Mortal Kombat 1 Tier List: Best Fighters Ranked

With its recent release, Mortal Kombat 1 has impressed fighting game fans with its diverse lineup of kombatants. However, in a roster of 23 unique fighters, it can be daunting determining who to main. That's where studying the MK1 tier list comes in handy. By ranking fighters into tiers, we can better understand their viability and combo potential.

Mortal Kombat 1 Best Fighters Tier List 

This Mortal Kombat 1 tier list guide will overview the S, A, B, and C-ranked tiers to provide insight on both beginner-friendly picks as well as fighters suited for high-level competition. Read on to learn what makes these kombatants shine brighter than others.

S-Tier Fighters

Only the mighty S-tiers dominate Mortal Kombat 1 through overwhelming attack power and oppressive pressure. They dish massive damage utilizing combos that juggle challengers mercilessly. Their strengths demand respect, making them ideal choices to main for seasoned players.

Johnny Cage

Thanks to his varied combo potential and excellent range control, Johnny Cage secures the top S-tier position.

• His signature special move, Nut Punch, still hits with devastating force while his new Hype Meter enables extending combos through canceling into more attacks.
• Of course, classic green energy blasts keep the pressure on.

Kenshi

Despite being blind, Kenshi utilizes telekinesis and his ancestral sword Sento to unleash both close-quarters and ranged devastation.

• His telekinetic slams crush challengers while his hovering sword unleashes a spirit to attack separately during Kenshi's own combos for near-unblockable pressure.
• Peace is never an option against Kenshi!

Raiden

As Earthrealm's god of thunder, Raiden boasts unmatched elemental prowess, channeling lightning to electrocute challengers.

• From lightning traps to teleportation, few can withstand Raiden's oppressive space control and ranged threat.
• Even up close, lightning infused punches crush bones, making each connected attack electrifyingly brutal.

Liu Kang

With god-empowered martial arts and pyrokinesis, Liu Kang scorches challengers with fiery feet and flaming fists.

• Already fast on his feet, Liu Kang zones with fireballs before unleashing air juggles and lightning fast combos.
• In the hands of experts, Liu Kang's new Divine Immolation ability deals severe burning anguish.

A-Tier Fighters

While lagging slightly behind S-tiers in dominance, A-list kombatants remain threatening when wielded properly. Their impressive movesets reward dedication but come saddled with steep mastery requirements to overcome key weaknesses.

A-tier fighters:

• Shang Tsung
• Geras
• Kung Lao
• Sindel
• General Shao
• Smoke
• Reptile
• Rain
• Li Mei
• Tanya

B-Tier Fighters

Immensely powerful yet burdened by certain flaws, B-tier kombatants provide rewarding gameplay experiences for seasoned players willing to adapt to their unique combat styles. While lagging behind higher tiers, their one-of-a-kind abilities make them deadly in the right situations.

B-tier fighters:

• Reiko
• Scorpion
• Kitana
• Mileena
• Sub-Zero
• Ashrah

C-Tier Fighters

While C-tier kombatants tend to lose out compared to stronger fighters on the roster due to underpowered moves, they compensate through wildly fun-factors. Their flashy fighting styles appeal most to casual players or those seeking variety rather than the hyper competitive space.

C-tier fighters:

• Baraka
• Nitara
• Havik

Tips for New Players

For newcomers seeking approachable fighters to learn, try Raiden or Liu Kang. Their projectile and teleportation abilities give breathing room while combos come out reliably. Expect a manageable learning curve on these two.

Meanwhile, steer clear from highly technical kombatants like Kenshi early on. Managing both Kenshi and his hovering Sento sword demands serious dedication better left for experts. Stick to simpler inputs when starting out.

Mortal Kombat 1 Fighter Tier List Summary

Here is the summary table for Mortal Kombat 1 Tier List of best fighters: