Mortal Kombat 1 might not be technically different from the previous versions of the game. However, we’ve been enjoying the refreshed visuals, better arenas, and flashier characters. Plus, fans of the series at Player.com noticed that the combat is fast-paced now, rather than slow-paced as in the fights in Mortal Kombat 11. That said, we dedicate this article to the top seven characters in Mortal Kombat 1. If you want to dominate fights, these are the best fighters to use.
Also Read: Mortal Kombat 1 System Requirements and File Size
The Top 7 Characters for Dominating Mortal Kombat 1
We considered a few fun factors before choosing our top seven. For one, we made sure they dealt the highest damage per hit and were agile enough to dodge hits. Also, sure, some of them are trickier to master than others but we can confirm that your effort will pay off. Sure, these aren’t the weirdest characters in Mortal Kombat, but they come close. Without further ado, here are the top seven fighters for obliterating the competition.
#1: Kenshi
Kenshi is a swordsman with telekinetic abilities to counter his lack of sight. After a bizarre encounter with Shang Tsung, he vows to kill the sorcerer who blinded him. Kenshi is a muscled character with powerful kicks and punches that rival Liu Kang’s. Plus, he has a capable sword by his side, which he can control with his mind alone. In Mortal Kombat 1, he hits harder than ever!
However, this blind swordsman isn’t the most agile of fighters but he makes up for it in the damage per blow he deals out. He can absolutely eat through your rivals’ health bar in mere seconds so they should watch out. Kenshi can also levitate, paralyse opponents with his mind (Telepathy), and even read minds. As a result, he has both close and long-range attacks at his disposal.
Some of his signature moves are Telekinetic Toss, Tele-Flurry, Telekinetic Slam, Mind Warp, Telekinetic Push, Rising Karma, Spirit Charge, and Blade Reflect. Our favourite move so far is the Mind Warp, a teleportation ability that can be followed up by the Rising Sword, which lets you extend the combo.
#2: Johnny Cage
Johnny Cage has his hot and cold moments. Despite being a movie star who’s literally cocky 24/7, he’s a capable fighter in Mortal Kombat 1. He’s on fire, literally tearing through opponents. We guess it’s because he’s still in his prime. Also, he talks way too much in fights and his moves are flashy, but the damage he’s capable of is simply astounding.
A few prequels ago, most players shied away from Johnny Cage because he couldn’t back his talk during fights. However, the developers have continually given him more love with each release. His high kicks are simply devastating, opening up brief periods to continue your combo.
There are talks that the developers at NetherRealm Studios want to nerf him a little. So, you should try him out the next time you play Mortal Kombat 1 before his stats are reduced in future updates. Who knows? You may later appreciate his sense of humour.
#3: Sub-Zero
Sub-Zero is a classic and constant in Mortal Kombat 1, and unlike previous iterations, he simply wipes the floor with Scorpion this time around. Sub-Zero hasn’t always been the flashiest character out there, since he has always preferred to be ice cold. Naturally, he also has the necessary moves to confirm rivals’ suspicions. This ice-based fighter can slide across the screen to corner enemies. Additionally, he can create different weapons and tools from ice.
One of his defensive moves is the ice clone, which freezes opponents on contact. He can also craft ice spears, axes, and swords, so don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s a known fact that Sub-Zero can freeze opponents beyond negative 500°, so he’s a capable fighter. Some of his signature moves are Freeze, Ground Freeze, Lin Kuei Slide, Ice Shower, Freeze in the Air, Ice Klone Charge, and Deadly Vapors.
Lore-wise, he’s even stronger than Scorpion, since water will always put out fire. Technically, vapour is a form of water too, so who knows if Sub-Zero can use that to make weapons? His brutalities are also phenomenal, so be sure to learn a few of them.
#4: Liu Kang
Liu Kang is now the God of Fire, having beaten other characters to glory. He’s better now than ever because his mastery over fire has grown to unprecedented heights. Most of his attacks are lobs of fire, while the others are fist-based so Liu Kang encourages gamers to get up close and personal. If you can’t do that, just try spamming long-ranged fire attacks like the ethereal fire dragon.
