Who Can Beat Sub-Zero? Unraveling the Mortal Kombat Hierarchy
The chilling presence of Sub-Zero, a master of cryomancy, has made him one of the most iconic characters in the Mortal Kombat universe. Known for his icy demeanor and devastating freezing abilities, he’s a force to be reckoned with. But, despite his power, Sub-Zero isn’t invincible. Several fighters throughout the Mortal Kombat lore possess the skills, powers, or strategic advantages to overcome him.
So, who can beat Sub-Zero? The answer is nuanced and depends on various factors, including the specific iteration of Sub-Zero (Bi-Han or Kuai Liang), the game’s mechanics, and the opposing character’s specific strengths. However, based on lore, gameplay, and overall power scaling, certain characters consistently demonstrate an edge over the Lin Kuei assassin. This includes, but is not limited to, Raiden, Fujin, Kotal Kahn, Rain, Tremor, Ermac, and even his own brother, Noob Saibot, in his shadowy form. These characters typically possess greater raw power, elemental advantages, or fighting styles that counter Sub-Zero’s reliance on ice manipulation.
Here’s a deeper look at why some characters can overcome the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.
Characters With a Clear Advantage Over Sub-Zero
Raiden: The Thunder God’s Superiority
Raiden, the protector of Earthrealm and the God of Thunder, is consistently portrayed as one of the most powerful beings in Mortal Kombat. His lightning manipulation provides a natural counter to Sub-Zero’s ice, as electricity can easily melt or disrupt ice-based attacks. Furthermore, Raiden’s godly strength, teleportation capabilities, and vast combat experience often put him a step ahead. It is not uncommon to see Raiden overpower Sub-Zero in a lore based encounter.
Fujin: The Wind God’s Agility and Power
As the God of Wind, Fujin possesses incredible agility and the power to manipulate air currents. This gives him the edge of evasion against Sub-Zero’s ice projectiles. Fujin’s wind-based attacks can be incredibly difficult to defend against, especially for a slower fighter like Sub-Zero. His control over the wind also gives him an advantage in close quarters combat and he is able to throw his opponents off balance.
Kotal Kahn: Raw Strength and Solar Power
Kotal Kahn, the Osh-Tekk warrior and former Emperor of Outworld, is a brute force capable of overwhelming Sub-Zero with his raw strength and solar-based powers. His immense physical power and access to unique melee weapons make it hard for Sub-Zero to get close. Kotal Kahn is also very resilient which would mitigate a lot of damage Sub-Zero could inflict.
Rain: Hydrokinesis and Teleportation
As an Edenian demigod, Rain wields hydrokinesis, which allows him to control and manipulate water. His ability to use water against ice allows him to disrupt Sub-Zero’s attacks. Also his teleportation abilities allow him to close distances or retreat in a combat situation when needed, adding to the difficulties that Sub-Zero will face.
Tremor: The Earth Shaker
Tremor, a master of earth manipulation, poses a significant threat to Sub-Zero. His ability to create earthquakes, launch boulders, and summon earthen constructs provide a direct counter to the ice fighter’s tactics. Tremor’s strong defenses can withstand much of Sub-Zero’s damage, whilst also using earth to break through any of Sub-Zero’s ice constructs.
Ermac: Telekinesis and Soul Magic
Ermac, a collective of souls bound together, uses telekinesis and soul magic to dismantle his opponents. His telekinetic abilities enable him to control the battlefield and break down Sub-Zero’s ice shields. Ermac’s soul-based attacks provide another layer that ice powers would struggle to contend with.
Noob Saibot: The Shadow Manipulator
Noob Saibot, the corrupted form of Sub-Zero’s older brother, Bi-Han, manipulates shadows, a power that can render Sub-Zero’s ice defenses ineffective. His shadow teleportation and ability to use shadow projectiles to pierce through Sub-Zero’s defenses, combined with his ruthless nature, makes him a deadly opponent to his ice wielding brother.
