Mortal Kombat 11 tier list: Our picks for the best characters, including Sheeva, Fujin, and Robocop, ranked (2023)

• Mortal Kombat 11 Tier List: Our recommendations for the best Mortal Kombat 11 characters
• How We Determined the Mortal Kombat Tier 11 List
• How good is Fujin, the Aftermath character, and where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tiered list?
• How good is Sheeva in Aftermath? Where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tier list?
• How good are the RoboCop characters from Aftermath, and where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tier list?
• Best Rushdown Characters in Mortal Kombat 11
• Best Brawler Character in Mortal Kombat 11
• Best Division Character in Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11 Tier List: Our recommendations for the best Mortal Kombat 11 characters

We've arranged all of the fighters in Mortal Kombat 11 (including every DLC addition) into a single-level list. We considered a range of factors, such as the character's special moves, the range and speed of normal moves, the difficulty of executing high-damage combos, and more.

There are two things to keep in mind. One, this list is subjective and based on our own perception of how good the characters are. Second, it's worth noting that all characters are playable. If you love playing Kung Lao, then play Kung Lao! Just because a character is normal to us doesn't mean they can't be played.

When ranking the characters, we used two tournament variants as they are specifically balanced for competitive play and serve as a common point of comparison for all characters. If you don't like a particular tournament variant, you can make your own - there are tons of special moves to try out that can make the character better fit your playstyle.

Mortal Kombat 11 has changed quite a bit since its release, and that will continue as more characters and patches are introduced.

Mortal Kombat 11 Tier List (Fighters by Tier)

Between the new characters and the patch, here's how our Mortal Kombat 11 rank list has changed with the May 2020 Aftermath DLC update:

• Fujin (new - good)
• Sheeva (new - awesome)
• RoboCop (New - Awesome)
• D'vorah - (bad to mediocre)
• Emerald - (Mediocre to Good)
• Kotal Khan - (bad to mediocre)
• Shao Kahn - (Mediocre to Good)
• Skarlet - (Good to Great)

Mortal Kombat 11 tier list (characters in alphabetical order)

How We Determined the Mortal Kombat Tier 11 List

"Mortal Kombat 11" provides players with a variety of ways to get up close and personal. This is more so now than ever, as players have to spend time figuring out characters.

You have to be more careful when playing a division role to keep you safe from your opponents.

Rushdown characters like Johnny Cage and the recently released Spawn are still strong overall in Mortal Kombat 11, retaining their dominance over the higher tiers, as it's hard for them to shrink as opponents try to stay away Gap is not difficult.

At this point, skilled players have mastered dodging, dashing, and jumping over anything you throw at them.

One thing that was missing from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath was the addition of a new charge character, so the entire archetype is pretty much unchanged in the list. Despite how good these three new characters are, they still dominate overall. So Sonia players don't worry!

Now that we're at the end of the DLC season, the Rushdown characters as a whole have solidified themselves as the overall best category. While not all of them are particularly good, the better charge characters are some of the best in the game if they stay up close and personal.

Contrary to the game's style spectrum, Zoners like Cetrion and Erron Black are still in the higher echelons of the Mortal Kombat 11 cast. Players who still prefer a long-distance fighting style at this point are good at maintaining a longer distance from others.

With the addition of RoboCop and Fujin, Zones' representation in the higher tiers has grown significantly. Both of these characters pose serious threats to the existing cast and cause the game's Iron Fist charge to seem less dominant.

The Zones have had a great run this season of DLC, with several characters remaining in the best and great parts of our tier list. While some actors are pretty good at the zone breakers' oppressive ranged attacks, overall they hold their own pretty well.

Often slow and difficult to approach, fighters find themselves in a bind. Over time, the fighters who were able to overcome this fight have risen to the top of the rankings, while the rest have found a home near the bottom.

Fighters can spend a lot of time fighting for their chances. Once they do, they're just as fair as any other character, just make sure that once you get the chance to slap them, you take full advantage of it.

The main Grapplers change in Aftermath is Sheeva, and she's a great addition to the most modest of the three fighter archetypes. Brawlers are starting to look a bit better as she moves up our tier list, but overall they still fall short compared to zoners and those pesky charge characters.

At this point in the Mortal Kombat 11 lifecycle, we don't believe any character is "bad."Sure, some characters are definitely better than others, but even the worst characters in the game have the tools they need to excel in competition.

