, could collapse her bid for rulership.
