Look, if you’re still playing Mortal Kombat 11 in 2026, you know exactly why it’s a staple. The game has this heavy, deliberate weight that the faster, more frantic sequels sometimes miss. But even years later, I still see people picking the "wrong" characters for the wrong reasons. They jump on Scorpion because he's on the box, or they ignore Cetrion because she looks like a botanical garden reject. Honestly, picking a main in MK11 is about more than just who looks the coolest.
You've probably heard that some characters are just "broken." While the competitive scene has mostly settled, the nuances of the Mortal Kombat 11 characters roster are still surprisingly deep.
The Tier List Trap: Why Stats Aren't Everything
People love to obsess over S-tier lists. You'll see Jacqui Briggs, Cetrion, and Liu Kang at the top of every professional's ranking. They’re there for a reason. Jacqui has oppressive pressure that makes you feel like you're playing underwater. Cetrion can keep you at full screen until you just want to turn off the console.
But here’s the thing: unless you’re playing at a tournament level, those rankings kinda don’t matter.
👉 See also: Where to Find Fly in Pokemon Emerald: Why Most Players Struggle on Route 119
Take a character like Sub-Zero. In a local match or online at lower ranks, his "overhead or low" mix-up is a nightmare. It’s basically a coin flip every time he touches you. In high-level play, people react to it better, so he drops a bit in prestige. But for 90% of us? He’s a god.
Then you have Sheeva. Remember the "Dragon Drop" spam? People acted like it was the end of the world. Then players learned you could just dash out of the way and punish her for half her health. This is why "character strength" is a moving target. It depends entirely on who you are fighting and how much they’ve practiced their flawless blocks.
Custom Variations vs. Tournament Presets
The biggest headache for new players is the variation system. MK11 lets you build your own moveset, which is awesome, but it's also a mess if you don't know what you're doing.
If you're playing ranked, you're stuck with specific "Tournament Variations." If you're playing with friends, the sky's the limit.
✨ Don't miss: Why Most People Are Losing Rounds Because of Dress to Impress Poses
- Scorpion's "Searing Rage" is the classic. It gives you the chain spin that everyone hates. It’s easy to use and does decent damage.
- Noob Saibot is a damage monster. If you give him "Shadow Portal," he can turn a simple touch into a 35% damage combo without breaking a sweat.
- The Joker is arguably the best DLC character. His cane has ridiculous range. Seriously, he hits you from half a screen away with a piece of wood. It’s insulting, really.
I’ve seen players spend hours trying to make Shao Kahn work. He's the Emperor! He should be amazing, right? Sadly, he’s historically struggled in this game because his moves are slow and "gappy." If you play Shao Kahn, you’re basically playing on Hard Mode. You have to be twice as good as your opponent just to break even.
The DLC Power Creep (Or Lack Thereof)
Usually, in fighting games, the new guys are the strongest. It sells copies. MK11 was weirdly balanced in that regard.
Spawn came out and everyone thought he’d be the king. He’s got the chains, the guns, the cape—it’s Spawn! But he’s slow. He’s a "glass cannon" who isn't actually made of glass; he just has a hard time getting in. Once he does hit you, though? It’s over. His Krushing Blows are some of the most satisfying (and violent) in the game.
Then there's Robocop. Basically a walking tank. If you like playing "lame" and making people chase you through a hail of bullets and missiles, he's your guy. It’s not flashy. It won’t win you many friends. But it’ll win you matches.
Compare that to Mileena or Rain. They were added late due to fan demand. They’re flashy and fun, but they never quite reached the heights of the base game's top tiers like Geras or Johnny Cage. Johnny Cage, by the way, is a nightmare if the player knows how to use his "plus frames." You’ll spend the whole match blocking while he punches you in the stomach and talks about his movies.
Beginner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
If you’re just starting, don't pick a "Zoner" like Skarlet or Jade immediately. You’ll get used to staying far away and throwing stuff, and then the second someone like Kabal gets in your face, you’ll panic.
Kabal is actually a great starter. He’s got "Slight to be Dim" (his gas blast) and his hook swords have great reach. He's safe. In MK11, "safe" is the most important word. It means if the opponent blocks your attack, they can't hit you back immediately.
Most people play Scorpion and just spam the teleport. Please, don't do this. Any halfway decent player will block it and take half your life bar. Use the teleport as a punish, not a greeting.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to actually get good with the Mortal Kombat 11 characters you like, stop hitting the "Random" button.
🔗 Read more: Point Pleasant Fallout 76: Why This Mothman Hub Is Still Worth The Trip
- Pick one character. Just one.
- Go to the Tutorial. Not the general one, the Character-Specific tutorial. It actually explains why you use certain moves, not just how to do them.
- Learn one "Bread and Butter" combo. You don't need a 50% damage YouTube combo. You need a 25% combo that you can land 100% of the time.
- Watch "Ketchup and Mustard" on YouTube. They are the literal historians of this game. Their breakdowns of how frames work will make you a better player in twenty minutes than a week of button mashing will.
MK11 isn't just a gore-fest. It’s a giant game of rock-paper-scissors with 37 different flavors of "rock." Find the flavor you like and stick with it. Honestly, even a "bad" character like Raiden can look like a god in the right hands. It just takes a little bit of patience and a lot less teleport-spamming.