The Definitive Guide to Mortal Kombat X Characters

Introduction

For decades, Mortal Kombat has been a titan in the fighting game universe. Its blend of brutal combat, captivating lore, and memorable characters has captivated players worldwide. While the franchise has evolved across numerous iterations, Mortal Kombat X (MKX) stands out as a particularly significant entry. Released to critical acclaim, MKX introduced a wealth of new mechanics, a gripping storyline, and, most importantly, a roster packed with both returning favorites and exciting new faces. This guide serves as your comprehensive breakdown of the characters who defined Mortal Kombat X. Prepare to delve into their histories, explore their signature moves, and understand the nuances of their unique character variations. Whether you’re a seasoned kombatant or a newcomer eager to learn, this deep dive into the fighters of Mortal Kombat X will equip you with the knowledge you need to appreciate the game’s diverse and deadly cast. Get ready to learn all about the Mortal Kombat 10 characters.

Returning Kombatants

Several beloved figures from Mortal Kombat history made their triumphant return in MKX, each sporting updated designs and combat styles to suit the game’s fast-paced action. These familiar faces provided a sense of continuity for long-time fans while showcasing the franchise’s commitment to innovation.

Scorpion

The fiery ninja specter, Scorpion, remains an icon of the Mortal Kombat franchise. Driven by vengeance for the destruction of his clan, Scorpion stalks his enemies with deadly precision. His signature spear attack, “Get over here!,” is instantly recognizable and a staple of his gameplay. In Mortal Kombat X, Scorpion’s character is as brutal as ever, offering players a diverse range of fighting styles.

Scorpion has three distinct character variations: Ninjutsu, Hellfire, and Inferno. The Ninjutsu variation emphasizes his mastery of weaponry, allowing him to wield dual swords with deadly accuracy. The Hellfire variation enhances his pyrotechnic abilities, granting access to powerful fire-based projectiles and enhanced flames. The Inferno variation gives Scorpion the ability to summon a demonic minion to aid him in battle, creating dynamic and unpredictable combat scenarios.

Sub-Zero

The grandmaster of the Lin Kuei clan, Sub-Zero, is Scorpion’s eternal rival and another cornerstone of the Mortal Kombat universe. Wielding the power of ice, Sub-Zero controls the battlefield with chilling precision. Known for his icy projectiles and freezing attacks, Sub-Zero presents a formidable challenge to any opponent.

In Mortal Kombat X, Sub-Zero offers three compelling variations: Cryomancer, Unbreakable, and Grandmaster. The Cryomancer variation amplifies his ice-based abilities, allowing him to create ice constructs and freeze opponents with increased efficiency. The Unbreakable variation grants Sub-Zero enhanced defensive capabilities, making him incredibly resilient and difficult to defeat. The Grandmaster variation enables him to create ice clones that can be used to control space and confuse his opponents.

Raiden

The eternal protector of Earthrealm, Raiden, is a powerful god who wields the power of thunder and lightning. He has appeared in almost every Mortal Kombat iteration as a protector, and MKX is no different. Raiden is an iconic figure who uses his skills to protect the realms.

Raiden’s MKX variations include Thunder God, Displacer, and Master of Storms. Thunder God allows for charged attacks with lightning, Displacer allows for teleportation, and Master of Storms adds extra control over the elements, like summoning lightning strikes.

Other Returning Fighters

Alongside these iconic figures, Mortal Kombat X featured a host of other returning characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Sonya Blade, the Special Forces officer, relied on her agility and tactical expertise. Johnny Cage, the Hollywood action star, delivered devastating blows with his flashy style. Kano, the ruthless leader of the Black Dragon clan, employed dirty tactics and cybernetic enhancements. The Edenian princesses Kitana and Mileena returned with their signature fan blades and sais, respectively, each representing distinct sides of their shared legacy. Ermac, the collective of souls bound together, utilized telekinesis and spectral attacks to overwhelm opponents. These returning warriors added depth and variety to the Mortal Kombat X roster, providing players with a wealth of familiar yet refreshed combat options.

New Kombatants

Mortal Kombat X didn’t just rely on nostalgia; it also introduced a roster of fresh faces, each bringing unique fighting styles and compelling backstories to the Mortal Kombat universe. These new characters injected new life into the franchise, expanding the lore and offering players exciting new ways to engage with the game.

Cassie Cage

The daughter of Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, Cassie Cage, inherits the fighting prowess of both her parents. A skilled Special Forces operative with a penchant for wisecracks, Cassie is a formidable opponent. Her fighting style blends her mother’s tactical precision with her father’s acrobatic flair.

Cassie Cage’s variations include Hollywood, Brawler, and Spec Ops. The Hollywood variation emphasizes her acrobatic moves and projectile attacks. The Brawler variation focuses on close-range combat, enhancing her grappling abilities and devastating punches. The Spec Ops variation allows her to call in drone strikes and utilize tactical equipment for added control.

Kotal Kahn

The Osh-Tekk warrior and ruler of Outworld, Kotal Kahn, is a powerful and imposing figure. Driven by a desire to restore order to his realm, Kotal commands respect through brute strength and strategic intelligence. His fighting style combines powerful melee attacks with the ability to harness the power of the sun and blood magic.

Kotal Kahn’s variations include Blood God, War God, and Sun God. The Blood God variation enhances his blood magic abilities, allowing him to drain his opponents’ life force and empower his own attacks. The War God variation strengthens his melee attacks and grants him access to devastating command grabs. The Sun God variation allows him to harness the power of the sun to enhance his abilities and inflict burning damage on his opponents.

