The hierarchy of royal power in Outworld is precariously balanced in the new era of Mortal Kombat 1. The reality of a new timeline has poised Empress Sindel atop the throne of the chaotic realm, with General Shao commanding the ranks of the imperial army. Learn more about these pivotal figures in official bios & character art:

Sindel's relationship with Shao Kahn was controversially rewritten for Mortal Kombat 11, making her a traitorous figure in Edenia's history, and willing collaborator with the conquering Emperor. Her relationship with King Jerrod appears restored in MK1, but the ties between Edenia & Outworld are as blurry as ever in the new bio.

Sindel (Empress of Outworld)
When Sindel ascended to Outworld's throne, she worried that she was ill-prepared. Adding to her stress: her impending arranged marriage to Jerrod, an Outworld noble. Forced into it to placate a rebellious region, Sindel could only pray that he was worthy.

To Sindel's delight, Jerrod proved an ideal partner. Her early reign marked the start of a new Golden Age. Sindel then welcomed her beautiful twin daughters, Mileena and Kitana. She thanked the Gods for her charmed life.

But Sindel had counted her blessings too quickly. When Jerrod was murdered, Sindel's heart was broken. Smelling weakness, factions formed to challenge her rule.

As her enemies conspire, Sindel fights to protect her family and her empire. She will do whatever it takes to defend her daughters' birthright.

General Shao (Supreme Commander of Outworld's Army)
Born into a proud military family, Shao was expected to become a soldier. But he was a sickly child who, though brilliant and eager, had an infirm body.

Shao's disability infuriated his father. He dismissed his son's physicians and designed an extreme program to build his son's strength and endurance.

Years of toil molded Shao into a physical colossus and forged within him an iron will. And as his father had promised, Shao became the perfect soldier. His brilliant tactics and relentless effort won Outworld many victories and him much fame.

Though General Shao is sworn to serve the Empress, his loyalty is to with Outworld. If Sindel's rule ever endangers Outworld, he will be the first to try to end it.

Questions abound regarding how Edenia came to be entwined with Outworld in a timeline overseen by Liu Kang, and whether its history has once again been retconned. We're also left wondering about General Shao's lineage and who his "illustrious" military father might be. Perhaps this is Shao Kahn's son? Or could Shao himself be the offspring of a character soon to take on greater significance?

[Related Article: Sindel & General Shao Steer Outworld in Mortal Kombat 1 Reveal]

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC worldwide September 19th with Premium Early Access beginning September 14th! Pre-Order Beta begins this weekend for three days of taste testing -- so don't miss it! Download the MKO App via App Store and Google Play to save these important dates with in-app reminders!

We're just three weeks from Mortal Kombat 1's official street date -- but actor & former WWE Champion Dave Bautista is already leading the charge from the library to the coffee shop. Time to fill every city and town with bellows of MORTAL KOMBAT! Watch and learn:

Like a reverberating echo of the first Mortal Monday campaign, Dave Bautista begins the madness by breaking the silence whilst pushing his book cart and whispering to a studying boy. It spreads to orchestra conductors and ceramics sculptors. It's a new era in the games and a new commercial to set your blood on fire!

Watch closely and you'll not only see the new Mortal Kombat logo emerge from frost & fire on a cafe window, but also spot a familiar building backdrop from the Mortal Kombat commercial released thirty years ago!

The elusive kid who first shouted Mortal Kombat back in 1993 was rediscovered two years ago, but you'll only have to wait until Tuesday, September 19th to get your hands on Mortal Kombat 1 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC!

[Mortal Kombat 1 Announcement Trailer Remakes Universe]

Premium Early Access begins September 14th if you've pre-ordered the Premium or Kollector's Editions. You'll also get access to The Kombat Pack which adds Bautista's old sparring partner John Cena as Peacemaker. What do you think of the ad? Will you be joining the horde? Share your reactions in the comments below and answer the call in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum!

History is repeating in Mortal Kombat 1, but in a new era created by the Fire God Liu Kang -- nothing is quite as it was! The mysteries of this once familiar world unfurl as a cinematic Story Mode takes us into a reality that can be both kind - and cruel. Go no further if you wish to avoid SPOILERS!