How good is Fujin, the Aftermath character, and where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tiered list?

Fengshen is an area shooter who likes to keep opponents about a full hop away. Fokkin's throw pushes another fighter on the other end of the screen away from him, and he can safely apply pressure with a variety of long-range attacks.

Fujin has a range of devastating Kombos, such as Tailwind, Whirlwind, and Whisk Away, which can be used no matter which variant you have, and serve as the backbone of Fujin's playstyle as a tool to punish opponents for ranged attacks.

Fengshen is also equipped with some special moves that further enhance his ranged abilities. His crossbow blast is perfect for his divisional playstyle, as its quick speed and varied launch arc allow him to overwhelm opponents and punish opponents trying to jump in.

Combined with his Wind Kick, a combo finisher that sends another player flying across the screen, the Wind God is a tyrannical force at a distance. That's not to say he doesn't have close-range tools, as the Tornado works as an excellent vertical anti-air weapon, blocking jump attacks and crossover attempts.

Variation one, Down Burst, allows Fujin to execute some tricky attack combos, forcing opponents to guess how to block your next attack. With this change, Tornado was improved - allowing him to carry Tornado further.

Combined with the ability to use the tornado in the air, it makes it not just a situational answer for jumping, but an offensive tool in the hands of crafty players.

Kamikaze is indeed strange. When performing this move, Fujin hovers in the air, where he can perform a jump attack. While not necessarily an offensive special move, you can cancel multiple combos into Divine Wind, which allows Feng Shen players to surprise blocking opponents with a quick overhead attack if used correctly.

The second version, Kloud Walker, transforms Fujin into a close-range charge character with several new offensive options. Twisting Needle is the first of this new special move, which replaces Wind Kick as a close combo finisher that amplifies safe pressure.

Wind Barrier also comes with this variation, as an offensive air parry that negates your opponent's aerial attacks and allows the Wind God to punish them with his own powerful attacks.

Finally, variation two gives the Fujin Sky Wakka, a fast-moving mid-air run in which Fujin lunges at his opponent from high on the stage. This action can be canceled as a downward kick, a sword strike in the air, or a safe fall back to the ground at the expense of a defense meter.

This move is a great tool when you want to close the distance at an angle your opponent may not be prepared for.

A third variant, Cyclone, further enhances his divisional potential with some truly frustrating new special moves. Wind Push is an excellent zoning tool, Fengshen pushes opponents away with his Qi fist, which can be used at short, medium, and long ranges depending on the input.

This move has a quick hit, so it's a safe move for long-range throws, but it's vulnerable to jump attacks when used at close range, so Aeolus players must be careful not to overuse it.

Thankfully, the third version also comes with an air slam feature that grabs mid-air jumping opponents and slams them back to the ground. Air slams and wind pushes can be frustrating for opponents with no experience close to the division.

How good is Sheeva in Aftermath? Where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tier list?

Sheeva is a great addition to the roster of fighters in Mortal Kombat 11. Close pressure is tough to deal with -- her grab threat is backed up by an excellent combo line.

These combos, like the Shokan Stomp, are moves you can throw at will, even if blocked without fear of penalty. Combine those strings with her excellent rear throw and Shiva becomes hard to shake off.

Additionally, all variants of Sheeva have access to special moves that help her remain a threat at various distances. The Shokan Flame is a standard horizontal projectile that produces a high hit rate when used normally, but is enhanced to pack a powerful punch.

While her projectiles keep her dangerous at long range, her Command Grab Bestial Fury makes her an up-close threat. Best of all, Best as a combo finisher, Bestial Rage is a medium attack that doesn't usually deal a lot of damage, but deals 30% more damage if its Crushing Strike is triggered.

Finally, Sheeva gets the Sheeva classic Dragon Drop. This move sends Shiva flying into the air off-screen before slamming down on top of your opponent. This move is unstoppable, and a great way to bring players in division roles or overly defensive players closer.

Change one, "Smash and Grab," cements Sheva's status as a great fighter by adding moves. The Shokan Snag is the first special that Sheeva has acquired, and as an anti-air grapple, it makes Sheeva's close-range abilities even better. Once you use this move, you'll be throwing your opponent next to Sheeva, which means even if you use the Shokan Snag as a combo finisher, the pressure won't stop.

