Species

This page discusses the multiple species found in the Mortal Kombat game universe.

Amazons
The only Amazon appearance in MK is non-canonical.

This species exists only in the DC Universe. Amazons were a race of immortal super-womens that lived on the magical Paradise Island. Favored by Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, the Amazons thrived in peace for centuries, but remained aloof from the world of Man. The youngest and most powerful of the Amazons, is Princess Diana, left her protective nation of sisterhood, renouncing her immortality to fight the forces of evil in Man's World as Wonder Woman.

Centaurs
Centaurs, are a race of beings whose bodies resemble hybrids of humans, horses, bulls, and demons. They have strong stallion-like lower bodies with long tails. Their upper bodies resemble that of humans with demon, goat, or bull-like horns and fins protruding from their knees. Some Centaurs also sport long horse-like manes, while others are completely hairless. In essence, they are based on the Centaur legends of Greek Mythology. They are a native race of Outworld known for their hunting skills and ferocity. They are the natural enemies of the Shokan race and will not hesitate to prove that they are superior and better fit for leadership in Shao Kahn's army.

The only member of the Centaur race featured in the game is Motaro, although others appear in licensed media and tie-ins. No female Centaurs have been featured in the storyline so far. In Mortal Kombat Armageddon, Motaro is found to only have two legs. It is explained that this condition (which was also spread to the rest of the Centaur race) was the result of a curse laid on them by the Shokan, turning them into Minotaurs.

Grim Reapers
The only well-known Grim Reaper is Havik. Who lives in Chaosworld.

Cryomancers
Cryomancers are a relatively old race to the series. While members of this race have been in most of the games, it was first revealed in Mortal Kombat: Retrun of The Dragon King that there was such a race at all. Cryomancers are described as once being a race of people that lived Outworld. It is unclear how they died out. Cryomancers have the power to control and manipulate ice, known as Kori-powers. The Frozen Catacombs are the only known sanctuary of the lost race of Cryomancers. It is the location where Sub-Zero buried Frost after she betrayed him, and where he found his new armor that he wore during Deception.

Robots
Robot is a term to classify characters who have either augmented their living bodies with mechanical upgrades or machines with living tissue existing on or inside of their bodies.

In Mortal Kombat, some characters have been turned into robots to improve their performance. The procedure began when the Lin Kuei clan decided to automate their warriors. The designs of the cyborg warriors were influenced heavily by the Alien's appearance in the eponymous films, and by Star Wars's Boba Fat.


 * Sektor (robot LK-9T9) was the first to undergo this process of automation, and he would prove to be their biggest success. The Lin Kuei programmed the robots to do their bidding, and Sektor's main objective was to seek out and kill Sub-Zero, who left the clan after refusing to be transformed into a machine. Sektor was devoid of a soul, lost all human emotions, and has never succeeded in his mission. After turning his back on the Lin Kuei, he ventured to Japan and formed his Tekuni clan faction.


 * Cyrax (robot LK-4D4) was another of the Lin Kuei members turned into a robot. He was also programmed to seek out Sub-Zero. However, Cyrax was captured by Sub-Zero, reprogrammed, and permanently was turned to good side. He was then captured by Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, and was partially returned to his human state. In gratitude, Cyrax joined the Special Forces.


 * Smoke (robot LK-7T2) was the third of the Lin Kuei warriors to undergo roboticization. After returning from a mission, he and Sub-Zero learned of the Lin Kuei's plans to transform their members into cyborgs. The two fled; Sub-Zero escaped, but Smoke was captured and forced to become a robot. He was hired to work as a dungeon guard in Outworld by Shao Kahn's army. Hopelessly imprisoned, by failing to many missions, Kahn's soldiers were chosed to shut him down. Afterwards, Smoke was found by Noob Sailbot and transormed into an enenra, for that specie see below. As of now, Smoke is chosing between killing with his new partner in crime and searching for his lost humanity.


 * Robot Sub-Zero (robot LK-520): In MK9, Sub-Zero was turned into a robot. Robot Sub-Zero is much like his human counterpart. He regained his soul almost right after automation, and helped the Earth Warriors. He was later knocked out by Sindel. And somehow returned back to his human form.

Sektor eventually created his own clan of robotic warriors called the Tekuni clan. They are featured prominently in Mortal Kombat Armageddon's Konquest mode, where Sektor captures the protagonist Steven and brings him aboard his Tekuni warship.

Jax, in his Mortal Kombat Armageddon ending, was turned into a robot by Sektor, thanks to his careful planting of a neural chip in Jax's brain.

Demons
Demons are treated as a separate species in Mortal Kombat universe. Quan Chi, Ashrah, Sereena, Kia, and Jataaka are known demons. They can hide their appearance under a human façade, but otherwise seem to be the same as Oni. Quan Chi was originally an Oni, until he became a demon with his mastery over sorcery and magic.

Other generic demons have appeared in Mortal Kombat Armageddon as regular minions that players fights later in the game. Armageddon makes no reference to demons such as Ashrah, so it's unclear whether or not these demons are of the same species.