A Prologue finds Shang Tsung struggling to survive as a lowly snake oil salesman, but the arrival of a shrouded woman with a glow in her eyes promises he was meant for much more. Forces have conspired against him for his entire life, and perhaps she will be the means to twist this new era.

Chapter 1 centers on the humble exploits of Kung Lao and Raiden as they work on the harvest, train to become better martial artists, and chase a big meal. The kung fu buddies seem destined for trouble as dinner at Madam Bo's turns deadly with the arrival of the Lin Kuei -- Smoke, Scorpion, and Grand Master Sub-Zero!

[Related Article: Sindel & General Shao Steer Outworld in Mortal Kombat 1 Reveal]

Shang Tsung will be available to purchase upon the game's release on September 19th, or as a free download for anyone who pre-orders. Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC in wide release September 19th, or in Premium Early Access starting September 14th.

What do you think of the opening scenes from the story mode? Who is the mysterious woman and where will the story end? Share your reactions & speculation in the comments below and dig deeper in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum!

Relations with Outworld remain cordial in the new era of Mortal Kombat 1, but beneath the surface of this "alien & intoxicating" incarnation seethes a beating heart of bitter disdain for all that has become of the realm. Queen Sindel holds General Shao at bay as Earthrealm attends in the newest reveal trailer. Watch:

Glimpses of story mode show us Earthrealm attending a new martial arts tournament with Raiden as their chosen champion. A horned General Shao is unimpressed, with brutal axe-wielding gameplay to back it up, but Queen Sindel has been using root boost -- holding the violent militant to account with her malevolent mane!

Is General Shao the erstwhile Shao Kahn of past realities? With Edenia's royalty holding the seat of power in the new era -- it's entirely possible, but the inexplicable presence of gigantic horns raises many questions about the lineage of his "illustrious father".

The trailer also shows off Kameo Fighter assists for Motaro and Shujinko! The returning MK3 sub-boss steps out of the past with projectile deflections and a devastating mule kick, while kung fu copycat Shujinko takes his learning skills from MK: Deception to new extremes, turning the weapons of his opponents back against them with imitated moves.

[Related Article: Mortal Kombat Movie Sequel Casts Shao Kahn, Sindel, Quan Chi & King Jerrod]

The new trailer was unveiled by Ed Boon on stage at this year's Gamescom opening night. We're now under a month until the wide release of MK1 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th! Kollector's Edition holders just enjoyed a Beta preview and will get Premium Early Access to the final product starting September 14th.

Are the newly revealed characters everything you hoped they'd be? Share your reactions in the comments below and find more to discuss in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum! Interact and keep track of the big dates by downloading the MKO App via App Store and Google Play.

We love seeing new character reveals and gameplay in trailers, but to truly bask in the playable roster & kameo fighters coming to Mortal Kombat 1 - we need a frozen moment in time. Fortunately, Warner Brothers has given us high quality screenshots that show off all the new designs & arenas in exquisite detail! Take a look:

From recently revealed returning curiosities like Ashrah, Havik, and Li Mei, to assist Kameos like Sareena, Darrius, and Sektor -- we can see them all! Fighting from Johnny Cage's Apartment to The Living Forest, it's all the fighters we've seen so far in the midst of a tense confrontation -- or hard hitting battle! Hit the thumbnails to take a closer look.

A couple more characters will be added to the roster in mere hours when Ed Boon takes the stage at Gamescom for a new unveiling, and live public demo of the game. Will these new scenes live up to the vision we've seen so far?

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC in wide release on September 19th, with Premium Early Access starting April 14th! Save the date with the MKO App for iOS & Android. Thanks again to Warner Brothers for supplying us with these screenshots.

Ashrah may be a demon of the Netherrealm, but she has a place in the new era shaped by Fire God Liu Kang. Her return in Mortal Kombat 1 continues a story begun in a previous generation. Read on for her official bio and character render:

As introduced in the recent Banish trailer; things haven't changed wildly from Ashrah's debut appearance in Mortal Kombat: Deception. She's still a demon on a path of repentance, wielding the mythic kriss blade that purifies her with every demon slain. Where this path of demon-slaying will take her this time remains to be seen!