Next comes Tremor, a full-screen unstoppable attack that, on hit, sends the opponent falling backwards, away from Shiva. The action has a fairly long startup time, so focused players can always skip it if they see it coming, but it's okay to catch them occasionally as long as you don't rely too much on it.

Finally, Shiva's Dragon Drop gains additional functionality in this variant. While the standard dragon drop is scary enough, players can avoid it by moving quickly. With variant one, you can manually guide Sheeva's landing spot.

This means that if you notice other players backing away from an attack, you can adjust to their surprise and catch them!

The second variant, Deadly Dragon, turns Sheeva into a better all-rounder by improving her ranged and combo game. Shield Throw is her first new special move, replacing her Shokan Fire Projectile.

While this move is largely standard like her fireball, when you hold down the input for this move, the shield destroys enemy projectiles it collides with. Essentially, this move is Shiva's way of beating the Dividers at his own game.

Dragon Charge is a grounded charge that moves quickly across the ground. The distance this move moves may surprise you, and it's a great way to punish malicious attacks when your opponent is near jump range.

Finally, Spinning Dragon is a standard combo finisher with a 14% hit rate. It's important that you don't throw this move at will, as it's easy to get penalized if blocked.

That being said, if you amplify this attack, it does bonus damage on hit and pushes your opponent back significantly when blocked, which can be nice if you accidentally throw it at the wrong time Act as a safety net.

Variation three, Despicable Queen, bolsters Sheeva's hybrid potential with new attacks and grabs that keep your opponent guessing what attack will come next. In this variant, Shiva gains a death march, a forward walk that can be canceled into multiple actions.

Attacks you can cancel include giant kicks, overhead stomps, upward kicks, and nothing if you want to catch them!

Then there's the battle scar, which is an overhead command grab (meaning it can only hit crouching opponents). If you manage to pull off this attack, it can be amplified, providing even more combo opportunities. This move is an excellent way to punish players who are afraid of your low attack attacks.

Finally, Queen's Punishment is a low-hit grab that can be used as a combo finisher if other players can easily block while standing. When used in conjunction with the aforementioned Battle Scars, opponents won't know what to do when they get close to Shiva.

How good are the RoboCop characters from Aftermath, and where do they fit in our Mortal Kombat tier list?

RoboCop is the newest quest character in Mortal Kombat 11, and like his predecessors in the game, he's a force to be reckoned with. As far as archetypes go, he's the closest to the Partitioner, but the different variants get mixed up a bit.

Kombo strings like Hand of the Law and I'll Call You an Ambulance give RoboCop some much-needed space to apply ranged pressure, though he has other strings that are up close and safe if This is the required space above the hierarchy list if he wants it.

As for the universal special move that applies to all variants, there's the Cobra Assault Cannon, which is a horizontal projectile where RoboCop deals serious damage with a huge rifle.

This action is best used as a combo finisher rather than using it as the main source of ranged pressure, although due to its slow start only certain strings can accommodate this.

RoboCop always attacks horizontally with his nine-gauge automatic, though the motion has changed a bit in different variations. Even without adding any extras, this simple shot with RoboCop's trusty pistol is quick and does decent damage (though it's pretty safe), but can be dodged. Treat it like any fireball-style special item, use it occasionally and watch for jumps.

The last generic move that RoboCop gets is the shoulder crowd control cannon. This move drops a grenade in RoboCop's face, dealing quite a bit of damage and giving the opponent a combo.

Since it's slow to activate, this special move is very useful when taking down other fighters so you can apply extra distance or gain more distance when they're locked on to the grenade.

RoboCop's first release, OCP's Finest, took RoboCop's divisional game to a whole new level, greatly improving the pressure he created at long range.

Active Patrols and Reactive Patrols are horizontal projectile attacks where RoboCop either moves towards or away from the opponent.

This replaces his straight automatic nine projectiles, but adding movement to this standard move is a huge plus, as clever use can potentially avoid jump attacks if spaced correctly.

Then, RoboCop has "Terminal Zone," which is a mid-hit command grab that deals a small amount of damage but throws the opponent full screen. It's a nice touch when someone gets too close to your gun to maneuver, and allows you to reset the fight to a point where RoboCop is comfortable.

Finally, this change allows RoboCop to augment his shoulder cannon to fire stun grenades. When it hits, RoboCop can recognize this special move as a full combo, making it far more dangerous than standard projectiles.

