Are you looking to dominate the competition in Mortal Kombat 1? Our comprehensive tier list breaks down every fighter’s strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the best character for your playstyle. Based on extensive gameplay analysis and competitive performance, we’ve ranked all fighters from S-tier (god-tier) to C-tier (struggling). Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring tournament champion, this guide will help you understand the current meta and make informed decisions about your main character.
Before diving into the rankings, it’s important to understand our evaluation criteria. We’ve assessed each fighter based on:
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Cage | S | High damage, Excellent pressure | Shadow Kick, Nut Punch, Force Ball |
| Raiden | S | Fast attacks, Great zoning | Lightning, Teleport, Electric Fly |
| Liu Kang | S | Balanced, High combo potential | Fireball, Dragon Kick, Bicycle Kick |
| Scorpion | S | Strong mixups, Teleport | Spear, Hellfire, Teleport |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Zero | A | Good spacing, Freeze combos | Ice Clone, Freeze, Slide |
| Kitana | A | Excellent zoning, Fan combos | Fan Toss, Fan Lift, Square Wave |
| Mileena | A | Fast attacks, Strong mixups | Sai Roll, Teleport Drop, Ball Buster |
| Smoke | A | Fast rushdown, Invisibility | Smoke Bomb, Teleport, Shake |
| Kenshi | A | Strong zoning, Psychic powers | Telekinetic Slam, Spirit Blade, Possession |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kung Lao | B | Good pressure, Spin combos | Hat Toss, Spin, Dive Kick |
| Shang Tsung | B | Versatile, Soul stealing | Fireball, Soul Steal, Morph |
| Sonya Blade | B | Rushdown, Military combos | Energy Rings, Leg Grab, Drone |
| Jax Briggs | B | Grappling, Armor moves | Ground Pound, Gotcha, Quad Throw |
| Reptile | B | Fast attacks, Invisibility | Acid Spit, Force Ball, Elbow Dash |
| Name | Tier | Key Stats | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goro | C | High damage, Slow | Stomp, Leaping Stomp, Dragon Breath |
| Baraka | C | Fast blades, Bleed damage | Blade Spin, Blade Chop, Impale |
| Quan Chi | C | Zoning, Summoning | Skull Ball, Portal, Ground Burst |
Johnny Cage stands at the pinnacle of MK1’s roster with his exceptional offensive capabilities and defensive options. His damage output is among the highest in the game, with simple BnB combos dealing significant damage. The Nut Punch remains one of the best combo extenders and crush counters in the game, while his Shadow Kick provides excellent mobility and safety. What makes Johnny truly S-tier is his versatility – he can rush down opponents effectively or play a patient spacing game. His Kameo synergy is outstanding, particularly with characters who can extend his already damaging combos. While he requires some execution to master his optimal combos, his fundamental game plan is accessible to players of all skill levels.
Raiden’s lightning-fast attacks and exceptional mobility make him a top-tier contender in MK1. His teleport gives him unparalleled positioning options, allowing him to escape pressure or initiate offense from anywhere on screen. The Electric Fly is both an excellent combo ender and a movement tool that can be difficult for opponents to anticipate. Raiden excels at controlling space with his lightning attacks and can convert nearly any hit into a damaging combo. His defensive options are also strong, with his teleport providing an easy escape from pressure. While his health pool is slightly below average, his ability to control the pace of matches and convert opportunities into damage makes him a formidable force in the right hands.
As the protagonist of MK1’s story mode, Liu Kang comes equipped with a well-rounded toolkit that excels in all areas of gameplay. His fireball provides excellent zoning capabilities, while his Dragon Kick and Bicycle Kick give him strong offensive options. Liu Kang’s true strength lies in his combo potential – he can convert hits from nearly any range into extended, damaging sequences. His damage output is consistent and reliable, with easy-to-execute combos that still reward players who master his more advanced techniques. Liu Kang’s balanced nature means he has no glaring weaknesses, making him a safe and effective choice for players of all skill levels. His Kameo synergy is also excellent, with many Kameos enhancing his already strong combo game.
Scorpion’s placement in S-tier comes from his incredible mix-up potential and ability to control the pace of matches. His spear remains one of the best special moves in the game, pulling opponents in from fullscreen and setting up devastating combos. The teleport gives Scorpion unmatched mobility, allowing him to instantly appear behind opponents for cross-ups or escape unfavorable situations. His Hellfire abilities add another layer to his offense, dealing damage over time and limiting opponent options. What truly sets Scorpion apart is his psychological advantage – the constant threat of his spear and teleport forces opponents to play cautiously, opening them up to his mix-up game. While his damage output isn’t the highest, his ability to control space and convert opportunities into offense makes him a top-tier choice.
Sub-Zero’s ice-based abilities give him excellent control over the battlefield, though he falls just short of S-tier status. His Ice Clone remains one of the best defensive tools in the game, creating a barrier that can freeze opponents on contact. The Freeze projectile provides solid zoning capabilities, while his Slide gives him a fast, low-profile approach option. Sub-Zero excels at controlling space and punishing opponent mistakes with his freezing abilities. His combo potential is strong, with many of his ice attacks serving as excellent combo starters. However, his somewhat slow movement speed and reliance on specific setups prevent him from reaching S-tier. Sub-Zero shines in patient players’ hands who can effectively control space and capitalize on openings.
