Mortal Kombat 1 has a lot of characters, all with a new take to celebrate the reboot of the franchise. Here, we will give you the tier list of all the characters in the game.
Mortal Kombat has always been one of the premium fighting game franchises. But one thing Mortal Kombat focused on was its story mode. With the previous entry into the franchise, the world of Mortal Kombat had seen a significant shift. Now, with the new installment, Mortal Kombat 1, the world and, by extension, the game have gotten a reboot.
This time around, we still have the known and fan-favorite characters from all the previous games. But each character has its own twist and mechanics to offer. Also, the cameo system added with this new entry opens up another option for the players to use in combat, giving the system even more depth than before.
Mortal Kombat 1 has a lot of characters for the players to choose and play with. Each of the characters has its own move set and combos for the players to master. But that said, since everyone plays differently, some characters will always be better than others. Here, we have created a tier list of all the characters by far to give you an idea of which are the more powerful characters to play in the game.
All Character Tier Lists in Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1)
| Tier | Character |
|---|---|
| S-tier | Kenshi, Johnny Cage, Raiden, Shang Tsung, Baraka and Geras |
| A-tier | Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kitana, Mileena, General Shao, Li Mei, Havik, Reptile and Reiko |
| B-tier | Kung Lao, Tanya, Sindel, Smoke and Rain |
| C-tier | Ashrah, and Nitara |
S Tier
S-tier characters are the game’s strongest characters in the current meta. They can often be hard to master. But a good player with these characters will be tough to beat. They can have balanced gameplay or focus on combos. Even though each character plays differently, the S-tier characters are the ones at the top with more chances to beat all the lower-tier characters in a match.
Kenshi
The blind swordsman Kenshi has a special blend of physical and telekinetic prowess that puts him in the S-tier. His ability to manipulate objects with his mind gives him command over the field of combat. Kenshi is a dangerous adversary due to his deft katana blows and telekinetic abilities. He’s an all-star because he excels at both offense and defense.
Johnny Cage
The brash Hollywood sensation Johnny Cage moves up to the S-tier with his dazzling, high-speed fighting technique. The combination of his green energy attacks and quick footwork makes for some seriously devastating combos and mix-ups. His arrogance may be a flaw, but the fact that he can be so unpredictable in battle makes him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.
Raiden
Thunder God Raiden protects Earthrealm and is an unstoppable power in his own right. He has an electric advantage that provides him with proficiency in lightning-based attacks. Raiden is a great pick because of his ability to effectively control the battlefield, zone opponents, and punish them with devastating combos. His godlike intelligence and good nature give him a lot of depth in character.
Shang Tsung
The sorcerer Shang Tsung is a deceptive and crafty antagonist. His extraordinary versatility is due to his ability to absorb the souls of other combatants and adopt their abilities. Because of this, he is always a dangerous character to play. Shang Tsung is at the top of the list because of his extensive understanding of martial arts and his use of dark magic and cunning techniques.
Baraka
In Mortal Kombat 1, Baraka is a Tarkatan warrior who is infamous for his terrible appearance, which includes blades on his forearms and vicious fangs. He is seen as quite worrisome because of his clan. Apart from that soft side, he has a violent fighting style, favoring close-range blade attacks and throwing projectiles.
Geras
Time-bending enforcer Geras makes his S-tier debut. By manipulating the passage of time, he can throw his foes off surprise and change the tide of combat. Geras’ arsenal of attacks is devastating. His unbreakable protection, high-damage combinations, and time-rewinding ability offer him an unparalleled tactical edge.
A Tier
A-tier characters are almost in the same power level as an S-tier character. But oftentimes, they are too hard to learn or have some kind of weakness. A-tier has some of the most versatile fighters in the game. It is possible to beat the S-tier characters with an A-tier if you can master the character. So, there is no disadvantage in learning an A-tier fighter if you like the character. It can still carry you to the higher rank of the game.
Liu Kang
When thinking of the Mortal Kombat universe, Liu Kang is the first name that comes to mind. Having exceptional combo potential, he is well-known for his blazing strikes and powerful kicks. When performed correctly, his characteristic bicycle kick can inflict devastating damage. Liu Kang is a fan favorite and a formidable warrior thanks to his moral integrity and unwavering commitment to protecting the Earth Realm.
Sub-Zero
As a cryonics expert, Sub-Zero can unleash a variety of devastating cold spells. He can freeze missiles and slide across the ground, and his powers have made him famous. By either zoning out foes or engaging them in close combat, Sub-Zero can dictate the tempo of a match. The time he buys by freezing his opponents is perfect for setting up devastating combos. Sub-Zero is a significant figure in the series, whether you go with the original Bi-Han or his younger brother, Kuai Liang.
Scorpion
Scorpion, the popular rogue ninja, is ferocious and quick on his feet. His trademark spear attack and command to “Get over here!” are followed by a teleport punch that often catches his opponents off guard. Scorpion’s Hellfire powers grant him the ability to exert pressure and command any given area. He is one of the most famous and well-known characters in Mortal Kombat thanks to his tragic history and dogged quest for revenge.
Kitana
Kitana is a lethal assassin who favors a weapon with a fan of blades. Her distinctive combat style is a blend of martial arts grace and fan-based projectile assaults. Kitana is a formidable foe because of her superior air control and capability for effective mix-ups. Her rich backstory and significance to the series’ canon give her more dimension.