Ashrah (Repentant Netherrealm Demon)
As a demon, all Ashrah knew was pain and violence. She assumed all beings, in all realms, lived as she did.

But once she journeyed outside of the Netherrealm, she realized her error. Other realms were places of beauty and peace. She could not aid in their defilement.

Ashrah fled from her sister demons. Along the way, she found an enchanted kriss. It was a demon slayer, which she used to finish her pursuers.

She was stunned to discover that using the kriss to destroy evil was purifying her soul. And that if she continued to do so, she could free herself from the Netherrealm.

Ashrah senses that her final absolution is near. Once achieved, she will finally enter the light.

2023 is shaping up to be a renaissance for Ashrah across multiple mediums. She'll also take a major role in the upcoming animated feature Mortal Kombat Legends: Cage Match. Get a taste by catching up with the official trailer!

[Related Article: Reptile & Havik are Mortal Kombat 1's Persecuted in Bios]

Will Ashrah be an invaluable ally to Liu Kang and the heroes of Earthrealm? Share your reactions to the bio & design in the comments below and find & discuss more in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum! Answers will come when MK1 arrives for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th, with premium early access September 14th!

The world can be tough when you're different, but in the new era of Mortal Kombat 1 its a struggle that could cost you your life! Those are the stakes for Reptile and Havik, whose persecuted outsider status is described in greater detail in official bios. Take a closer look at their story and official render art:

They come from different realms, of Outworld and Seido, but their experiences breaking from the norms of society has made them each rebels in the eyes of their contemporaries. Reptile's ability to assume a human disguise is a unique skill for a Zaterran in the new game, while Havik is creating chaos anew for the realm of order as seen in the official Banished trailer.

Reptile (Zaterran Slave)
Reptile is Zaterran, one of the reptiloid race which lives on Outworld's fringes.

Like other reptiles, Zaterrans can camouflage themselves. But Reptile possesses a unique mutation: one which allows him to shift shape to appear human.

Bullied mercilessly by Zaterrans for this ability, Reptile left home to make his future elsewhere.

Havik (Rebellious Anarchist)
A citizen of the realm of Seido, Havik is sworn to take down its oppressive regime and free his people. There, order is prize above all else. Lawbreaking is met with strict punishment. Its citizens live in strictly regulated castes.

As a member of Seido's lowest caste, Havik had neither rights nor privileges. He seethed with anger at the injustice. When he is brutally punished for a minor crime, Havik finally decides to act. He sets out to destroy Seidos regime and replace it with an anarchist utopia.

Once he breaks Seido's social order, Havik will free its citizens. Together, they will live in blessed anarchy.

The new bio firmly entrenches the Cleric of Chaos in the life of Seido's brutalist order, leaving questions over the fate of the Chaosrealm in the reality reshaped by Fire God Liu Kang.

[Related Article: Mortal Kombat 1 Pre-Order Beta Access Begins August]

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC worldwide September 19th with Premium Early Access beginning September 14th! Pre-Order Beta begins this weekend for three days of taste testing -- so don't miss it! Download the MKO App via App Store and Google Play to save these important dates with in-app reminders!

The heroes of Earthrealm & Outworld are set to celebrate the cultures of the world when Mortal Kombat 1 ships to the Americas in September! Pre-order incentive skins are on offer for Brasil and Latin America! Take a closer look and get more details on the special offer:

Warner Play Latino and Warner Play Brasil have announced regional skins available for pre-order now. Dia de Muertos Sub-Zero outfits the Lin Kuei leader with traditional Day of the Dead hat and skullface, while the PlayStation 5 exclusive Tanya Funkeira adds a summery splash of green & blue to the shades-wearing Brazilian inspired Umgadi.

The MK franchise is no stranger to these regionally-inspired styles. Mortal Kombat X gave us a taste of both flavours with Day of the Dead Kitana and the Brazil Skin Pack, while MK11 packed Calavera Liu Kang into a Halloween inspired skin pack.

[Related Article: Mortal Kombat 1 Umgadi Trailer Spotlights Li Mei, Tanya & Baraka]

Will you be pre-ordering these skins? Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th with Premium Early Access starting September 14th. Share your reactions in the comments below and find & discuss more news in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum!

