Who is the Most Overpowered Character in Mortal Kombat?

The question of who reigns supreme in the Mortal Kombat universe is a long-debated topic among fans, reaching back to the early arcade days. Pinpointing the single most overpowered character is tricky, as “overpowered” is subjective and context-dependent. However, considering all eras and versions of the game, the One Being consistently emerges as the most powerful entity in Mortal Kombat lore. While not playable, its influence shapes the very foundation of the universe and the conflicts within it. In terms of playable characters, several contenders emerge depending on the specific game and balance issues that were present. For example, Bolt from Mortal Kombat Trilogy had infinite indefensible blows that many would consider “overpowered”. Mortal Kombat 11‘s Cetrion was, at one point, considered OP. But, focusing on lore and overall impact, not necessarily specific gameplay mechanics, the One Being‘s status is unmatched.

Understanding “Overpowered” in Mortal Kombat

The term “overpowered” can mean different things in fighting games. It can refer to a character with:

• Unfair Advantages: Glitches, infinite combos, or unblockable attacks.
• Superior Stats: Higher damage output, faster movement, or more health.
• Lore Supremacy: Control over powerful forces or possessing god-like abilities that make them unbeatable.
• Domination of the Meta: A character that is always a top-tier choice.

This discussion considers both gameplay and lore, recognizing that a character can be overpowered in either or both aspects.

Considering Playable Characters and Game Balance

It’s important to separate lore-based power from gameplay balance. Some characters, like the Elder Gods or the One Being, are incredibly powerful in the Mortal Kombat story but are either unplayable or have had their power limited when implemented into the game’s roster for fairness. Other characters might be considered OP in a particular game due to balance issues that later get patched.

Bolt – a Glitch in the System

The character named Bolt from Mortal Kombat Trilogy stands out, not for any canonical reason, but because of a glitch that made him virtually unbeatable. He possessed infinite, indefensible blows, creating an environment where an opponent simply couldn’t block or counterattack. The “overpoweredness” of Bolt is purely based on a programming error rather than any kind of inherent design.

Lore vs. Gameplay: Different Levels of Power

The disparity between lore power and gameplay balance is crucial in this discussion. Characters like Shinnok, Quan Chi, and Kronika wield immense power in the Mortal Kombat story. Shinnok almost destroyed all the realms. Quan Chi manipulated events on a grand scale. Kronika sought to reset the entire timeline. However, in gameplay, their abilities are toned down to ensure fair matches.

Top Contenders for “Most Overpowered” (Gameplay & Lore)

While the One Being stands above all in terms of lore, here are a few other characters who have earned the “overpowered” title in either gameplay, lore, or both:

• The One Being: As mentioned, this is the supreme being of the Mortal Kombat universe. Its consciousness fragmented and formed the realms.
• Kronika: The keeper of time, she can manipulate events across timelines. Her influence is almost limitless.
• Blaze: A powerful elemental that acts as a failsafe, powering up other fighters.

Mortal Kombat: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about power scaling and character strength in the Mortal Kombat universe:

1. Who is the weakest character in Mortal Kombat?

The consensus leans towards Meat. He lacks any special abilities and his body is heavily mutilated.

2. Is Scorpion the most powerful ninja?

While incredibly popular, Scorpion isn’t necessarily the most powerful. His power level is significant and his status as an Elder God’s champion adds to his strength. However, the ninja with the highest power levels are a matter of perspective, and vary depending on who is writing the lore.

3. Who killed Scorpion?

In the original timeline, Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) killed Scorpion.

4. Is Sub-Zero stronger than Scorpion?

Historically, their power levels have been debated, with some sources suggesting Sub-Zero has an edge. In the current timeline, they are brothers and allies.

5. Why is Noob Saibot evil?

As Bi-Han, the original Sub-Zero, he was already ruthless. Being resurrected and corrupted by Quan Chi amplified his negative traits, making him even more cold and malicious.

6. Who is the smartest MK character?

Shang Tsung is widely considered the most intelligent character in the Mortal Kombat universe.

7. Who is the easiest MK1 character to learn?

Scorpion is often recommended for beginners due to his straightforward moveset and reliable combos.

8. Why can’t Raiden fight in Mortal Kombat?

Initially, Raiden could not directly interfere in Mortal Kombat due to the Elder Gods’ rules. He sacrificed his immortality later on to participate more actively.

9. Can Liu Kang beat Scorpion?

Lore-wise, Liu Kang is generally considered to be stronger than Scorpion.

10. Who killed Sub-Zero?

In the original timeline, Scorpion killed Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) in the first Mortal Kombat tournament. In the recent Mortal Kombat movie (2021), Sub-Zero dies by burning.

11. Is Noob Saibot stronger than Scorpion?

Their strength is debatable, but in one timeline Noob Saibot kills Goro. Scorpion however is selected by the Elder Gods as their defender of the realms. It depends on the specific circumstances and the timeline.

12. Who killed Noob Saibot?

It varies. In some storylines, he is defeated but not necessarily killed permanently. As a wraith, he is harder to kill.

13. Are Scorpion and Sub-Zero brothers?

In the newest timeline (Mortal Kombat 1), Scorpion and Sub-Zero are brothers.

14. Who is the main character of Mortal Kombat?

Liu Kang and Scorpion are both considered main protagonists of the series.

15. How does game design intersect with narratives in fighting games like Mortal Kombat?

The relationship between game design and narrative in fighting games is symbiotic. The narrative creates a context and a ‘why’ for the fights, establishing the characters and their motivations. Game design translates that narrative into interactive gameplay. For example, a character’s lore strength often translates to stronger specials and combos, but balance necessitates some degree of compromise. Studying these intersections can be valuable for students and researchers. To learn more about the theoretical and practical aspects of this, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The Enduring Appeal of Mortal Kombat

The ongoing debate about the most overpowered character speaks to the rich lore and competitive nature of Mortal Kombat. Whether it’s the godlike power of the One Being or the specific balance quirks of a particular game, the question fuels endless discussions among fans. The combination of intriguing characters, complex storylines, and intense gameplay ensures that Mortal Kombat will remain a cornerstone of the fighting game genre for years to come.