Sub-Zero
A staple of the Mortal Kombat franchise, Sub-Zero is the frosty blue ninja that uses his ice powers to slice and dice his enemies. The character was a hit with gamers and fans all over the world due to his blue outfit and his skill with ice manipulation. Cryomancy gives him the ability to attack by throwing projectiles or using a variety of weapons while also giving him a strong defense by creating shields or armor.
Triborg
Mortal Kombat 3 was the first game in this franchise that introduced robotic characters. Cyrax and Sektor were the first ones introduced. However, Mortal Kombat X introduced the first fused robotic character. Triborg is the combination of Cyrax and Sektor with the addition of Sub-Zero and Smoke’s powers/abilities. He mixes all of the different fighting styles and abilities making hard for opponents to defend his attacks.
Shinnok
The main villain in Mortal Kombat 4, Shinnok evolved from being a small antagonist to the epic status he now has in the franchise’s history. Shinnok is famous for stealing moves/abilities/powers from his opponents but is also a great hand-to-hand combatant. Shinnok is an evil elder God who transforms into a giant demon who would make anyone scared at just seeing him.
Johnny Cage
One of the most iconic and popular characters in Mortal Kombat history, “The Mime Ninja” Johnny Cage. Cage is famous for being cocky, smug, arrogant and if you ask his wife/daughter, a little bit annoying. The movie star that uses a unique fighting style, Cage has proven to be one of the best fighters in the franchise.
Cage has fought demons from alien worlds, he has unique shadow powers that make him stronger and faster while keeping his crazy amount of charisma. The perfect example of not judging a book by it's cover.
Shao Kahn
Many people consider Shao Kahn to be Mortal Kombat’s “true villain”, but the fact is he is the original. Debuting in Mortal Kombat II, Kahn was a super strong foe that showed tremendous will power while defeating countless opponents.
Kahn has a giant ego and thinks he is higher than everyone else. After beating this boss in MKII, he was brought back as the main villain in the next game. He can be used as the main villain in any MK game and fans will not whine that much.
Goro
You look at this guy and immediately think “four arms, giant, ugly-looking, no way this will be a walk in the park”. You are right. Goro debuted in Mortal Kombat and immediately became one of the most powerful and strong foes a fighter can face.
He was the MK champion for nine generations (he didn’t make to ten due to the involvement of Earthrealm in the next tournament). Goro is crazy strong and using four arms makes him flexible and even more dangerous.
Scorpion
The poster boy for Mortal Kombat, Creative Director Ed Boon’s favorite character and the one he voices, the Hell-raising Scorpion. Scorpion is the face of Mortal Kombat, a tremendous fighter who uses hellfire to defeat his opponents, Scorpion is the wielder of one of the most famous weapons in fighting game history, the “get over here” spear or harpoon. Being a great character for beginner fighters, Scorpion is a great all-around fighter that has a tremendous offense and a terrific defense.
Raiden
The most powerful character in any piece of Mortal Kombat media, whether it be a video game or movie, the Thunder God Raiden will always be there to help save Earthrealm. After beating Shinnok and becoming an elder God, Raiden uses his lightning abilities to protect humans, even if he does not understand them.
The god of thunder is super powerful and a master martial artist. Controlling thunder and lightning, Raiden can literally fry his enemies. If you are a villain, make sure to stay out of this guy’s way.
Kronika
A new addition to the Mortal Kombat lore, Kronika is quite literally the final boss. This powerful Titan is known as the Architect of the Destiny of the Universe. Manipulating time and space, taking her out was the most difficult challenge for both the player and Liu Kang himself. Kronika can stop time, speed it up, slow it down, you name it. However, her energy source was limited and required Earthrealm's Jinsei which led to her destruction.
Fire God Liu Kang
Another character that goes with Mortal Kombat just as Peanut Butter goes with Jelly, Liu Kang. You could say he is the main character in Mortal Kombat’s narrative/plot/story. He is the one that unites characters to fight the evil forces and save Earthrealm.
Liu Kang received an enormous power boost in Mortal Kombat 11 by becoming Earthrealm's new defender and The Fire God. Raiden passed down his Elder God "power supply" to Liu Kang, making him the strongest warrior in Mortal Kombat lore. Wielding now the strongest flame in history, Liu Kang is in charge of protecting not only Earthrealm but every plane of existence.