Kitana’s exceptional zoning capabilities and fan-based attacks earn her a solid spot in A-tier. Her Fan Toss provides excellent projectile control, while the Fan Lift serves as a powerful combo starter that can lead to devastating damage. Kitana’s strength lies in her ability to control horizontal space, making it difficult for opponents to approach safely. Her Square Wave gives her a strong air-to-air option and can catch opponents off guard. While her rushdown game isn’t as strong as her zoning, she can still apply pressure effectively once she gets in. Kitana’s main limitation is her difficulty in dealing with aggressive opponents who can close the distance, but in the right hands, she can control the pace of matches and frustrate opponents with her fan-based offense.
Mileena’s fast attacks and unpredictable movement make her a formidable A-tier character in MK1. Her Sai Roll provides excellent mobility and can cross up opponents, creating confusion and opening up combo opportunities. The Teleport Drop gives her another approach option, allowing her to appear above opponents and attack from unexpected angles. Mileena’s strength lies in her mix-up potential – she can attack high, low, and from the air, making it difficult for opponents to defend against her offense. Her Ball Buster is a solid combo ender that deals significant damage. While her health pool is below average and she can struggle against characters with strong zoning, her ability to apply constant pressure and create openings through her unpredictable movement makes her a strong choice for aggressive players.
Smoke’s fast rushdown capabilities and elusive movement options place him firmly in A-tier. His Smoke Bomb creates a cloud of smoke that renders him nearly invisible, allowing for stealthy approaches and mix-ups. The Teleport gives him excellent mobility, while his Shake move can break opponent combos and create counter-attack opportunities. Smoke excels at closing the distance quickly and overwhelming opponents with fast attacks. His damage output is solid, with many of his moves leading to extended combos. Smoke’s main limitation is his reliance on getting close to opponents – he can struggle against characters with strong zoning abilities. However, once he gets in, his pressure and mix-up potential can be overwhelming for opponents to handle.
Kenshi’s psychic abilities and strong zoning options earn him a place in A-tier. His Telekinetic Slam is one of the best combo starters in the game, allowing him to pull opponents in from a distance and initiate damaging combos. The Spirit Blade provides excellent projectile control, while his Possession move can temporarily take control of opponents, creating unique offensive opportunities. Kenshi excels at controlling space and punishing opponents from a distance. His damage output is solid, with many of his psychic attacks serving as excellent combo extenders. However, his close-range game is somewhat lacking, and he can struggle against characters who can effectively close the distance. In the right hands, Kenshi can control the pace of matches and frustrate opponents with his psychic abilities.
Kung Lao’s signature hat moves and spin attack give him unique offensive options, though he falls into B-tier due to some limitations. His Hat Toss provides solid projectile control, while the Spin serves as an excellent defensive move that can counter aggressive opponents. The Dive Kick gives him a strong aerial approach option, allowing him to attack from above. Kung Lao’s strength lies in his ability to control space with his hat and punish opponents who get too close. His combo potential is solid, with many of his hat-based moves serving as excellent combo starters. However, his damage output is somewhat inconsistent, and he can struggle against characters with strong zoning. Kung Lao requires a patient approach, using his hat to control space and waiting for opportunities to capitalize on opponent mistakes.
Shang Tsung’s versatile moveset and soul-stealing abilities make him an interesting B-tier character. His Fireball provides solid zoning capabilities, while his Soul Steal can temporarily boost his damage output. The Morph ability allows him to transform into other characters, though this is more of a gimmick than a competitive advantage in most situations. Shang Tsung’s strength lies in his versatility – he can adapt his playstyle based on the matchup and situation. His damage output is solid, particularly after stealing souls from opponents. However, his moves lack the raw power and efficiency of higher-tier characters, and he can struggle against characters with specialized strengths. Shang Tsung requires a strategic approach, using his versatility to exploit opponent weaknesses.
Sonya Blade’s military-themed moveset and rushdown capabilities place her in B-tier. Her Energy Rings provide solid projectile control, while the Leg Grab serves as an excellent combo starter that can lead to significant damage. The Drone gives her additional pressure options, allowing her to attack from multiple angles. Sonya excels at applying constant pressure and overwhelming opponents with fast attacks. Her damage output is solid, with many of her military-themed moves serving as excellent combo extenders. However, her range is somewhat limited, and she can struggle against characters with strong zoning. Sonya requires an aggressive approach, constantly applying pressure and looking for openings to initiate her damaging combos.
Jax Briggs’ grappling-focused moveset and armor options earn him a spot in B-tier. His Ground Pound provides solid area control, while the Gotcha grab serves as an excellent combo starter. The Quad Throw is his signature move, allowing him to deal significant damage through a series of grabs. Jax excels at close-range combat, with many of his moves having armor properties that can blow through opponent attacks. His damage output is solid, particularly through his grab-based combos. However, his mobility is somewhat limited, and he can struggle against characters who can keep him at a distance. Jax requires a patient approach, waiting for opportunities to close the distance and initiate his grab-based offense.
