Mortal Kombat 1 has finally been announced, and with its launch trailer comes the revelation that the now-godly Liu Kang has succeeded in creating an entirely new universe, as was hinted at the ending of Mortal Kombat 11.
The nature of this reboot means that practically anyone, even deceased characters, could appear, as Liu Kang is the only character featured to be tied to a previously known timeline. With this in mind, the entire history of the Mortal Kombat franchise can be used when it comes to the roster of Mortal Kombat 1—even characters who haven’t been seen in decades.
8 Smoke
Alongside Scorpion and Sub-Zero, Smoke is one of the original Mortal Kombat ninjas. Despite this, the gray-clad assassin has made far fewer appearances than his other ninja brethren, most recently appearing in 2011’s reboot Mortal Kombat.
Bearing unique moves such as his command dash Smoke Away, his opponent-teleporting projectile Smoke Cloud, and his powerful parry Shake, Smoke plays very differently from the other ninjas. As he has been both a human and a cyborg at different times throughout the series, Mortal Kombat 1 could include one of his two forms or even both.
7 Sektor
The classic crimson Lin Kuei cyborg has been a mainstay of the Mortal Kombat series since his inception in Mortal Kombat 3 yet was delegated to being a non-playable character in Mortal Kombat 11.
Sektor is capable of an array of offensive attacks to keep his opponents in check like the Rocket Punch uppercut, as well as zoning opponents out using Chest Missiles and Homing Missiles. While it is possible Sektor will again be replaced by Triborg as he was in Mortal Kombat X, he could stand on his own in this new universe.
6 Tremor
The earth-shaking Tremor is one of the newer ninjas in the franchise, appearing as a playable character only in Mortal Kombat X’s Kombat Pack. Despite this, Tremor has become a fan favorite due to his unique geokinesis abilities and threatening design.
Able to launch large boulder projectiles with Rock Shower, trap his opponents with the unblockable Ground Pulse, and give himself super armor with Krystallization, Tremor’s distinct armored bruiser gameplay style would fit well in Mortal Kombat 1, and could even benefit heavily from the Kameo Fighter system’s assists.
5 Blaze
First appearing as a background character in Mortal Kombat 2’s stage The Pit, the monstrous fire elemental Blaze would go on to appear as a hidden playable character in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and make his full debut in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, acting as the main antagonist. He has not appeared since.
Blaze fulfills a similar role to Goro in being a classic ‘boss’ character, and so could appear as a mini-boss during the game’s story mode. Perhaps Liu Kang’s messing with the fabric of reality could summon Blaze for a new Armageddon.
4 Onaga
The Dragon King Onaga, the first ruler of Outworld, made his first appearance as the primary villain of Mortal Kombat Deception and reappeared in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, but has been absent from the series ever since.
The Great Dragon is capable of harnessing fire, powerful necromancy, and holding his own against Raiden, Shang Tsung, and Quan Chi simultaneously. As such, Onaga could serve as a powerful rival god to the Fire God Liu Kang – in fact, Liu Kang’s own fire has been said to be related to Onaga.
3 Reptile
Debuting in the original Mortal Kombat as the first secret character in fighting game history, Reptile’s status as a reptilian Saurian ensures he stands out among other humanoid ninjas. Despite being a consistent member of the Mortal Kombat series’ rosters, Reptile’s last appearance was in Mortal Kombat X.
Able to spew skin-melting acid, render himself invisible, secrete damaging poison gas, and temporarily boost his strength with his Basilisk special move, Reptile’s animalistic ferocity and versatile power set would be welcome in Mortal Kombat 1’s chaotic new world.
2 Takeda
Son of blind swordsman Kenshi and apprentice of series icon Scorpion, Takeda is one of the more popular newcomers to the franchise. The whip-wielding assassin appeared as one of the main protagonists of Mortal Kombat X's story mode, yet did not return in Mortal Kombat11.
Coming to battle armed with serrated-edged steel whips, plasma swords, explosive kunai, and a Scorpion-esque teleport, Takeda is proficient in keeping enemies guessing. As Scorpion appears to be an important character in Mortal Kombat 1's story, it would seem strange not to include his most accomplished student alongside him.
1 Goro
The grandfather of fighting game mini-bosses, the multi-armed villain Goro is a series staple. Frequently appearing as the fiercest challenge in the franchise's many Arcade ladders, Goro last appeared as a pre-order bonus character in Mortal Kombat X.
Capable of easily breaking bones and throwing opponents around with his four powerful arms, the Shokan monster is always a terrifying force to face. With Shang Tsung returning as the main antagonist of Mortal Kombat 1, his loyal aide is set to assist him in pummelling the protagonists into the ground.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.