Gaming’s goriest fighter holds a special place in many player’s hearts. With fans old and new, the Mortal Kombat franchise endures as a pillar of the fighting game scene. That popularity is mostly due to the latest two additions to the franchise – Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X.

Mortal Kombat X has been the defining title of the franchise so far. With Netherrealm’s commitment to pushing the envelope, some unique mechanics set this fighting game apart from the competition.

However, those same mechanics also make choosing the right character a daunting challenge for Mortal Kombat X players.

With the three alternative move sets available to each character, there’s a lot more to the game than prior titles. Mortal Kombat X made a base roster of 24 feel much more strategic with their various forms limiting move sets. Add in the eight DLC fighters, and you’re looking at a daunting time-sync to find a go-to main.

But realize that non-traditional styles variants can make the 33 slots of the Mortal Kombat X roster play in completely different ways.

With that in mind, here are the best Mortal Kombat X characters to play. We’ve broken our list down according to player skill level and the most reliable fighter available for various playstyles.

The Best Mortal Kombat X Characters to Play

For Beginners: Sub-Zero

Since the original Mortal Kombat, Sub-Zero became an icon for the Mortal Kombat franchise. With far-reaching combos and a bevy of stun options available, the blue ninja’s tailor-made for newbie fighters to the franchise.

But with his Cryomancer, Unbreakable, and Grandmaster variations, Sub-Zero mains can turn from grappling god to zoning sod at a whim. The Lin-Kuei’s ice powers allow him to freeze an enemy combatant with ice clones, passively slow them with an ice aura, or summon ice weapon extensions to initiate long combos.

Sub-Zero’s one of the best Mortal Kombat X characters to play for the uninitiated challenger. After mastering the ice ninja, and nailing a unique playstyle, several more standout combatants open up for the intermediate player.

Pros:

Straightforward character to master.

Ability to freeze enemies allows preparation of massive damage combos.

With the Cryomancer and Grandmaster variants, players can choose to prioritize combo chains or have more ranged zoning options.

Cons: