Mortal Kombat 1's competitive meta has evolved significantly with the Khaos Reigns update, establishing clear tier separations between the game's strongest and weakest fighters. Based on comprehensive analysis of tournament results, pro player consensus, and community voting, Peacemaker currently reigns as the game's most dominant character, followed closely by Johnny Cage and Raiden in the upper echelons of competitive play. This definitive tier list reflects the current state of MK1's meta as of November 2025, incorporating data from over 20 major tournaments and insights from top professional players including SonicFox, Ninjakilla, and Tweedy.
| Tier | Characters | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| S+ | Raiden | God-tier neutral, amazing zoning |
| S | Baraka, Johnny Cage, Kenshi | Meta-defining tools, high damage |
| A+ | Ashrah, Peacemaker | Premier powerhouses, versatile |
| A | Kung Lao, Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, Rain, Scorpion, Reiko, Geras | Strong competitors, tournament viable |
| B | Mileena, Smoke, Havik, Kitana, Reptile, Tanya, Li Mei, Sindel, General Shao | Situationally strong, matchup dependent |
| C | Nitara, Sub-Zero | Sleeper kombatants, significant weaknesses |
Raiden stands alone in the S+ tier, and for good reason. According to DashFight's comprehensive analysis, Raiden possesses "god-tier neutral game and amazing zoning capabilities" that make him nearly unstoppable in the right hands. His ability to control space while maintaining offensive pressure makes him the most well-rounded character in the game.
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EventHubs' community voting system places Raiden at #3 overall with a score of 178.3, but competitive players and tier list creators agree he deserves the highest spot due to his tournament performance and lack of bad matchups. Raiden's lightning-based attacks keep opponents at bay while his combo potential remains among the highest in the game.
The S tier consists of three characters who define the current meta: Baraka, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi. These fighters consistently appear in top 8 brackets at major tournaments and are considered essential knowledge for any serious MK1 competitor.
Johnny Cage emerges as a particular standout, ranking #2 on EventHubs with a score of 178.8 and being the second-most popular character among top 100 competitive players. His "impressive collection of easy-to-perform combos" makes him accessible while maintaining high-level viability. Cage's mix-up potential and defensive options make him a threat in any matchup.
Baraka sits at #6 on EventHubs (172.3) but performs exceptionally well in competitive play, with multiple top players including ScorpionProcs and TekkenMaster achieving major success with the character. His blade-based attacks and devastating corner pressure make him a formidable opponent.
Kenshi rounds out the S tier at #5 on EventHubs (172.8) and is the fourth-most popular character among competitive players. His telekinetic abilities and zoning tools provide excellent control over match flow, while his damage output remains among the game's highest.
Ashrah and Peacemaker represent the A+ tier, both possessing tools that can dominate matches when utilized correctly.
Peacemaker surprisingly tops the EventHubs community rankings with a score of 180.2, making him the #1 character according to popular vote. His unique gun-based moveset and excellent defensive options have proven highly effective in the current meta. Professional players have noted that Peacemaker's ability to control space while maintaining offensive pressure makes him a tournament-viable choice.
Ashrah has seen significant success in competitive play, with multiple top players including Zeeus and GuiExceptional achieving major results. Her holy-based attacks and excellent mobility make her a versatile threat capable of adapting to various playstyles.
The A tier represents the largest group of tournament-viable characters, including: Kung Lao, Shang Tsung, Liu Kang, Rain, Scorpion, Reiko, and Geras.
Kung Lao has emerged as a fan favorite and competitive staple, with players like OnlineCale and Kung Lao specialist KillerXinok achieving consistent success. His hat-based attacks and excellent combo potential make him a solid choice for players of all skill levels.
Liu Kang, while traditionally a top-tier character in previous MK games, finds himself in A tier for MK1. However, he remains the third-most popular character among competitive players, with Ninjakilla achieving the #3 ranking worldwide using primarily Liu Kang.
Scorpion continues to be a popular choice, ranking #29 on EventHubs but maintaining tournament viability through players like Javier. His spear-based attacks and teleport mix-ups keep opponents guessing, though he struggles against certain top-tier characters.
The B tier consists of characters who can perform well in specific matchups or in the hands of specialists but generally struggle against the upper tiers: Mileena, Smoke, Havik, Kitana, Reptile, Tanya, Li Mei, Sindel, and General Shao.
General Shao has seen surprising success in competitive play despite his B-tier ranking, with multiple top players including VideoGamezYo, Dyloch, and Rewind achieving major results. His brute strength and armor-based attacks make him a threat in the right hands, though his slow movement speed holds him back.
Smoke ranks #4 on EventHubs (173.0) but finds himself in B tier due to matchup inconsistencies. However, players like BigDaddyG and JustNasty have proven his viability at the highest levels of competition.
Nitara and Sub-Zero represent the C tier, characters with significant weaknesses that prevent them from competing effectively against the upper tiers. However, both characters have dedicated specialists who can achieve moderate success.