In their own ways they have each been banished, but Mortal Kombat 1 welcomes them back from the shadowy corners to a new era. Reptile, Ashrah, and Havik fight their way into the spotlight after various times spent away, part of the latest exciting reveal trailer. Watch:

Syzoth, aka; Reptile, is vilified for his human disguise by his own kind, revealing a new lizard-like design for the Zaterran warrior, reminiscent of the recent feature film, when he sheds his mammalian skin. He brings many of his klassic skills to updated gameplay -- but he isn't the only one with a foot in two camps!

The demon Ashrah is back to fighting for purification, earning the scorn of her fellow Netherrealmers as she wields a blade in her fight towards the light. Kameo fighter Sareena is the perfect opponent, fighting alongside the cleric of chaos Havik, whose body twists & breaks as he attempts to spread chaos to other realms.

Chief Creative Officer Ed Boon has talked up a return of cult favourite "3D era" characters, and here we can see the new game living up to that promise with two original fighters from the Mortal Kombat: Deception roster.

What do you make of the returning characters' new designs? Are you excited to see old favourites? Share your reactions in the comments below and show your true colours in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum! MK1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th, with Premium Early Access on September 14th!

The parting sands of time have revealed Liu Kang won't shape the new timeline of Mortal Kombat 1 on his own. The immortal automaton Geras made his stunning return in a character reveal trailer that teased more of his role in the coming saga. Read on to learn more details about his role and take in new character render art:

Geras has been reconstructed by Liu Kang to serve as his sentinel of destiny, and building on details found in the Fire God's bio, it seems the artificial intelligence will be pursuing the mysterious threat that has been overlooked. The only question that remains is whether or not he will remain opposed to it!

Geras (Sentinel of the Hourglass)
Reconstructed by Liu Kang at the dawn of his New Era, Geras remains eternal and unkillable. He retains the memories of all the innumerable timelines he has watched pass and fade.

In this New Era, Geras monitors events to make sure that they are faithful to Liu Kang's vision. When they deviate from their intended path, it is Geras's responsibility to correct them.

As threats begin to mount, Geras works tirelessly to defend reality. But to succeed, he must first identify the mastermind behind the plot to destroy Liu Kang's New Era.

Geras was plunged into the Sea of Blood in Mortal Kombat 11 by Raiden, who left the automaton to sink for eternity attached to an anchor. The rebuilt Geras will presumably remember this as one of the many timelines he has experienced over his existence since being built by Kronika, The Titan Keeper of Time.

Will Geras help defend Liu Kang's vision for a New Era? Share your reactions to the bio & design in the comments below and find & discuss more in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum! Answers will come when MK1 arrives for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th, with premium early access September 14th!

By day he's the President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer of DC Comics, but by night -- or art live stream -- Jim Lee is the highly talented artist behind iconic comic book runs of Batman, Superman, X-Men and more. He recently turned his hand to one of MK's best known assassins. Take a look!

Jim Lee memorably applied his comic book sensibilities to designing Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden for the DC Comics Injustice video game series, also developed by NetherRealm Studios. This time, however, he applied his pencil & brush to rendering Kitana in a design reminiscent of her appearance in Mortal Kombat (2011).

Completion of the drawing was featured on Jim Lee's Twitch channel, garnering thousands of viewers for the explosive master class. Ed Boon received the art with enthusiasm, sharing the finished product to his X (Twitter) account: "Only @JimLee could call an illustration (as brilliant as this) a sketch. Jim, please tell me the plan is for someone to kolor this in".

It's been a while since MK last appeared on the page in the 2016 Mortal Kombat X tie-in series published by DC Comics, but there'll be plenty of superhero crossovers when the Kombat Pack downloadable content delivers Peacemaker, Homelander, and Omni Man to Mortal Kombat 1 in 2024!

[Related Article: Writer Discusses Cancelled Mortal Kombat Comic Book]

Kitana will return as Princess of a new Outworld when Mortal Kombat 1 is released September 19th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC with Premium Early Access. Catch up on her new status quo with character render & bios and watch the MK1 gameplay trailer!