Dragons


Little is known about the Dragons in Mortal Kombat, as only three, Onaga and Orin, Car, has ever been shown. Onaga was proclaimed the Dragon King, although it is unknown whether he was given this title by his elusive brethren or whether it is self-proclaimed.

In Mortal Kombat Armageddon, there are two creatures (resembling Chinese Dragons, and with the ability to breathe fire and open portals to other planets) said to be dragons guarding and aiding the game's protagonist and antagonist, Steven and Daegon. How these dragons, Orin and Caro, are related to Onaga or his own race of dragons is unknown. However, the game's "Kreate a Fighter" mode includes pieces reminiscent of Dragon's species.

Edenians
Edenians are a human-like species that live in Edenia. At one time, Shao Kahn merged Edenia with Outworld to expand his tyranny. Some of those in the Edenian Royal Family battled for it and it was eventually returned to its original state. Edenians have very long lives, as Kitana is 10,000 years old and still considered young. Edenians also possess special magical skills (for example, Kitana can do various wind tricks, Sindel can levitate and manipulate sonic waves, and so on). It is said Edenian's long life span, strength, and nobility are due to being descendants of gods. Notable Edenians are Sindel, the Queen of Edenia; Kitana, Sindel's daughter and Princess of Edenia; Jade, who is Kitana's best friend as well as a member of the Edenian army; Steven and Daegon, sons of the Edenian creator god Argus; and the Edenian traitors Rain and Tanya.

Elder Gods or only Gods
The Elder Gods or short Gods are the silent guardians of all reality in the Mortal Kombat universe. They create planets, manipulating events in the planets to prevent the return of the One Being. They do not care about the denizens born in the planets, as they only seek to keep the One Being at bay.

In Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, the Elder Gods are portrayed as a man of fire (possibly Blaze) and a woman of water. Shinnok, the traitor Elder God in the movie, is depicted as a man of darkside, a form that Raiden assumed when he was given Shinnok's former position.

Elementals
Elementals are creatures who have mastered abilities with a certain element. Their appearance differs depending on which element they have mastered. Blaze is the only known elemental, and he has mastered fire; as such he is portrayed as a thing made of fire. Blaze also has a status to watch over the planets, while the Elder Gods have other important missions.

Enenras
The Enenra are things made of smoke and vapor who possess a shapeless form similiar to ghost. As such, they have complete control over it, as well as being able to transform into a wisp of smoke. For example Smoke was once a robot but was transformed to an enenra by Noob Sailbot. The only known enenra is the Lin Kuei clan ninja Tomas Vrabada.

Half Gods
Half Gods or Demi Gods, are are the offspring of a God or Goddess and male or female mortal of any species. The most promonint Half Gods in the series are the three sons of Argus. Steven, Daegon, and Rain. Kratos is also a Half God/Demi God. Half Gods are naturally more powerful than humans.

Humans
Many of the Mortal Kombat characters belong to the human race, although many of them possess superhuman qualities, such as the ability to control fire or teleport. Although humans originate from the Earth, there are beings who closely resemble them found in other realms. Generally, those who come from the other realms possess more supernatural powers and extended life. Because humans possess a soul, they were the target for Shao Kahn's extermination squads and Shang Tsung's soul devouring. The humans are responsible for repelling Outworld's forces and saving Earth's existence.

Several factions exist within the human race, some of which have actually turned against Earth and formed alliances with those from Outworld. The Lin Kuei clan are the most recognized faction within the human race, although they themselves possess superhuman qualities. The Outer World Investigation Agency was formed from normal humans in an attempt to repel Shao Kahn from the Earth after he invaded and killed many people. The main criminal factions are the Red Dragon clan (created by Navado and led by Daegon) and a renegade splinter group, the Black Dragon clan (formerly led by Kano and now led by Kabal).

Minotaurs
Minotaur are a new race native to Outworld that was created from a curse placed on the Centaurss by the Shokan. They appeare as humanoids with their horns, and tails still intact but, with only two legs rather then the original four. Motaro was the only Minotaur shown in the series.

In Motaro's ending in Armaggedon Motaro managed to lift the Shokans curse off his people and they returned to being Centaurs.

Onis
Oni is a term taken from Japanese folklore, which in the Mortal Kombat world seems to just be a generic word to describe all the demons of the Noland. They are first seen as nothing more than glowing yellow eyes in Goro's Dungeon in the original Mortal Kombat arcade game. In Mortal Kombat: Return of The Dragon King, they are depicted as hideous creatures with sharp claws, wild hair, and two long horns growing from their heads, but are humanoid for the most part. Still others in MK:SM are shown as apelike and burly creatures, with glowing eyes similar to Moloch's. They are all said to roam the Noland in search of damned souls to torment for their own personal pleasure. After making their way to Outworld, they were said to have been seen hiding in the Forest Of Dead, consuming those who entered. The only well-known, playable Onis are Drahmin, Moloch, and Quan Chi.