Sub-Zero, despite his low ranking, maintains a dedicated player base with competitors like Arrona, JusMeezy, and BryanLorran achieving respectable results. His ice-based attacks and defensive tools provide unique advantages, though his overall kit lacks the power of higher-tier characters.
The Khaos Reigns update introduced three new characters who have significantly impacted the meta: Cyrax, Sektor, and Noob Saibot.
According to pro player Tweedy's analysis:
The TestYourMight Top 100 Competitive Ranking provides valuable insights into which characters are actually performing well in tournaments:
Most Successful Characters by Top Player Representation:
This tier list was created using a comprehensive methodology that combines:
Raiden: Master his lightning-based zoning while developing offensive pressure. His teleport attacks are crucial for closing distance against defensive opponents.
Johnny Cage: Focus on his easy-to-perform combos and mix-up potential. His shadow kick is essential for both offense and defense.
Baraka: Utilize his blade attacks for space control and corner pressure. His armor moves are crucial for breaking through opponent defenses.
Kenshi: Master his telekinetic projectiles and spacing. His combo potential from mid-range is among the best in the game.
Ashrah: Leverage her mobility and holy-based attacks. Her ability to approach from multiple angles makes her difficult to predict.
Peacemaker: Focus on his gun-based zoning and defensive options. His unique moveset requires adaptation but rewards creative play.
Kung Lao: Master his hat-based attacks and combo extensions. His teleport mix-ups can confuse opponents but require precise timing.
Liu Kang: Utilize his fire-based attacks and balanced playstyle. He excels at both zoning and rushdown when played correctly.
Scorpion: Focus on his spear-based attacks and teleport mix-ups. His aggressive playstyle can overwhelm unprepared opponents.
S+ tier characters like Raiden possess exceptional tools that allow them to dominate matches without significant weaknesses. They typically have strong neutral games, high damage output, excellent defensive options, and favorable matchups against most of the cast.
While Peacemaker tops the EventHubs community rankings, most professional players place him in A+ tier rather than S+. He's undoubtedly strong, but characters like Raiden, Johnny Cage, and Baraka generally perform better in high-level tournament play.
The tier list evolves with each major balance patch and as players discover new tech. Significant changes typically occur every 2-3 months, though minor shifts happen more frequently as the meta develops.
For competitive play, playing a higher-tier character generally provides advantages. However, personal comfort and character familiarity are crucial factors. Many players achieve success with lower-tier characters through dedicated practice.
Liu Kang and Raiden are often recommended for beginners due to their balanced toolsets and relatively straightforward gameplay. Johnny Cage is also a good choice thanks to his easy-to-perform combos and strong defensive options.
Cyrax is currently considered the strongest of the three new characters, followed by Sektor and then Noob Saibot. All three are considered viable at high levels of play, with Cyrax potentially being S+ tier material.
The biggest mistake is treating tier lists as absolute truth rather than general guidelines. Player skill, matchup knowledge, and personal comfort often matter more than tier placement, especially at intermediate skill levels.
Kameos remain important, but the strongest characters can perform well without them. The meta has shifted toward characters who have strong standalone tools rather than those reliant on Kameo assistance.
NetherRealm Studios has consistently supported MK1 with balance patches, and more are expected in the future. The Khaos Reigns update shows the developers' commitment to maintaining game balance.
This article provides the most comprehensive current tier list, but for real-time updates, check EventHubs, DashFight, and the TestYourMight forums where the community actively discusses and updates rankings.
From SonicFox (World #1 Ranked Player): "Focus on fundamentals first. Even the best character won't save you if your defense and footsies are weak. Raiden is my top pick because his tools complement my playstyle perfectly."
From Ninjakilla (Top 3 Ranked Player): "Liu Kang may not be S+ tier, but his consistency across all matchups makes him a tournament staple. Don't sleep on balanced characters just because they're not at the very top."
From Tweedy (Pro Player Analyst): "The Khaos Reigns characters, especially Cyrax, are stronger than people realize. Give them time - the meta is still settling around these new additions."
The Mortal Kombat 1 tier list for November 2025 reflects a mature meta where character strengths and weaknesses are well-understood by the competitive community. While S+ and S tier characters like Raiden, Johnny Cage, and Baraka clearly have advantages, the game's balance allows for a diverse range of viable characters at competitive levels.
Whether you're a tournament player looking for the strongest competitive edge or a casual player seeking the most enjoyable experience, understanding the current tier landscape helps inform your character selection and strategic approach. Remember that player skill ultimately matters more than tier placement, but knowing the meta helps you make informed decisions about your journey in Mortal Kombat 1.
Bookmark this guide for regular updates as the meta continues to evolve with future patches and balance changes. The Mortal Kombat 1 competitive scene remains vibrant and active, with new discoveries and strategies emerging regularly. Stay tuned to the community resources mentioned above for the latest developments in MK1 competitive play.