In the brutal world of Mortal Kombat, where warriors clash in a relentless battle for supremacy, not all fighters are created equal. While some characters boast devastating moves and captivating playstyles, others languish in the shadows, awaiting their chance to shine. In this article, we delve deep into the realms of Outworld and Earthrealm to unearth the 15 most challenging Mortal Kombat fighters to play as. Whether it’s due to their lackluster abilities, uninspiring designs, or just an overall sense of underwhelming gameplay, these warriors have faced criticism from fans and competitors alike. So, grab your arcade stick, sharpen your skills, and prepare to discover the characters who truly test a player’s mettle in the realm of Mortal Kombat.
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10. Blaze
Originally a cameo in the background of Mortal Kombat II, he finally became playable in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. However, his background wasn’t fully explored until Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. His playstyle focuses heavily on fire-based attacks and long-range moves, which can be less intuitive for players used to more straightforward characters. Blaze is not one of the more popular or well-known characters in the series, which can result in fewer resources and strategies available for players looking to learn him. Additionally, Blaze lacks a compelling backstory and character development, making it harder for players to connect with him on a personal level compared to more established characters.
9. Jarek
Closely tied to the Black Dragon, a group of mercenaries and criminals. He is portrayed as a ruthless and cunning fighter who, at times, has tried to assume leadership of the Black Dragon. Some of Jarek’s attack animations and movements can appear awkward or less fluid compared to other fighters. This can affect the overall experience of controlling the character, making him less enjoyable for players who appreciate smooth and visually satisfying gameplay. Jarek’s special abilities and attacks may not be as visually impressive or exciting as those of other characters in the Mortal Kombat roster. The lack of visually spectacular moves can make playing as Jarek feel less engaging for players who enjoy flashy combat.
8. Mavado
Associated with the Red Dragon, a rival group to the Black Dragon. He is depicted as a highly skilled fighter who uses grappling hooks and blades as his primary weapons. Mavado’s moveset is relatively complex, with many special moves and combos that require precise input and timing. This can make him challenging for players who are new to the character or the series. His weapons, such as his grappling hooks and blades, require players to master unique mechanics. Learning how to effectively utilize these weapons can be daunting. Mavado’s playstyle involves a mix of long-range attacks and grappling maneuvers, which may not align with the preferences of players who favor more traditional or balanced characters.
7. Meat
Depicted as a grotesque and disfigured character with exposed muscles and no skin. In the Mortal Kombat lore, Meat’s backstory is that he was a failed experiment of Shang Tsung. Meat’s appearance is a result of his body being subjected to horrific experiments and torture. Meat doesn’t possess unique or original abilities that set him apart from other characters. Many of his moves are parodies or imitations of moves from other fighters in the game, which can make him feel less distinctive and less rewarding to play. Due to his status as a secret character and his limited popularity, there may be fewer resources and strategies available for players looking to learn and improve with Meat.
6. Kira
Another member of the Black Dragon, she is often portrayed as a skilled and ruthless fighter who uses her combat abilities and firearms to take down her enemies. Kira’s character design features a distinctive appearance, often with a cyberpunk aesthetic. Kira’s moveset can be relatively complex, with various special moves and combos that require precise execution. Players may find it difficult to master her full range of abilities. While Kira’s ranged attacks with firearms can be effective, they may not be as satisfying or engaging for players who prefer close-quarters combat and melee-focused characters. Those who favor characters with a more straightforward or focused combat style may find her less enjoyable to play.
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5. Kobra
A martial artist who seeks combat and violence for its own sake, aligning himself with the Black Dragon criminal organization to pursue his destructive tendencies. Kobra’s character design typically features a more modern and realistic martial arts appearance. Kobra’s aggressive and straightforward playstyle may not suit players who prefer more defensive or strategic approaches to combat. His reliance on violence and aggression can limit strategic options. Kobra’s moveset often includes fast and swift attacks, allowing him to get in close to the opponent rapidly. His moves may have quick startup frames, making it challenging for opponents to react defensively. Aggressive characters like Kobra often have the potential for high damage output, especially when they successfully land their combos.
4. Shujinko
A member of the White Lotus Society, Shujinko was deceived into embarking on a quest to collect the abilities of different fighters in the Mortal Kombat universe and ended up releasing the Dragon King, Onaga. He is portrayed as a character who seeks to do good but is manipulated throughout his journey. His character design typically features a more traditional martial artist appearance. Shujinko’s gameplay revolves around adapting to different fighting styles based on his opponent’s abilities. This adaptability can make him challenging to play for those who prefer characters with a consistent and predictable moveset. Managing these multiple techniques and strategies can be difficult for players who favor characters with a more focused and streamlined approach to combat.
3. Hsu Hao
Another member of the Red Dragon, Hsu Hao is often portrayed as a cyborg character with a distinctive artificial heart implant, which improves his strength and also uses as a weapon in his fighting style. Hsu Hao’s moveset is often seen as uninspired and lacking in unique or visually distinctive abilities. His attacks and special moves may appear bland and less engaging compared to other characters who have more visually exciting and dynamic moves. Hsu Hao’s playstyle is often perceived as one-dimensional and lacking depth. His moveset may not offer a wide range of strategic options or combos, which can make him feel repetitive and less engaging to play over time.
2. Dairou
Dairou was once a group of law-enforcing warriors known as the Seidan Guard. After being wrongly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, Dairou’s life took a dark turn. Upon his release, he became a mercenary and assassin, seeking vengeance against those who framed him. His character design often features distinctive spiked wrist gauntlets. Dairou’s special abilities, such as his grapple moves and wrist gauntlet attacks, may not be as intuitive or straightforward as those of other characters. This can make it challenging for players to utilize his full potential. However, despite these challenges, there are dedicated players who appreciate Dairou’s unique playstyle and character development.
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1. Mokap
Mokap’s backstory within the Mortal Kombat universe is that he is a motion capture actor named Carlos Pesina, who was hired by the game developers to provide the movements and animations for the characters. In a bizarre twist, he became a character within the game’s storyline, allowing players to control him in combat. Mokap’s abilities and moveset are often seen as comical or gimmicky. He lacks the diverse and deadly combat techniques found in many other Mortal Kombat characters, which can make him less competitive in serious gameplay. Mokap’s gameplay is often centered around humor and novelty rather than competitive or strategic combat. Players who seek a more traditional fighting experience may find him less appealing.
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