Reptile’s fast attacks and elusive movement options place him in B-tier. His Acid Spit provides solid zoning capabilities, while the Force Ball can pull opponents in, setting up combo opportunities. The Elbow Dash gives him excellent mobility, allowing him to quickly close the distance or escape unfavorable situations. Reptile’s strength lies in his speed and ability to control space with his acid-based attacks. His damage output is solid, with many of his fast attacks leading to extended combos. However, his health pool is below average, and he can struggle against characters with strong defensive options. Reptile requires an aggressive approach, using his speed to overwhelm opponents and create openings for his damaging combos.
Goro’s high damage output and grappling moveset are offset by his slow speed and limited mobility, placing him in C-tier. His Stomp and Leaping Stomp provide solid area control, while the Dragon Breath serves as an effective zoning tool. Goro’s strength lies in his raw power – his attacks deal significant damage, and his grab-based combos can be devastating. His four arms give him unique attack options that can catch opponents off guard. However, his slow movement speed and large hurtbox make him an easy target for faster characters. Goro requires a patient approach, waiting for opportunities to land his powerful attacks rather than trying to keep up with faster opponents.
Baraka’s blade-based attacks and bleed damage potential are hampered by his limited range and predictable move patterns, placing him in C-tier. His Blade Spin provides solid area control, while the Blade Chop serves as an effective combo starter. The Impale move can deal significant damage over time through bleeding effects. Baraka’s strength lies in his close-range combat – his blade attacks are fast and can deal significant damage. His damage output is solid, particularly when factoring in his bleed effects. However, his range is limited, and he can struggle against characters who can keep him at a distance. Baraka requires an aggressive approach, constantly looking for opportunities to close the distance and initiate his blade-based offense.
Quan Chi’s magic-based moveset and summoning abilities are offset by his slow attacks and limited combo potential, placing him in C-tier. His Skull Ball provides solid projectile control, while the Portal can summon minions to attack opponents. The Ground Burst serves as an effective area control tool. Quan Chi’s strength lies in his ability to control space with his magical attacks and summoned minions. His damage output is solid, particularly when using his summoned minions in combination with his own attacks. However, his attacks are slow and can be easily punished by faster characters. Quan Chi requires a strategic approach, using his summoned minions to control space and create openings for his magical attacks.
If you’re looking to improve your MK1 gameplay, be sure to check out our Mortal Kombat 1 beginner’s guide and advanced combo tutorials. For those interested in the competitive scene, our MK1 tournament coverage provides insights into the current meta and top player strategies.
The MK1 tier list typically updates every 2-3 months or after major balance patches. Developer NetherRealm Studios is known for making regular adjustments to character balance based on player feedback and tournament results. Major updates that introduce new characters or significant gameplay changes can cause more dramatic shifts in the tier list. I recommend checking back regularly for the most current rankings, as the meta is constantly evolving as players discover new techniques and strategies.
For beginners, I recommend starting with Liu Kang or Johnny Cage. Liu Kang offers a well-rounded moveset that’s easy to understand but has enough depth to grow with your skills. His combos are straightforward and his special moves are effective without requiring complex execution. Johnny Cage is another excellent choice, with simple but powerful special moves and a straightforward game plan. Both characters teach fundamental MK1 concepts while remaining viable at higher levels of play. As you become more comfortable with the game’s mechanics, you can explore more complex characters that match your preferred playstyle.
Kameo fighters are extremely important in the current MK1 meta, often making the difference between winning and losing matches. The right Kameo can enhance a character’s strengths or cover their weaknesses, creating more well-rounded gameplay. For example, characters with strong rushdown benefit from Kameos that provide zoning options, while zoning characters benefit from Kameos that help with close-range defense. I recommend experimenting with different Kameo combinations to find what works best for your main character and playstyle. The meta is still evolving, but Kameos are definitely a crucial element of competitive MK1 gameplay.
While it’s more challenging, low-tier characters can definitely win tournaments in MK1, especially in the hands of skilled players who have mastered their unique strengths. Character tiers are general guidelines, not absolute determinants of match outcomes. A player who has deeply mastered a lower-tier character can often defeat opponents using higher-tier characters who haven’t put in the same level of practice. Tournament history in fighting games is filled with examples of players defying tier expectations through superior skill, matchup knowledge, and strategic adaptation. That said, if you’re aiming for competitive success, it’s generally more efficient to focus on higher-tier characters unless you have a special connection to a lower-tier character.
Countering S-tier characters in MK1 requires understanding their strengths and exploiting their weaknesses. For Johnny Cage, you need to respect his Nut Punch and look for opportunities to punish his Shadow Kick. Against Raiden, controlling space and limiting his teleport options is crucial. Liu Kang can be countered by staying mobile and avoiding his fireball setups. Scorpion’s mix-up game can be neutralized by patient defense and quick punishes on his teleport. I recommend studying matchup-specific strategies for each S-tier character and practicing against them extensively. Remember that even S-tier characters have exploitable weaknesses – the key is identifying them and having the discipline to capitalize on them consistently.
