Who is Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero? If you have to ask that question, it feels safe to assume that fighting games aren’t you’re thing. Actually, that’s not fair; MK does feature some convoluted lore when it comes to this icy ninja, so let’s take a look at everything you need to know about MK’s Sub-Zero.
If you want to know who Sub-Zero comes up against, check out our Mortal Kombat Scorpion, Mortal Kombat Mileena, Mortal Kombat 1 characters, and Mortal Kombat Sonya guides to learn who they are.
Let’s dive into our Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero guide.
Who is Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero?
Sub-Zero is arguably one of the most important characters in Mortal Kombat, being part of the original lineup when the first game came out in 1992. He’s a recurring character who appears in any MK game you can think of, though he’s not necessarily the same character. What we mean by that is that there are actually two different people who hold the mantle of Sub-Zero throughout the series.
Bi-Han is the first, he appears in Mortal Kombat, though his younger brother becomes Sub-Zero from MKII onwards. The reason for this change in title is that Scorpion kills Bi-Han, enacting his revenge for the heinous deeds of Sub-Zero against his clan. He does make a comeback, mind you, as Noob Saibot, but that’s a story for another time.
For the most part, it’s Kuai Lang who goes by Sub-Zero, and the vicious rivalry between Sub-Zero and Scorpion transcends the death of Bi-Han – it’s all a huge cycle of revenge, with the two characters going to war all throughout the series.
You can often tell who Sub-Zero is by his iconic blue outfit and his ability to manipulate ice. It’s a special gift that only belongs to a select few cyromancers, of which Sub-Zero is arguably the most powerful, serving as the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. These ninjas are aligned with Earthrealm, so for the most part, you can consider Sub-Zero one of the good guys. Well, Kuei Lang is, at least.
Mortal Kombat 1
In Mortal Kombat 1, Bi-Han’s Sub Zero makes a return while Kuai Liang is present, but, you know… he’s Scorpion now! That’s right, the longtime rivals are family in Liu Kang’s new age. Though, make no mistake, they’re still as different as fire and ice, with the older brother still showing his dark and somewhat evil side as he craves power.
What is Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero’s personality?
The main Sub-Zero Kuai Liang is a stoic and menacing figure, known for their strong sense of justice. Despite the violent nature of their fighting, Sub-Zero fights firmly for the side of good, which causes a rift between Liang and their older sibling.
Bi-Han instead uses violence to gain power and eventually falls to the side of evil, becoming known as the character Noob-Saibot. This even appears to be the case in the new timeline as, in Mortal Kombat 1, Bi-Han sides with Quan Chi and Shang Tsung when the pair tempt him with power.
How old is Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero?
Sub-Zero’s age is unknown, as the Cryomancer race is a mysterious clan shrouded in secrecy. But, due to their involvement in the series’ history and mythos, some think Sub-Zero could be as old as 400 or even older. Plus, there have been multiple Sub-Zero’s, so it’s near on impossible to determine when one Sub-Zero ends and another begins.
What games does Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero appear in?
Sub-Zero is a series stalwart, appearing in the following Mortal Kombat games in one way or another:
- Mortal Kombat II
- Mortal Kombat 3
- Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
- Ultimate Mortal Kombat
- Mortal Kombat Advance
- Mortal Kombat Trilogy
- Mortal Kombat 4
- Mortal Kombat Gold
- MK: Deadly Alliance
- MK: Tournament Edition
- MK: Deception
- MK: Shaolin Monks
- MK: Unchained
- MK: Armageddon
- MK vs. DC Universe
- Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Mortal Kombat X
- Mortal Kombat Mobile
- Mortal Kombat 11
- Mortal Kombat: Onslaught
- Mortal Kombat 1
Is Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 1?
Yes, Sub-Zero returns in Mortal Kombat 1. He happens to be one of the more important characters, and it’s especially interesting to note that it’s Bi-Han who bears the mantle. Oh, and his brother is Scorpion. Yeah, it’s a huge family drama waiting to happen.
Who is the Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero voice actor?
A character with the longevity of Sub Zero is bound to boast multiple actors, so we’ve put together a list of those who portray the famous character, as well as what games they appear in:
- Daniel Pesina – Mortal Kombat II
- John Turk – Mortal Kombat 3, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat Advance, Mortal Kombat 4, and Mortal Kombat Gold
- Rom Barkhordar – Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks, Mortal Kombat Armageddon
- Jim Miller – Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, Mortal Kombat (2011)
- Steven Blum – Mortal Kombat X, Injustice 2, Mortal Kombat 11 (MKX, Injustice 2, MK11)
Alright, folks, that’s all we have in our Mortal Kombat Sub-Zero guide. To learn more about other fighters from a different franchise, give our Street Fighter characters guide a read.