Outworlders
Like most inhabitants of the planets of Mortal Kombat, Outworlders look like humans, but they seem to have a greater talent for magic(ex. Bo' Rai Cho- Seismic powers, Ricochet belly, Shao Kahn- Magic, Charge speed) and live much longer. All Outworlders seen so far resemble East Asian people from Earth. Though they dislike their rulers, each of them have their own schemes to attain more power and influence. Known Outworlders include Bo' Rai Cho, Li Mei, Reiko and Shao Kahn.

Saurians
Saurians, also known as Raptors, are fictional creatures found in Mortal Kombat. They are reptilian humanoids who evolved from the dinosaurs. Standing on two legs and having bigger brains than humans or any other specie, they have the potential for more complex thought. They can also appear to alter their form to become invisible or look like human. They have a matriarchal society, and any Saurian that has drifted away from the influence of the matriarch or a surrogate slowly begins to lose their ability to look human.

Seidans
Seidans are the native inhabitants of Seido, also known as Orderworld. They are humanoid in form but, like many other species in the planets of Mortal Kombat, possess greater affinities with magic and have a much longer life expectancy. Their obsession with structure and organization has led to the fact that they seem to care more about abstract things than they do about life and death, which makes them, curiously, a lot like the people from Chaos. Despite the egalitarian, clear outlook of their society, Seidans are tense people and many have reservations about their ruling caste, as is demonstrated by the resistance movement led by Darrius. Other notable Seidans include Dairou and Hotaru.

Shokans
In the Mortal Kombat universe, Shokan is the name of a race of half-human, half-dragon warriors. They are tall, exceptionally strong, and have four to six massive legs. They live in a planet of Outworld known as Kuatan (formerly located in Noland). Goro, Kintaro, and Sheeva belong to this race. They are mortal enemies of the Centaur race, which includes Motaro, or at least they were until the events of Mortal Kombat 4, when Kitana successfully negotiates an uneasy peace treaty between the two species. As part of the treaty, the Shokan also fought alongside Kitana and her armies against Shao Kahn's forces, until the untimely loss of Goro and a resurgence in Kahn's forces forced the Shokan and Edenian parties back. Currently, the alliance between the two races is shaky, due to the dissension Goro's death had caused within the Shokan, a situation that could exacerbate once the Shokan learn that Goro was in fact still alive and returned to Shao Kahn's side, while their relationship with the Centaurs is crumbling after perpetrators unknown within their own race purportedly cursed their former enemies with Minotaurian forms.

Tarkatans
The best known Tarkatan is Mileena and Baraka, the commander of Shao Kahn. They are arguably the favored species of Shao Kahn (their main competition being the Shokan). They are humanoid in form. They are residers of Outworld, and are depicted as pale but not white in skin color. They have glowing yellow eyes, and sharp teeth with boney spikes on their knees. They're most notable combat aspect is their razor sharp silver colored "retractable-claws" that extend from the top of each knee. Their claws are about the length from their knee to their feet. In MK9, Baraka wears samurai-like armor. In the most recent release, "Mortal Kombat VS DC," he wears traditional pants and a sleevless shirt.

Vampires
The vampires are somewhat similar to vampires seen in other fiction. They feed on the blood of other creatures to survive, have large bat-like wings on their backs, and are excellent record-keepers (traditional vampires are said to be highly obsessive compulsive). They are immune to most forms of sunlight in the various realms, except they are allergic to Earth's sunlight for some unexplained reason. It's hinted that they also possess the traditional vampire's weakness to wooden stakes witch is mostly not rue. Vampires are native to the Planet of Vaeternus, which later merged with Outworld within the efforts of Shao Kahn, and later separated. The only character that has been seen from this race is Nitara, although it is said that more may appear in future Mortal Kombat games.

Wraiths
A wraith or specter is a being who has previously died only to be resurrected in the Noland as an undead warrior. The best-known wraiths are Noob Sailbot and Scorpion. The Younger Sub-Zero had killed Scorpion and Scorpion later returned and killed The Elder Sub-Zero out of revenge. Both Sailbot and Scorpion gained new abilities upon being resurrected. Sailbot gaining shadow and phantom like powers while Scorpion possesed the abiltiy to use hellfire.

Zombies
Zombies are magically re-animated corpses without consciousness. According to Raiden's bio in Mortal Kombat Armageddon, a cult known as the Houan re-animated corpses to do their bidding by performing unholy incantations and binding them with enchanted chains that forced the zombies to perform their bidding. This practice was brought to a halt by Raiden. The only known zombie in Mortal Kombat is Liu Kang, whose body was brought back to life by Raiden (who did so by performing the very Houan ritual that he had previously stopped) and sent on a violent rampage to eliminate those the Thunder God found to be a threat to Earth, while his spirit looked on helplessly.

According to some of the dialogues in Noland of Mortal Kombat: Return of The Dragon King's Konquest Mode, zombies are beings who are punished by Shinnok to roam endlessly without consciousness for displeasing him.

Man, this page was hard to create.