His second variant, "Supreme Order," adds a wider variety of ranged attacks to his arsenal for a more "traditional" divisional style.

Low-speed Auto Nine is exactly what it sounds like, with low-speed fire from RoboCop pistols that keep opponents staring at their legs. Swap it in with the standard Auto Nine special move for steady, safe pressure.

There's also the Arm Cannon, a fast-flying rocket that's safe but deals massive damage. Once zoomed in, you can hold it down, increasing its damage and delaying its travel. Be careful not to overuse it though, as it can be easily dodged.

Finally, RoboCop gets the flamethrower, a high-damage attack that can hit multiple times in front of him. This move isn't safe when parrying and doesn't lead to many combo opportunities, but it's a handy tool for punishing an opponent for mischievous attacks if they get too close to RoboCop's gun. The final variant, "Prime Control", gives Robocop a superior charge tool that completely subverts his usual playstyle. This variation is all about using his technique to get in quickly and stick around for people near you.

In this variant, RoboCop gains OCP Charge, a closer air gap where he can dash through the air and punch opponents. Regardless of what you may think, this move is a center attack rather than an overhead attack.

What makes this move so special is that it's basically safe to block, which means you can rely on it as your attack method (assuming you're not an uppercut in the air).

Electronic shields are also included and act as a sort of insurance for offensive RoboCop players.

When used at the cost of one defense meter, charges himself so that when he gets hit, the shield reflects part of the damage back to the attacker. In a sense, with Electric Shield, opponents are punished for blocking you.

Finally, RoboCop gets "Cheval Trap," a projectile action that sets a spike trap in the ground that opponents take damage while standing. When zoomed in, it transforms into a gas grenade that initially deals a small amount of damage before bursting out and taking a lot of health.

Since this variation is focused on offense, it's useful to use this special after knocking someone down as they're forced to escape or take extra damage standing on a steed trap.

If you want to play a specific type of role, see the following sections:

Best Rushdown Characters in Mortal Kombat 11

Charging characters are those who play like a duck to water with their opponents, forcing their opponents to guess where you're going to attack next--with disastrous results if they guess wrong.

Liu Kang and Sonia both occupy the top two king and queen positions in Mortal Kombat 11's Rushdown fighter series, as they outperform their peers at getting in and doing a lot of damage.

Liu Kang

The Champion of Earthrealm is now a real threat - with strings and special moves, it does a great job of opening up opponents' barriers. His normal moves are especially oppressive - the dragon's breath is a safe way to put pressure on defenders due to the ability to cancel two kicks. If they don't stop it - you can follow up Dragon's Breath into a full combo.

For special attacks, Liu Kang chose a series of very convenient and versatile attacks. If you throw in the two-block attack meter, his dragon kick is a great tool for sending opponents into corners from the farthest middle of the screen.

Fireball/Low Fireball are both fast and allow Liu Kang to beat some division players at his own game. You can also make other players dodge your projectiles if you are ahead on health or want to wait for the time to run out. Having some versatility in your character's motion setup goes a long way.

Sonya

Sonia's damage is pretty good. She's easily able to get through her Overwatch combos, dealing 300 damage with just one attack bar. Not only is the first shot fast - catching any slow attacks your opponent throws - the second is overhead, meaning you can catch them if they block low.

She's also able to mix offense, switching between high and low attacks to force a reaction to some incredibly quick attacks. What if they screwed up? Sonia's basic combos can do a ton of damage even without using the meter!

Not only is Sonia the most aggressive character in the game, but she also has an excellent array of ranged special move options. Her ground and air power rings allow her to defeat some zoners at their games. Sonia was beaten, and if all you care about is winning, she's too good to miss.

Best Brawler Character in Mortal Kombat 11

Brawler characters are best at mixing standard attacks with grabs.

Despite Gerath's nerfs, he's still arguably the best fighter in the game, despite multiple nerfs and adjustments made to him in balance patches. Along with him, Jax retains the silver spot on our list as he establishes himself as a viable fighter in Geras' shadow.

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Geras' entire rig is excellent. He's arguably the number one character in the game, with high damage output, the ability to apply great pressure, and great special moves.

His throwing is especially formidable, with both forward and backward throws allowing Geras to prepare his next attack while another player is on his feet. Then there's his Titan tackle, which can carry opponents across the stage and allow Geras to force them into corners with ease.

