Let's be real for a second. If you grew up playing Mortal Kombat, the name Noob Saibot carries a certain kind of weight. He was the ultimate secret, the ink-black shadow that cheated you out of wins in MK2 and the coolest-looking wraith in Ultimate MK3. But when NetherRealm announced his return for the Khaos Reigns expansion in Mortal Kombat 1, things felt... different.
This isn't the same guy who crawled out of the Netherrealm back in the day.
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In Liu Kang’s new timeline, the lore has been flipped on its head. We aren't looking at a traditional undead ghost created by Quan Chi’s necromancy. Instead, Mortal Kombat 1 Noob Saibot is a product of pure, unadulterated chaos. And honestly? It makes him one of the most interesting—and controversial—characters on the current roster.
The Tragedy of Bi-Han: From Grandmaster to Chaos Wraith
If you played through the base story of MK1, you know Bi-Han was already kind of a jerk. As Sub-Zero, he was arrogant, power-hungry, and ended up betraying Liu Kang because he didn't want the Lin Kuei to be "protectors" anymore. He wanted them to be masters.
Then Titan Havik showed up.
Unlike the old timeline where Bi-Han had to die to become Noob, here, Titan Havik basically hijacks his soul while he’s still technically alive. During the events of Khaos Reigns, Havik transforms him into this shadow-manipulating monster to serve as the perfect anarchist henchman. It’s a brutal shift. He’s not just a shadow; he’s a being "dedicated to fomenting anarchy."
What most people get wrong about his "Death"
People keep asking, "Is Bi-Han dead in MK1?" The answer is: it’s complicated. In previous games, he was a revenant. A corpse. In this new era, his transformation is more of a soul-warping mutation. Even after the main conflict of the DLC, his ending shows him struggling with his new identity. He isn't exactly rushing back to put on the blue Sub-Zero mask and bake cookies with Kuai Liang. He’s changed. Darker. He’s treating the chaos as a "blessing" rather than a curse.
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How He Actually Plays: Portals, Clones, and Mid-Screen Menace
If you’re picking up Noob Saibot thinking he’s just a "zombie Sub-Zero," you’re going to lose. Fast.
He is a setup and pressure character. In the right hands, he’s a nightmare to block. His moveset centers heavily around his Shadow Clone and his ability to manipulate the screen with portals.
Key Moves to Master
- Shadow Tackle (BF3): The classic. He sends his shadow charging across the screen. It’s great for catching people trying to jump or backdash.
- Tele-Slam (DU): This is his bread and butter for combos. You can use the enhanced version (EX) to extend combos mid-air, which is where his highest damage comes from.
- Ghost Ball (DF1): It’s back. If this hits, it disables the opponent’s ability to use blocks or assists for a short time.
- Embrace Khaos: This is his unique mechanic. When active, his shadow moves become significantly more dangerous, allowing for insane juggle potential that most other characters just can’t match.
Honestly, he feels a bit "stiff" at first compared to someone like Johnny Cage or Li Mei. You have to be deliberate. You can’t just mash. You need to learn the timing of his Jump 2-3-4 sequences into the Tele-Slam to really make people regret matching with you.
The Finishing Touches: Fatalities and That Crocodile Animality
Let’s talk about the stuff everyone actually wants to see: the gore.
Noob Saibot’s first fatality, Shadow Play, is a throwback to his shadow-splitting roots but with modern, stomach-churning detail. But the real star of the show in the Khaos Reigns update was the return of Animalities.
Noob transforms into a massive, pitch-black crocodile.
It’s a direct nod to the old-school MK3 days, but seeing it in 4K is something else. He grabs the opponent, drags them underwater (into a shadow portal, obviously), and just... shreds them. It’s peak Mortal Kombat.
Why the MK1 Community is Divided
There’s a lot of chatter on Reddit and Twitter about Noob’s design. Some fans hate the "green glow" and the fact that he looks a bit more "magical" than "ninja." I get it. The classic "ink blot" aesthetic from MK9 was iconic.
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But from a lore perspective, the change makes sense. This isn't a Netherrealm shadow. It’s a Khaosrealm shadow. The greenish tints and the more organic, twisted armor reflect Titan Havik’s influence. Plus, if you really hate the new look, NRS usually drops "Klassic" skins in the Shrine or the Premium Shop eventually.
Actionable Tips for New Noob Players
If you just bought the expansion and want to actually win some sets, do these three things immediately:
- Go to Practice Mode and drill the 2-1-2 into Tele-Slam. This is your most reliable "hit confirm." If you can't land this 10 times in a row on both sides, you aren't ready for Kombat League.
- Abuse the Shadow Portal (DB2). Most casual players don't know how to deal with the verticality of Noob's portals. Use them to escape corners or bait out whiffs.
- Pick the right Kameo. Noob Saibot shines with Scorpion or Mavado. Scorpion’s upward fire breath allows Noob to stay in the air longer for those 40% damage combos, while Mavado helps him combo off of his throws.
Noob Saibot in Mortal Kombat 1 isn't just a nostalgia trip. He’s a reimagined powerhouse that requires actual thought to play. He's mean, he's technical, and he’s probably going to stay at the top of the tier lists for a while if you can handle the learning curve.
Next Steps for Your Gameplay
To truly master Noob, you need to understand his frame data. Start by checking his Standing 1 and Down 1 recovery times in the moveset menu. Knowing exactly when it's "your turn" to attack after a blocked Shadow Tackle will be the difference between a Gold and God rank in the next season. Go into the tutorials, finish his character-specific trials, and focus on the "Embrace Khaos" timing—it’s the most misunderstood part of his kit.