His lore is also impressive, having switched from the good side to the evil side after being murdered by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. He was soon turned into a zombie and later on, he even became one of Shang Tsung’s revenants. Some of Liu Kang’s lesser-known powers are the ability to transform into a fire dragon, shoot dark energy-based flames, and his fierce control over lightning. Some of Liu Kang’s most powerful moves are the Flying Kick, Dragon Fire, Dragon’s Tail, Parry, Double Dragon Kick, Shaolin Flame, and Light Metamorphosis.
#5: Raiden
Raiden was the God of Thunder in Mortal Kombat 11 but fast forward to the latest release and he’s now a farmer. Albeit, one with a unique set of talents. He still controls lightning to a freakish level and can teleport around the arena for sneaky attacks. So, he’s one of the S-tier fighters in the game, besides the likes of Mileena and Baraka. He’s also a champion for good, who relinquished his godhood to help out Liu Kang.
He was an Elder God and has served as the Earthrealm champions’ mentor for the longest time now. However, don’t be fooled by his jovial demeanour because he’s still capable of negative emotions. For one, he hates Shinnok, Shang Tsung, and Shao Kahn with a passion.
In Mortal Kombat 1, both Raiden and Liu Kang’s roles have been reversed. Raiden is now Earthrealm’s champion, while Liu Kang is the new God of Fire who’s now also the protector of his realm. In the new timeline, Raiden grew up with Kung Lao, Liu Kang’s father.
#6: Baraka
Baraka is a general of the Tarkatan Horde so he has been an antagonist ever since the first game. His allegiance is with Shao Kahn, who sends him on the most brutal orders. Baraka is mean, aggressive, and cannibalistic, with his signature weapon being his long retractable claws, which are in his forearms. Nevertheless, despite his rough demeanour and evil ways, he performs all these heinous acts in the name of the Tarkatans.
Some of Baraka’s signature moves are Flying Shard, Chop Chop Blades, Blade Swipe, Blade Charge, Triple Flying Shard, Blood Lounge, and Leg Kabob. Also, this monster of the Outworld is quite barbaric in terms of brutality moves so your opponents will tremble with fear. In Mortal Kombat 1, Baraka can break off his claws even after impaling opponents.
#7: Mileena
Mileena is one of the adopted daughters of Shao Kahn, who’s possibly more evil than her father. She’s also one of his enforcers, succeeding where Kitana fails because of her brutal methods for resolving conflicts. Also, for the most part, Mileena has been an antagonist who has always done her father’s bidding. So, it’s all the sweeter to slay opponents in combat with her iconic moves.
For one, she’s speedy, agile, and acrobatic, capable of tearing through the hardest armour with ease. Did we also mention that she’s half-Tarkatan so she’s extremely brutal in combat? Not to mention, she’s sadistic and hot-tempered, so weaker combatants usually steer clear of her. She’s also stronger than a Shokan, who are four-armed human-dragon hybrids. In short, don’t be fooled by her petite frame or beautiful figure, since her mouth is full of razor-sharp fangs for tearing out her opponent’s throat.
Some of Mileena’s signature moves are the Kick from Above, Rolling Thunder, Soaring Sai, Leaping Neckbite, Fade, Sai Slide, and Kahnum Dash. Don’t forget to try out fatalities like Man Eater, Nail Shooter, Be Mine, and Face Feast. Thankfully, there’s an impressive list of brutalities to try out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the Easiest Character to Play in Mortal Kombat 1?
Scorpion and Melina are the easiest characters to play in Mortal Kombat 1 because of their easy-to-remember combos. Also, they have powerful teleportation abilities that let them dodge direct attacks like Liu Kang’s fireballs. Other memorable characters that are beginner-friendly are Baraka and Sub-Zero.
Who Is the Most Liked Character in Mortal Kombat 1?
The most liked character in Mortal Kombat history is Scorpion because of his famous “Get over here” attack chant. Besides that, his outfits are always convincing, not to mention that, his past is full of highs and lows. For one, Scorpion wasn’t always evil but when he lost his family and entire clan, he changed for the worse.
Who Can Fight the Most in Mortal Kombat 1?
There are several tenacious fighters in Mortal Kombat 1, but the most powerful character is The One Being. He has never appeared in a fight nor have we ever been able to play him as a character.
Following him in tenacity are:
- Liu Kang.
- Shang Tsung.
- Kronika.
- Blaze.
- Omega.
- Shao Kahn.
- Raider.
- Shinnok.
- Quan Chi.