Mileena
Mileena demonstrates anarchy and nimbleness. Because she is a Kitana clone with Tarkatan DNA, she looks horrifying and fights viciously. Mileena’s signature moves include teleportation and vicious biting strikes. Her agility and unpredictability make her a formidable foe. Her conflicted emotions and intense rivalry with Kitana make for a fascinating story arc.
General Shao Kahn
The ruthless emperor of the Outworld, General Shao Kahn, is a formidable foe. His hammer-based strikes and superhuman strength allow him to unleash deadly blows. Shao Kahn’s aggressive demeanor and zoning skills have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. He is a formidable foe because of his intimidating persona and desire for absolute dominion.
Li Mei
Martial artist Li Mei possesses a rare combination of speed and strength. Being the Head of the Royal Guard, her method of combat relies heavily on quick footwork and kicks. Li Mei’s teleportation and flying kick provide her with a wide range of options in battle. Both her longing for independence and her commitment to keeping her country safe define her personality.
Reptile
Reptile, aka Syzoth, is a formidable warrior of the Zaterra clan. He is a dangerous adversary due to his acid assaults, invisibility, and tongue lash. Reptile’s hidden missions and unwavering devotion to being the best among his clan give depth to his character. In combat, he is noted for his stealth and cunningness.
Reiko
Reiko has served several different Outworld emperors and is known as a tough and faithful warrior. However, in MK1, he is a true devotee of his master, General Shao Kahn. Reiko is an accomplished martial artist with access to a lethal war hammer. Reiko is a multifaceted protagonist because of his undying devotion to his superiors and his hunger for power. His arsenal centers on devastating blows and counterattacks.
B Tier
B-tier characters are the fun-based characters. They will perform average in a match, but if you are going against a good A or S-tier fighter, it will be hard for you to win the match. That being said, using one character all the time will be boring. So, if you want to mix things up and try to beat the opponent by being an underdog, you can use these characters.
Kung Lao
Kung Lao is an expert with razor-sharp headgear and a direct descendent of the legendary Great Kung Lao. His skill set centers on quickness and pinpoint accuracy. Kung Lao has a number of combos involving the use of his hat as a projectile. Misunderstandings can also arise from his teleportation technique. Although he isn’t the best of the best, his acrobatic fighting style and novel hat-based techniques make him a tough opponent nonetheless.
Tanya
Tanya is a cunning and agile fighter who excels at aerial maneuvers. She has the ability to teleport and perform diving kicks, giving her an advantage in combat by allowing her to sneak up on her opponents. Tanya is an agile foe with a wide range of attacks and good zoning options that includes fireballs. Her complicated past and ties with many groups make for an interesting plot point.
Sindel
Sindel, the queen of the Outworld, is a fascinating figure because she possesses both elegance and strength. Her scream-based assaults are able to dominate the battlefield and confuse her foes. She has the ability to use her long hair as a weapon to increase her range. Sindel’s history and regal manner make for a compelling character, and her varied moveset provides choices for both zoning and close combat.
Smoke
Smoke is a ninja of the Lin Kuei clan, and he uses smoke to conceal his movements and remain undetected. At the end of the campaign, he is seen joining Scorpion’s clan, Shirai Ryu. Smoke’s ability to teleport in and out of battle makes him elusive. He can even perform rapid combos based on teleportation and strikes. His complex personality stems from his human origins and his subsequent evolution into a cyborg.
Rain
Prince Rain of Edenia has the power of hydrokinesis, which allows him to manipulate water at will. His arsenal of teleportation and water-based weapons makes him a tricky and unpredictable foe. Although Rain isn’t as well-known as some other characters, he still has his share of fans thanks to his special skills and royal lineage.
C Tier
C-tier characters are the worst the game has to offer. They are not that great in any match. Some tweaking is required to make them a bit better in matches against fighters from other tiers. But no update is done to these characters; they are better left untouched, as you are more likely to lose them if you are using characters from the C-tier.
Ashrah
Ashrah is quite an interesting figure because of his strange past. She is armed with a weapon she thinks may cleanse her spirit. Her beautiful combat style combines acrobatic swordplay with traditional swordsmanship. Ashrah’s gameplay revolves around the deflection abilities of her blade and her ability to juggle enemies in the air. Her redemption arc and one-of-a-kind weapon make her a compelling option for those seeking variety, even if she lacks the name recognition of more popular characters.
Havik
Havik is a cleric of chaos, and his chaotic and unpredictable fighting style has earned him a reputation. In close quarters, he is a formidable foe due to his ability to twist his body and utilize it as a weapon. Havik can break bones with his punches and surprise opponents with limb manipulation. His commitment to anarchy and his function as a disruptor in the Mortal Kombat narrative set him apart and made him a fan favorite.
Nitara
Vampire Nitara is skilled in air battles. Because of her wings, she can glide into assaults and hover above the ground, providing her with a distinct mobility advantage. Blood-based attacks and long-range projectiles are at the heart of Nitara’s gameplay. Her supernatural abilities make her a welcome addition to the Mortal Kombat cast, and she can be useful in the proper hands because of her ability to control space and confound opponents.
