The Most Powerful Characters in the Original Mortal Kombat Timeline

Mortal Kombat has captivated gamers for decades with its brutal and fierce combat. Certain characters stand out as some of the most powerful across various timelines, making your battle experience either a thrilling challenge or a torturous ordeal.

Initial Release: Mortal Kombat 1 (1992)

In the first Mortal Kombat game, Goro emerges as the poster boy for formidable power. Known for his immense strength, you better be prepared for the myriad of fireballs and grapples that this colossal warrior can dish out. Even a single strike, coupled with a series of throws, can quickly reduce you to a shadow of your former self. Goro’s prowess is not just through brute force; it's also through speed and control.

Mortal Kombat II (1993)

Mortal Kombat II introduced two secret characters to the fray: Smoke and Jade. These two characters are well-known for their exceptional difficulty, thanks to their lightning-fast speed and devastating fighting techniques. You may find it next to impossible to land a hit, as both are capable of flinging you with ease. To make matters worse, Smoke can summon Scorpion’s famous spear for quick attacks, while Jade utilizes her immunity against projectiles, making her a formidable opponent from a distance. Bridging close and far combat effectively is one of the greatest challenges one faces against these characters.

Mortal Kombat 3 (1995)

Also known as Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, the third installment brings back Jade as an even more formidable opponent. Her near-impossible-to-defeat nature stems from her Projectile Immunity, which allows her to shrug off your ranged attacks. Her razor-sharp projectiles continue to whittle your health down, while her speed ensures she can easily avoid your close-range attacks. The updated mechanics of Motaro add to the chaos, making cheap tricks even more prevalent. Altogether, Jade remains a challenge that requires the utmost dedication and practice to overcome.

Mortal Kombat 4 (1996)

Shinnok takes the throne as the most complex and unpredictable opponent in Mortal Kombat 4. This character’s ability to steal other characters' attacks without morphing is both a blessing and a curse for the player. You never know which moves he’ll throw at you, making it a guessing game. Additionally, his long-range halberd and a penchant for throwing items provide both offensive and defensive advantages, making him master in maintaining and disorienting the fight.

Deadly Alliance (2002)

The Deadly Alliance expansion brings back a tough sub-boss, Moloch. He’s a cheap opponent with a zeal to dish out combos and damage. His rapid attacks and strength make him nearly invincible until you've managed to deplete his health over time. The key to surviving Moloch is rapid button mashing and spamming him with Johnny Cage’s Nunchucks while hoping he won't counter too severely.

Deception (2003)

Onaga introduces yet another level of difficulty with his instant-death fireball attacks and the ability to break your combo attacks easily. He can still throw you around and guard spin you with fireballs, adding to the chaos. Onaga also appears only when you destroy one of the seven Kamidogu amulets, making him a dangerous yet rewarding opponent for those who discover his segment.

Armageddon (2003)

In the final game of the original trilogy, you face off against yet another boss, Blaze. This character brings a combination of size, speed, and brutality, making him a relentless enemy. His constant combo attacks and willingness to throw you at any point in the battle make him a challenging foe. The best strategy involves blocking until an opening emerges and then attempting a fast combo, hoping not to be broken by his attacks.

Throughout the years, these characters have been celebrated for their unique and powerful abilities, pushing players to their limits and providing memorable moments in Mortal Kombat lore. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fighters to hone their skills and conquer these legendary adversaries.