Mortal Kombat: Why Sub-Zero Is So Much More Powerful Than Every Champion

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Mortal Kombat features a number of incredibly powerful fighters, but Sub-Zero is the strongest by far. As Shang Tsung’s lead warrior for what appears to be hundreds of years, Bi-Han/Sub-Zero killed numerous would-be Earthrealm challengers and acted as one of Outworld’s most effective soldiers. While very little of Bi-Han’s background is revealed in the film, the Mortal Kombat video games give a clearer picture of how Sub-Zero became so powerful.

Bi-Han is a member of the Lin Kuei clan, a legendary group of deadly assassins who sell their services to various (often evil) clients. As one of the Lin Kuei’s most elite warriors, Bi-Han killed countless foes, gaining skill and honing his ice magic as he did. In the games, this long career of brutal killing eventually turned Bi-Han’s soul evil, which only magnified his dark powers. His training and inherent magical abilities, combined with this turn toward pure darkness, made Sub-Zero one of the most fearsome fighters in any of the realms.

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There’s another factor of Sub-Zero’s strength that’s unique to the Mortal Kombat reboot – his shocking longevity. The film’s version of Bi-Han has apparently survived for over 400 years, much of it in the service of Shang Tsung. If Sub-Zero was a longstanding servant of Outworld, it’s possible he was granted some additional magical power to help keep himself alive. That would explain why he remains loyal to Shao Kahn’s mission of conquering Earthrealm, even when it has little to do with him personally (aside from the involvement of Scorpion, that is).

In the games, Bi-Han eventually sells his soul in exchange for even greater dark power after his death. It’s possible that Sub-Zero’s exceptional strength in the film is due in part to a similar deal with Shang Tsung. That seems particularly likely given the sorcerer’s predilection for souls, and it would fit with the character’s story from the games. After hundreds of years spent harnessing his own magic and exchanging his humanity for even greater power, Sub-Zero would naturally be stronger than any of Earthrealm’s individual challengers.

Of course, if Mortal Kombat 2 follows the story of the games, Bi-Han will come back from his defeat even stronger than he was before. After descending to the Netherrealm in the games, Bi-Han gives himself completely over to darkness, transforming into the deadly shadow ninja Noob Saibot. That could lead to some exciting rematches if the Mortal Kombat films franchise continues.