Choosing the right character to main in Mortal Kombat 11 can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a player. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran of the genre, picking a main isn’t always as simple as going with your favorite character. Your choice influences your learning curve, your effectiveness in matchups, and how much fun you ultimately have with the game. This guide breaks down what to consider when locking in your main, so you can start your MK11 journey with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Understand Why You’re Picking a Character

Before anything else, ask yourself—why are you picking this character? Your motivation will impact how you engage with the game. Here are four common reasons players choose a main:

1. Ease of Use – Some players want to pick someone easy to use and jump into the fight quickly. These characters are usually straightforward, have accessible combos, and can be learned fast.
2. Favorite Hero or Aesthetic – Maybe you love a character’s look, lore, or vibe. That’s valid—but expect to put in extra time adjusting to their gameplay if it doesn’t align with your natural style.
3. Playstyle Preference – You care more about how a character plays rather than how they look. This often leads to a smoother learning experience, as the character aligns with your comfort zone.
4. Tier List Strength – You might gravitate toward top-tier characters that are currently strong in the meta. Be mindful, though—balance patches can shift tiers, so you may end up learning multiple characters over time.

Whatever the reason—or a combination of them—it helps to be intentional about your choice.

Step 2: Ask Yourself – Is This Playstyle Right for Me?

One of the most important decisions in fighting games is selecting a playstyle that fits you. Mortal Kombat 11 offers a wide variety of archetypes, even if the game is more grounded and less gimmicky compared to previous entries like MKX. While variation-specific tools exist, here are the main character archetypes in MK11:

Balanced

Balanced characters can handle most situations without excelling or failing in any one area. They’re reliable and well-rounded.

• Examples: Scorpion, Liu Kang, Cassie Cage, Nightwolf, Joker, Kabal

Rushdown

These characters apply pressure and overwhelm opponents with close-range attacks, fast setups, and unrelenting momentum.

• Examples: Johnny Cage, Jax, Baraka, Jacqui, Kung Lao, Erron Black, Highborn Kitana, Jaded Jade, Frost

Zoners

Zoners specialize in controlling space from a distance using projectiles or long-range tools. They struggle up close but dominate from afar.

• Examples: Shang Tsung, Noob Saibot, Scarlet, Robocop, Jade, Cetrion

Neutral / Spacing (Footsies)

These characters thrive in the neutral game, punishing mistakes and using range effectively to create opportunities.

• Examples: Shao Kahn, Frost, Spawn, Raiden, Kitana, D’Vorah, Kotal Kahn, Fujin

Mix-Ups

Mix-up characters keep opponents guessing with a blend of overheads, lows, and unpredictable strings. High risk, high reward.

• Examples: Sonya, Sub-Zero, Terminator, Shang Tsung (Soul Steal)

Grapplers

Grapplers use command grabs and throws to punish blocking opponents. They dominate at close range.

• Examples: Kano, Geras, Collector, Shiva, Jax (Hunker Down variation)

Trappers

These characters set up traps to control movement and bait reactions. They focus on area control and strategic setups.

• Examples: Joker (Ace of Knaves), Sub-Zero (Avalanche), Erron Black (Locked and Loaded)

If you’re unsure where you fit, jump into training mode and try a variety of archetypes. Think of it like test-driving shoes—walk a few steps, see how they feel. Look at their moves, try combos, and see how they perform in battle.

Step 3: Consider Counter-Picking

Counter-picking is an advanced but important aspect of competitive play. Some characters naturally struggle against others. If your main struggles with zoners, having a secondary character who can handle those matchups gives you an edge.

• For example, Johnny Cage might have trouble closing distance against a strong zoning character like Cetrion. In such cases, having a second character who performs well at range can keep you from being hard-countered.

You don’t need to learn every character in the game, but having two to three characters you’re confident with can help you adapt to tough situations and unpredictable matchups.

Step 4: Trust the Process – Your Main Will Emerge

Even after trying out dozens of characters, you might still feel unsure. That’s okay. Sometimes, your main reveals themselves over time. They’re the character you return to when things get tough. The one you rely on in high-stakes matches. The one you find yourself practicing with just for fun.

The journey is part of the experience. Fighting games are about growth, adaptation, and dedication. Whoever you bring along that path—that’s your main.

“For me, it’s Johnny Cage. He’s been my main since Mortal Kombat 9, and no matter the matchup, my win percentage is always highest with him.”

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s about having fun. If a character makes you excited to practice, learn, and fight—that’s the one. And if you’re serious about improving, these tips should help you build a strong foundation and make smarter decisions when building your roster.

So go to training mode. Try them out. Learn their tools. Trust your gut. And when you find someone who fits, start mastering them.

Your main is waiting.

Thanks for reading—and good luck out there in the arena!