The Ultimate Mortal Kombat 1 Fighter Rankings

  • 20-11-2023 |
  • Nicole Miller

With the reimagined Mortal Kombat 1, fans receive a fresh slate of nostalgic thrills mixed with modern mechanics. Whether you're an ardent supporter since the original release or a newcomer to the brutal battles, selecting the right character to lead into the fray is critical for your in-game success. Players have observed trends and combat potential to rank characters from undeniably dominant to those less favorable in combat. Let's dive into the hierarchy of these digital warriors and uncover which ones are reigning supreme in the current meta.

S-Tier Sovereigns of the Arena

S-Tier Sovereigns of Arena

The S-tier stands at the pinnacle of the Mortal Kombat 1 character pyramid. The spotlight here shines on Johnny Cage and Kenshi, fighters gaining near-universal recognition for their formidable in-game presence. Cage, with his flurries of seamless combos and the exceptional ability to cancel special moves with the unique Hype Meter, can consistently outpace and outmaneuver his adversaries. Kenshi, on the other side of the coin, wields his psychic abilities to control the battlefield, though mastering his talents requires a seasoned hand.

A-tier Aspirants Nipping at the S-Tier's Heels

Occupying the A-tier are the valiant combatants who boast devastating arsenals, only slightly edged out by their S-tier counterparts. This league features the likes of Kung Lao, Raiden, and Liu Kang, among others. Kung Lao remains a powerful choice, especially when joined with a complementary Kameo fighter, while Raiden's diverse skill set offers both defensive and aggressive tactics. Liu Kang, famously featuring in all MK installments, presented a blend of quick disruptors and ranged assaults that can stymie foes effectively. Let's not overlook the formidable Omni-Man and Ashrah, who each bring their distinctive powers to the battleground – Omni-Man as a supreme anti-zoner and Ashrah with her challenging-to-punish combo suite.

Formidable B-Tier Battlers

Formidable B-Tier Battlers

Then, we arrive at the proficient B-tier brawlers. While they may rely more on their Kameo compatibility, these characters can shine brightly with the right strategic approach. Here, we find Tanya and Rain - fighters who may no longer be the cream of the crop but still retain the capabilities to deliver some impactful performances. Shang Tsung's transformative duality as both Young and Old selves offers a whimsically unpredictable fighting style that can keep opponents perpetually on edge. These characters remind us that knowledge and expertise can bridge the gap between tiers.

The Dark Horses and the Rising Contenders

Beyond the B-tier, there's no shortage of characters that may not make the top of the tier list but still pack quite a punch. These fighters, like Li Mei and General Shao, harbor unique attributes that make them worth picking up and mastering, particularly for those Daring to explore beyond the meta. Each of them calls for a strategic map of their strengths and an understanding of their limitations to maximize their potential in Kombat.

While the tier list reflects the community's consensus based on character performance, it's crucial to remember that these ranks are not set in stone. Adjustments to balance, game mechanics, and the introduction of new DLC fighters can reshuffle this hierarchy over time. As each warrior stands at the ready, it's the blend of skill, strategy, and a tad bit of fortune that will ultimately crown the champions in Mortal Kombat 1's esteemed arenas.