Ferra and Torr

This symbiotic duo represents a unique addition to the Mortal Kombat roster. Ferra, the small, agile rider, directs Torr, the massive, brute force behind them. Their combined strength and unusual dynamic make them a formidable force in combat.

Ferra and Torr’s variations include Ruthless, Vicious, and Lackey. The Ruthless variation enhances Ferra’s agility and grants her access to new acrobatic attacks. The Vicious variation amplifies Torr’s brute strength and grants him access to devastating command throws. The Lackey variation focuses on teamwork, allowing Ferra and Torr to perform coordinated attacks and seamlessly switch positions.

D’Vorah

A member of the Kytinn race, D’Vorah is a grotesque and insectoid creature with a deadly arsenal of insect-based attacks. Her ability to control swarms of insects and transform her limbs into stinging appendages makes her a terrifying opponent.

D’Vorah’s variations include Brood Mother, Swarm Queen, and Venomous. The Brood Mother variation allows her to summon insect allies to aid her in battle. The Swarm Queen variation enhances her control over swarms of insects, granting her access to new projectile attacks and defensive maneuvers. The Venomous variation amplifies her poison-based attacks, inflicting lingering damage on her opponents.

Erron Black

The gunslinging mercenary, Erron Black, is a deadly sharpshooter with a penchant for theatrics. His arsenal of revolvers, rifles, and explosives makes him a dangerous opponent at any range. He has a mysterious past with ties to both Outworld and Earthrealm, adding to his enigmatic appeal.

Erron Black’s variations include Outlaw, Gunslinger, and Marksman. The Outlaw variation emphasizes his close-range combat skills, granting him access to new melee attacks and grappling maneuvers. The Gunslinger variation enhances his proficiency with firearms, allowing him to chain together deadly combos with his revolvers. The Marksman variation focuses on long-range accuracy, granting him access to powerful sniper attacks and the ability to control the battlefield from afar.

Kung Jin

A descendant of Kung Lao, Kung Jin is a skilled archer and Shaolin monk. Trained in the art of archery and imbued with Shaolin discipline, Kung Jin represents a new generation of warriors.

Kung Jin’s variations include Bojutsu, Shaolin, and Ancestral. The Bojutsu variation emphasizes his mastery of the bo staff, granting him access to new combo strings and evasive maneuvers. The Shaolin variation enhances his martial arts skills, allowing him to chain together devastating kicks and punches. The Ancestral variation grants him access to special bow attacks.

Takeda

The son of Kenshi, Takeda is a Shirai Ryu ninja trained in the art of swordsmanship and whip combat. He’s able to master new styles of combat quickly and adapt to any situation.

Takeda’s variations include Shirai Ryu, Lasher, and Ronin. The Shirai Ryu allows for his ability to teleport and strike. The Lasher variations focus on the whips that Takeda uses to strike opponents at a distance. The Ronin variation focuses on the two swords that Takeda uses.

DLC Characters

The DLC characters offered even more variety to the Mortal Kombat 10 characters.

Jason Voorhees

Jason Voorhees, the iconic slasher from the Friday the 13th franchise, brings his brand of relentless horror to the Mortal Kombat arena. An unstoppable force of nature, Jason wields his signature machete with brutal efficiency. His slow, deliberate movements belie his immense strength and ability to absorb damage.

Predator

The fearsome Predator from the Predator film series stalks his prey in the Mortal Kombat arena. A hunter from another world, Predator relies on his advanced technology and stealth tactics to overwhelm his opponents. His cloaking device, plasma cannon, and wrist blades make him a deadly opponent.

Tanya

An Edenian renegade with a mastery of elemental magic, Tanya returns to the Mortal Kombat fray with a vengeance. Her ability to manipulate fire, water, and air makes her a versatile and unpredictable fighter. Her teleportation abilities and devastating special moves make her a formidable opponent.

Tremor

A powerful Earth elemental, Tremor brings his seismic abilities to the Mortal Kombat arena. His ability to control rocks, create earthquakes, and manipulate the terrain makes him a formidable force. His slow but powerful attacks can crush his opponents.

Leatherface

The chainsaw-wielding maniac from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre makes his gruesome debut in Mortal Kombat. Leatherface’s unpredictable movements and brutal attacks make him a terrifying opponent to face.

Alien

The Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise bursts onto the scene in Mortal Kombat to wreak havoc with its acidic blood and razor-sharp claws. Players can strike quickly with Alien’s quick movement or use various traps.

Character Tier List Discussion

It’s impossible to talk about fighting game characters without acknowledging the concept of tier lists. Tier lists are subjective rankings of characters based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses within the game’s meta. It’s important to note that opinions on character strength in MKX varied significantly. Some characters were considered highly effective in competitive play, while others were seen as more challenging to master. What’s considered “good” is extremely subjective in fighting games.

Conclusion

The Mortal Kombat X character roster is a testament to the franchise’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and brutal action. From returning legends like Scorpion and Sub-Zero to the fresh faces of Cassie Cage and Kotal Kahn, each character offers a unique fighting style and compelling backstory. The variation system adds another layer of depth to the game, allowing players to customize their characters and adapt to different playstyles. Whether you’re a seasoned kombatant or a newcomer to the series, the fighters of Mortal Kombat X are sure to provide countless hours of thrilling gameplay. So, which Mortal Kombat 10 characters is your favorite? Dive into the game, experiment with different fighters, and discover the warrior that best suits your kombat style. Let us know in the comments!