10 MOST Powerful Mortal Kombat Characters Of All Time

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi both served bigger villains in the Mortal Kombat universe under Shao Kahn and Shinnok respectively. Though both sorcerers were powerful in their own right, the two of them combined would become one of the biggest threats in the series as the Deadly Alliance.

Together, the two managed to assassinate a decoy of Shao Kahn and then traveled to Earthrealm to confront the reigning Mortal Kombat champion, Liu Kang. The duo ambushed the series' protagonist and in one of MK's most shocking moments, Shang Tsung broke Liu Kang's neck and claimed his soul.

Naturally, you'd expect Raiden and the remaining Forces of Light to band together, stop Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, and avenge their fallen ally. But as Mortal Kombat: Deception's opening reveals, our heroes all died trying to stop the Deadly Alliance, and Raiden himself is defeated too.

Because of this, the pair are the first villains in MK history to actually defeat the good guys.

Their victory would be short-lived, however, as the two tried to betray one another and the Dragon King made his return to Outworld.