The Ongoing Debate: Scorpion vs. Sub-Zero
The rivalry between Scorpion and Sub-Zero is iconic, but who is stronger? The general consensus is that while Scorpion often appears victorious in trailers and cinematics, the actual matchups are much closer. In lore, Scorpion was indeed killed by the first Sub-Zero, Bi-Han. Scorpion’s hellfire powers provide a natural counter to ice. However, Sub-Zero’s mastery of cryomancy and his ability to freeze opponents solid can be a significant advantage. Ultimately, the outcome of their battles often depends on the specific circumstances and the individuals playing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Sub-Zero more powerful than Frost?
Yes, Sub-Zero is generally considered more powerful than Frost. While Frost is a capable cryomancer, Sub-Zero possesses a broader range of abilities, greater experience, and more mastery of his ice powers. He’s also a significantly more skilled martial artist.
2. Can Sub-Zero beat Batman?
Sub-Zero would likely defeat Batman in a straight fight. While Batman is a skilled tactician and fighter, Sub-Zero’s cryomancy provides a consistent, powerful offensive advantage and a hard counter to many of Batman’s gadgets.
3. Can Sub-Zero defeat Mr. Freeze?
Sub-Zero would most likely win against Mr. Freeze. Though Mr. Freeze has a technological edge and intelligence, Sub-Zero has more combat experience, diverse ice manipulation skills, and more raw power.
4. Can Elsa (from Frozen) beat Sub-Zero?
Sub-Zero would most likely defeat Elsa in combat. While Elsa can generate large quantities of ice, Sub-Zero has more control over his powers, and is a highly trained martial artist with combat experience. Elsa, while powerful, is not a seasoned fighter.
5. Why is Sub-Zero so strong?
Sub-Zero is strong due to a combination of his Cryomancer lineage, extensive training as a Lin Kuei assassin, and his inherent magical abilities. In the case of the first Sub-Zero, Bi-Han, his turn to the dark side and becoming Noob Saibot amplifies his power.
6. Is Sub-Zero an ice god?
While Sub-Zero isn’t a god in the traditional sense, he is often called the Grandmaster of Ice. Both Sub-Zero’s powers may be a result of being a descendant of the Cryomancers. The second Sub-Zero Kuai Liang became the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.
7. How cold can Sub-Zero get?
Sub-Zero’s ice powers can reach incredibly low temperatures, far below zero degrees Fahrenheit, capable of instantly freezing opponents solid. The exact temperatures are never specified but are powerful enough to instantly create and shatter ice with a wave of a hand.
8. Can Rain defeat Sub-Zero?
Rain poses a significant challenge to Sub-Zero. Rain’s hydrokinetic powers, water manipulation, and teleportation abilities can be used to circumvent Sub-Zero’s ice based attacks and abilities.
9. Does Sub-Zero become Noob Saibot?
Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, was killed by Scorpion, and was then resurrected as Noob Saibot. Noob Saibot is an anti-villain in the Mortal Kombat universe. Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero, never becomes Noob Saibot.
10. Can Sub-Zero freeze blood?
Yes, Sub-Zero can freeze blood, which is a move often used in his fatalities. This includes not only the opponent’s blood but also his own, as he can freeze it to use as weapons in some cases.
11. What is “Unbreakable Sub-Zero”?
“Unbreakable Sub-Zero” is a variation in some games where Sub-Zero has enhanced defensive capabilities. His mask turns to ice and he can create ice shields and armor. This style makes him a more defensive and hard-to-beat opponent.
12. Why did Raiden not appear in MK3?
Raiden was absent from Mortal Kombat 3 due to conflicts between Midway and the actor who portrayed him in the earlier games. His character returned later, though with recycled sprites from earlier games.
13. Why does Scorpion always beat Sub-Zero in trailers?
Scorpion’s apparent victory over Sub-Zero in trailers is likely a marketing tactic to highlight the game’s most iconic rivalry. In actuality, the balance of power between the two is much closer.
14. Is Sub-Zero pure evil?
Only the first Sub-Zero, Bi-Han, became pure evil as Noob Saibot, after his death and corruption. Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero, is a good character and helps to defend Earthrealm from threats.
15. Who killed Noob Saibot?
In the Mortal Kombat timeline, Noob Saibot has met his end in different ways. However, his demise is never consistent, and his return is often due to him having powers as a wraith.