Summary

WhileMortal Kombatis known for having characters like Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, or Raiden as the main characters, Sub-Zero and Scorpion are often the franchise’s poster children. Sub-Zero has appealed to many due to his ninja-like appearance and cryomancy abilities as a member of the Liu Kuei clan of assassins.

There are multiple ways characters can be judged: gameplay, design, and storytelling. Sub-Zero has seen a lot of variations over the years since his debut in 1992, with different twists on his combat style, overall design, and even different people behind the blue mask to make Sub-Zero into a complex character who has appeared in every mainlineMortal Kombatgame and movie.

Updated May 23, 2025, by Melody MacReady:WithMortal Kombat 1starting its second year of content with the Khaos Reigns expansion, Sub-Zero is continuing to get more time to shine. Fans will get to see Bi-Han transform into Noob Saibot, a fate that seems inevitable in every timeline.

Whether it is Bi-Han or Kuai Liang, Sub-Zero remains a fan-favorite and there are so many variations of both characters wearing the mantle. This is thanks toMortal Kombathaving some of the most interesting, if a bit convoluted, lore featuring alternate timelines and universes that allow for the developers to make bold steps in new directions.

Storywise,Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universeis more focused on getting characters like Sub-Zero to fightfamous DC heroes like Batmanthan character development. This results in all characters getting little to no development, but Sub-Zero’s performance by Jim Miller was a good one, leading to him, as well as his design, returning toMortal Kombat 9.

While it is not everybody’s favorite game in the series,Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universedoes have a few standout characters on the roster and one of them is Sub-Zero. Deadliest at mid-to-close range, his ice powers mix up well with his combo strings that can easily pin the enemy to keep them from countering or parrying.

Speed is the key in the often-overlookedMortal Kombat 4, with characters having the most speed out of most games in the franchise. Sub-Zero features an evolution of the combo system that was first introduced inMortal Kombat 3, which, combined with the even faster pace ofMortal Kombat 4,makes him one of the toughest opponents to face and one of the best to control.

Mortal Kombat 4also introduced the concept of wielding weapons in the series. Unfortunately, the weapon system is often a point of criticism, since the weapons are awkward to use and are taken away with only one hit, making them feel useless. Also, Sub-Zero’s design was downgraded fromMortal Kombat 3, featuring a more generic appearance.

After the original Sub-Zero died and became Noob Saibot, his younger brother, Kuai Liang, took up the mantle inUltimate Mortal Kombat 3. This marked the first time Sub-Zero’s look was given an overhaul with a now signature red scar for Kuai Liang and the lack of a mask and cowl, which, combined with the then-new combo system, improved led to an iconic reinvention of the character.

The thirdMortal Kombatgame added all-new ice abilities to Sub-Zero’s arsenal, including an Ice Shower attack and the debut of the Ice Klone ability that has been a staple ever since. Kuai Liang would go on to become the most prolific Sub-Zero, being featured in manyMortal Kombatgamesas a fan-favorite characterand leader of the Lin Kuei.

Since the story retells the originalMortal Kombattrilogy inMortal Kombat(2011), players are reintroduced to Bi-Han in the first third, follow his brother Kuai Liang in the second, and thanks to it being an altered timeline, Kuai Liangbecomes a superpowered cyborgin the final. It adds to what is already a beloved story in the franchise.

WithMortal Kombat 9, Netherrealm Studios was able to develop and expand upon the brothers, fleshing out why they become enemies in opposing factions. It also shows quite the difference between the two even if they play identically. Kuai Liang proves more honorable than his corrupted brother, even when he becomes Cyber Sub-Zero.

The brothers returned toMortal Kombat 1with Liu Kang’s new timeline. But in this reality, only Bi-Han inherited the Sub-Zero moniker,while Kuai Liang became Scorpion. Aside from an ill-fitting Batman-like voice, Bi-Han is an interesting Sub-Zero, showcasing an angry man whose lust for freedom leads to him betraying everything the Sub-Zero moniker stood for by aligning with the Deadly Alliance.

In terms of gameplay, Sub-Zero features bits and pieces from his many incarnations of the past. Ice Slide and Ice Spear are fused into one. Unfortunately, his combos are slower and are telegraphical, making his gameplay effective but also the weakest of the newer Sub-Zero incarnations. His attacks are to dodge or block with less damage.

Kuai Liang became the only Sub-Zero featured inMortal Kombat Xafter Bi-Han was killed inMortal Kombat 9. As a result, fans got to see the younger brother as Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, leading them into a brighter future. Not only is he a skilled defender of Earthrealm, but he ended the centuries-long feud between his Lin Kuei and Scorpion’s Shirai Ryu.

Sub-Zero was mostly a supporting role, but every time he appeared in theMortal Kombat Xstory, he stole the show.Sub-Zero’s look is redesignedin every game.Mortal Kombat Xembraces a more grounded approach that complements his gameplay, which is some of the fastest and smoothest he’s ever had.

Pushed to the sidelines of the story yet again inMortal Kombat 11, Kuai Liang proves to be arguably an even better Sub-Zero than his brother. Not only does Kuai beat Noob Saibot in combat, but his newfound friendship with Scorpion also makes both clans united and stronger than ever before, hence why Kronika considers them a threat to her vision.

InMortal Kombat 11,Steve Blum continues to excelwith his performance as Sub-Zero, showing more emotion than before when Kronika and Sektor harvest his people for their Cyber Lin Kuei army. Even his gameplay was an improvement, allowing players to create loadouts of his special moves that fit their style, even if certain iconic moves were replaced with new ones.

Even though he was only a DLC character in a game that did not have fatalities or gore,Injustice 2still did the Lin Kuei Grandmaster justice with Steve Blum returning fromMortal Kombat Xas the voice. With his Ice Klone being the ability button, Sub-Zero is arguablyat his most overpowered inInjustice 2. His nearly flawless combat that can take on any opponent at any range.

WithInjustice 2featuring some of the most in-depth character customization thanks to the gear system, Kuai Liang can be customized to the player’s liking. Whether they prefer the classic mask and cowl design for Sub-Zero or they want to make a wild and fantastical design, anything is valid.

1Mortal Kombat (2021)

Joe Taslim Made Bi-Han Into A Terrifying Villain

Fans are divided on theMortal Kombatmovie from 2021, but most fans agree that Sub-Zero is a highlight. Joe Taslim was a nearly perfect live-action version of Bi-Han, AKA Sub-Zero, thanks to his iconic rivalry with Scorpion and his acting and martial artist skills.

Sub-Zero in the movie is more or less the main antagonist alongside Shang Tsung. The reboot makes it clear that Sub-Zero gladly murdered Scorpion’s family and clan, rather than being framed by Quan Chi. He killed Scorpion, removed Jax’s arms, and defeated Cole Young. This makes him more intimidating as he hunts the Earthrealm champions like a slasher villain, featuring praised choreography and special effects for the cryomancy.