Mortal Kombat is one of the most popular fighting game franchises, renowned for its iconic characters and rich, historic storyline. At the heart of its epic saga are the various realms — distinct worlds that form the foundation of the Mortal Kombat universe.
Each realm has its own unique history, culture, and characters, all locked in an ongoing battle for survival and dominance. The fighters from these realms carry the fate of their worlds on their shoulders, making every battle high stakes and deeply personal. I hope this blog gives you a better understanding of the different realms that shape the Mortal Kombat universe and the characters tied to them.
1. Earthrealm
Earthrealm is the most important realm in the Mortal Kombat universe — a beautiful world filled with diverse climates and landscapes. It is ruled by the Elder Gods and protected by the demigod Raiden. This realm is home to most humans and some of the franchise’s most iconic characters, including Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, and Jax Briggs.
Throughout history, Earthrealm has faced many threats. The fallen Elder God Shinnok once attempted to conquer Earthrealm but was defeated and punished by the Elder Gods. Later, Shao Kahn, the ruthless conqueror of Outworld, tried to seize control of Earthrealm but was ultimately defeated by Liu Kang, the champion of Mortal Kombat.
2. Outworld
Outworld is the most dangerous and brutal realm among all the Mortal Kombat worlds. It’s a harsh and unforgiving land inhabited by fierce monsters and warriors. Originally ruled by the Dragon King Onaga, Outworld’s leadership was usurped when his general, Shao Kahn, betrayed him and took the throne.
Shao Kahn challenged other realms through the Mortal Kombat tournaments and merged conquered realms into Outworld, including Edenia. He married Edenian Queen Sindel and adopted her daughter, Kitana, solidifying his claim.
Outworld is home to several monstrous species, including:
Shokans — a brutal race of half-human, half-dragon warriors
Tarkatans — fierce fighters known for their long, sharp teeth and deadly arm blades
Neknada — goblin-like creatures with six arms
Centaurians and Kytinns — other fearsome native species
Shao Kahn used these forces to attempt to conquer other realms, but despite his strength, he ultimately failed to take Earthrealm.
3. Edenia
Edenia is a realm of beauty, peace, and harmony, featuring a variety of stunning landscapes. It is protected by Argus and his wife Delia. Once ruled by King Jerrod, Edenia fell when he was killed by Shao Kahn. After conquering Edenia, Shao Kahn married Queen Sindel and adopted her daughter, Kitana, merging Edenia with Outworld.
The strongest fighters from this realm include:
Kitana (Princess of Edenia)
Jade (a deadly assassin and bodyguard to Princess Kitana)
Rain (half-son of Argus)
Daegon & Taven (sons of Argus)
Tanya
Edenians closely resemble humans from Earthrealm but have significantly slower aging. For example, Princess Kitana is over 10,000 years old but appears to be only 21.
4.Netherrealm
The Netherrealm is the realm of evil and darkness, often described as the hell of the Mortal Kombat universe. It is a dark, terrifying place inhabited by demons and monsters. This realm is vast and infinite, filled with volcanic fields and lava pits.
Only evil souls can enter the Netherrealm, and escaping is nearly impossible — very few have ever returned. The fallen god Shinnok was banished to the Netherrealm for his crimes against Earthrealm. With the help of the sorcerer Quan Chi, Shinnok rose to become its ruler.
One notable Earthrealm warrior, Hanzo Hasashi, was killed by Sub-Zero and reborn as Scorpion in the Netherrealm. Other prominent Netherrealm characters include Oni, Moloch, Drahmin, Ashrah, Sareena, Noob Saibot, Kia, Kharon, and Quan Chi.
5. Orderrealm
Orderrealm, also known as Seido, is the realm of strict law and order. It is a highly advanced and well-organized world, featuring impressive pyramids, bridges, and structured towns — including Blue Town, Red Town, Green Town, and Golden Town.
In Seido, laws are rigorously enforced to maintain safety, but life can be harsh due to the strict regulations. The realm is often at war with others and stands as the polar opposite of Chaosrealm.
Notable characters from Orderrealm include:
Hotaru, the leader of the Seidan Guards
Dairou, a former Seidan guard
Darrius, a revolutionary figure
6. Chaosrealm
Chaosrealm is one of the six realms in the Mortal Kombat universe. It is inhabited by beings known as Chaosrealmers — humanoid creatures with strange and unpredictable powers. The laws of physics do not apply here, which is why you’ll find floating rock formations and other surreal landscapes.
Chaosrealmers use portals to travel between these formations. The realm is dotted with many temples, as its inhabitants practice Chaos as a form of religion. Chaosrealm is the polar opposite of Orderrealm. The only notable character from Chaosrealm is Havik, who can twist and relocate his bones and muscles in ways impossible for normal humans. Chaosrealm makes a brief appearance in Mortal Kombat (2011).
These are just a few of the many realms in the Mortal Kombat universe. Each realm has its own unique characters, culture, and storylines that contribute to the rich lore of the franchise. The realms are often in conflict, with the fate of their worlds hanging in the balance. The Mortal Kombat Tournament serves as the only way to settle disputes and avoid all-out war. As the Mortal Kombat story continues to evolve, especially with the new timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang, it will be fascinating to see how the realms and their characters shape the future of this boundless universe.
Image Disclaimer:
Images used are sourced from publicly available gameplay footage. All rights belong to their respective content creators and NetherRealm Studios / Warner Bros. Games.