One of the main weaknesses that brawlers usually have is ranged attacks, as it makes close quarters grappling difficult. Luckily for Geras, his Sand Traps allow him to grab fighters at longer distances when they're not blocking low, and teleport behind them, dealing a devastating neck break at the cost of a meter .

Jax Briggs

For Jax, it's all about momentum. With each punch Jax lands, his arms get hotter, increasing the damage of all his punches and adding crushing blows that deal massive damage. He comes equipped with a variety of tools, such as a violent attack called "Stiff Armor," which can help close the distance if an opponent lets their guard down.

For players who like looting, Jax has a lot of fun stuff for you to play. His default "trap grab" lets you build up heat on your arms and position other players wherever you like.

If you throw them into a corner using Grab Grab, they'll stay in their standing position, meaning you can immediately start threatening additional attacks without having to worry about awakening attacks.

Then there's the "Hunker Down" variant, which adds the "Quad Grab" and "Burning Hammer" moves, giving you even more ways to grab anyone you meet online. Jax might not be as good as Geras, but once he gets to you, he's as powerful as any other fighter.

Sheva

Jax has held onto the number two spot among fighters for a while now, but with Shiva unleashed, it's clear that four arms is better than two. Frankly, Sheva's ability to face opponents is very good, thanks to special moves like "Dragon Fall".

Once she's in front of you, Shiva can wreak havoc despite her changes. Whether it's a command grab that hits a crouching or jumping opponent, or something like a death march that obfuscates your next attack, she's a must for players in areas who think they're safe in full screen nightmare.

With no lackluster changes and a great base kit that lays a solid foundation for the crazy extras they offer, anyone can become a monster with the Sheeva with a little practice.

Best Division Character in Mortal Kombat 11

Zoners are good at keeping a certain distance from their opponents through various special moves and long-range normal attacks. Played right, zoners can feel like they're the only ones playing as opponents get caught up in a relentless attack.

Setrian remains the queen of the zone, leading the way with her ability to keep fighters in trouble with her overwhelming special move combos. However, Spawn knocked Ellen Black to the ground and stole the runner-up spot, as his mid-range basic attack and stunning special move combined trailed only Setrio.

Setrian

There's nothing more frustrating than fighting a Cetrion player who knows what they're doing. Getting close to it requires extraordinary effort, which is a huge struggle in itself--made worse by Cetrion's multiple options that push you farther away.

Boulder Slam and Hellfury are great when trying to keep other players as far away from you as possible. The combination of the two is very difficult to pass safely without taking a few hits on the try.

She also has tools like a tendril pull that can be used in multiple ranges. This move is a great way to keep opponents on their toes, forcing them to always pay attention to low catches. This, combined with all of Cetrion's other ranged moves, only adds to her annoying level.

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Spawn came out of hell, knocking Erron Black out of the top two spots in Zoners in MK 11. From what we've played, the tools Spawn uses to stop his opponents are excellent, regardless of his transformation.

Many of his basic attacks have great range, allowing Spawn to try without fear of being punished. If these hit, Spawn can often turn his normal moves into significant damage at the cost of an attack meter, which means you'll have to stay on your toes if you want to take his pressure.

His special moves, especially the variant from Hell, allow Spawn to maintain that pressure even at greater distances. Moves like "Gunfire" and "Glory Flame" make opponents afraid to jump or attack the low post - limiting their options when trying to get close.

RoboCop

Zones, the archetype in Mortal Kombat 11, is full of great characters, all with great move sets and great at keeping opponents at bay. So it speaks volumes for how good RoboCop was, he was able to occupy the top two spots when it was released.

RoboCop has above-average basic attacks and combos, allowing him to attack himself at close range. With certain attacks and throws, he can really shine from a distance.

Whether using pistols, rifles, or a variety of explosives, RoboCop's nirvana can apply pressure at a variety of ranges. His first variant, OCP's Finest, takes his talents and enhances them, allowing him to be a ferocious threat with tools like active and reactive patrols.

In the hands of new players, RoboCop is an excellent character who can always hold his own. In the hands of experienced players, RoboCop is pretty scary. Definitely give him a chance.

If you're looking for more guides, ourMortal Kombat 11 Death ListandFriends Listcan help.