Top 10 Mortal Kombat Characters You Need to Know | Complete Guide for New Players

If you’re diving into the brutal, iconic world of Mortal Kombat, understanding the key fighters is essential—especially the Original roster that kicked off one of gaming’s most legendary franchises. From fierce warriors to divine beings, each Mortal Kombat character brings unique abilities, backstories, and fighting styles. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, here’s your ultimate guide to the Original Mortal Kombat characters, the heart of the series.


Understanding the Context

1. Sub-Zero – The Ice Warrior

No Mortal Kombat guide is complete without Sub-Zero. Known as the Stalwart Ice Specialist, this frosty assassin hails from the frigid kingdom of Shang Tsung’s youth. Armed with twin Frostbite katars and a BokKen. Sub-Zero energy-freezes enemies mid-combat, creating opportunities for devastating counters. His signature moves include “Ice Wave” and “Frost Flight,” making him one of the most versatile fighters—blending ranged attacks with close-quarters strikes. Fans love Sub-Zero’s calm demeanor—too deadly to let rage take over.


2. S constitue – The King of Gods

Standing as the divine ruler of the Mortal Kombat realms, Kano’s brother and Self-Exiled Emperor, Constable embodies raw power and dark mystique. Draped in black armor and wielding the spiritual Furious Blow, Constable’s moves are fueled by dark energy and ancient magic. His unmatched defensive skills and destructive attacks make him fearless in any corner of the battleground. While less flashy than others, Kano’s mystical warlord status keeps him a compelling choice for players who appreciate mythic depth.


Key Insights

3. Scorpion – The Red Haired Avenger

The tragic and vengeful spirit of Scorpion is instantly recognizable, marked by his haunting one-armed form and flaming blue gauntlets. Driven by a burning hatred toward Shang Tsung, Scorpion’s fighting style centers on precision, ferocity, and powerful special moves like Death Snare and Riptide. His signature weapon, the Flame Scepter, channels elemental fury, making him a standout in early Mortal Kombat titles—tall, dark, and relentless.


4. Lynx – The Crystalline Warrior

Once a brilliant champion from Outworld, Lynx merges battle prowess with crystal-based attacks. Her abilities include laser bursts from her Kristal kunai and energy shields that reflect hits. Lyrically speaking, Lynx represents resilience and joy amid darkness. While less visible in later iterations, her unique cyber-organic moveset and determined personality make her an unforgettable fighter in Mortal Kombat’s lineage.


5. Reykus – The Angelic Avenger

A radiant warrior wielding celestial weaponry, Reykus originates from the heavens and embodies justice. His weapon—a glowing sword and shield—draws power from sacred energy. Known for high mobility and swift, holy strikes, Reykus balances offense and defense with grace. His angelic presence contrasts with darker characters, offering a powerful narrative thread of light battling chaos.

Final Thoughts


6. Kitana – The Soulbound Warrior

An ancient Sakai swordsman bound to a cursed mirror dimension, Kitana’s dual swords and ethereal futuristic armor make her a unique fighter. Her combat blends traditional melee with time-based powers like Spectral Blades and Lunar Rush. Themes of duality—life and death, past and future—fuel her story. Kitana’s tragic backstory and elegant yet deadly style earn her a dedicated fanbase.


7. Shelljack – The Berserker Assassin

Arguably one of the most menacing originals, Shelljack is a fractured psychic warrior, half-machine, half-corpse, drawn from the realms of Netherrealm. Armed with razor-sharp katars and supernatural hacking abilities, he moves erratically and triggers devastating shockwaves. Shelljack’s feral rage and chaotic attacks provide a wild-edge option in Mortal Kombat’s roster.


8. Lili – The Poison Queen

Every warrior fears Lili, the deadly temptress from the Shokan realm whose supernatural poison attacks turn foes into raging threats. Her agility, deception tactics, and toxic weaponry make her a persistent threat. Lili thrives on manipulating enemies’ weaknesses—perfect for players who love asymmetric combat and strategic deception.


9. Shang Tsung – The Sorcerer King

Though often guests in later games, Shang Tsung is the original villain to embody the lethal fusion of magic and sorcery. As a necromancer and deception specialist, his abilities unlock elemental and control-based powers like Vampire Breath, Cursed Ground, and Magic Ring. His cunning, charisma, and chilling presence set the stage for every Mortal Kombat storyline.


10. Reign – The Divine Technomancer

Emerging from Outworld’s high-tech undercurrents, Reign redefines hybrid combat with his mechanical limbs and lightning-based powers. His relentless speed, electrifying strikes, and digital control abilities make him electrifying to control—and nearly unbeatable in raw aggression. Reign represents the evolving face of Mortal Kombat technology meets primal violence.