Full Roster of Every Playable Character in Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition for PS3

Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition on the PlayStation 3 represents the definitive version of the 2011 reboot that revitalized the legendary fighting franchise. This edition is not just a simple re-release; it is a comprehensive package that bundles the original game with every piece of downloadable content (DLC) released during its lifecycle. For PS3 owners, the package is even more enticing due to the inclusion of a high-profile platform-exclusive guest character.

The roster of Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition for PS3 features exactly 32 playable characters. This count includes 27 base fighters, 4 DLC characters, and the PS3-exclusive warrior. Whether you are a fan of the classic ninjas or looking for the brutal edge provided by guest icons, this roster is one of the most balanced and nostalgic lineups in fighting game history.

Overview of the Mortal Kombat Komplete Edition PS3 Roster

The total roster of 32 fighters is divided into different tiers of availability. Unlike the standard 2011 release where players had to purchase DLC separately or grind through specific modes, the Komplete Edition provides almost everyone from the start.

Total Playable Characters: 32
Base Roster: 27 characters (including 2 unlockables)
DLC Characters: 4 (Skarlet, Kenshi, Rain, and Freddy Krueger)
PS3 Exclusive: 1 (Kratos from God of War)
Non-Playable Bosses: 3 (Goro, Kintaro, Shao Kahn)

In addition to the fighters, the PS3 version includes 15 "Klassic" skins and three iconic Fatalities for Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Reptile, ensuring that the visual experience matches the gameplay depth.

The PlayStation 3 Exclusive Guest Character

The most significant draw for the PlayStation 3 version of Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition is the inclusion of Kratos, the protagonist of the God of War series.

Kratos: The Ghost of Sparta

Kratos is integrated into the MK9 engine with surprising fluidity. In our testing, Kratos feels like a "heavy-hitter" who excels at mid-range combat. His signature Blades of Exile offer a reach that few other characters can match, making him a nightmare for players who rely on close-quarters pressure.

Playstyle: Kratos utilizes a variety of weapons from the God of War universe, including the Bow of Apollo for zoning and the Nemean Cestus for high-damage overheads.
The PS3 Advantage: Unlike the Xbox 360 version, which lacked an exclusive fighter, PS3 players gain a character with a completely unique stage (The Chamber of the Flame) and a set of Fatalities that mirror the cinematic brutality of his own series. His X-Ray move, which involves the Blade of Olympus, remains one of the most visually stunning sequences in the game.

The Four DLC Fighters Included in the Komplete Edition

The "Komplete" moniker primarily refers to the inclusion of these four warriors who were originally released as post-launch purchases.

Skarlet

Skarlet was the first DLC character for the 2011 game. Conceptually based on a long-standing "glitch" rumor from the arcade era, she is a blood mage created by Shao Kahn.

Experience Note: Skarlet is a high-mobility character. Her "Blood Port" allows her to disappear and reappear behind opponents instantly. She is particularly effective for players who enjoy "chip damage" strategies, as her blood-based projectiles can be difficult to navigate.

Kenshi Takahashi

The blind swordsman Kenshi is a fan favorite who made his debut in the 3D era of the franchise. In the Komplete Edition, he is refined for the 2.5D plane.

Experience Note: Kenshi is perhaps the best zoner in the game. His telekinetic slashes can hit opponents from across the screen, keeping them at bay without Kenshi ever needing to move. His "Spirit Push" is an excellent tool for clearing space when an opponent gets too close.

Rain

Rain, the purple-clad Edenian demigod, returns with a moveset that emphasizes control over water and lightning.

Experience Note: Rain’s "Water Bubble" is a unique crowd-control tool. Trapping an opponent in a bubble allows for a free follow-up combo or a tactical reset. His "Lightning Strike" provides a fast overhead that catches many defensive players off guard.

Freddy Krueger

A crossover from the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, Freddy Krueger brings a unique horror aesthetic to the tournament.

Experience Note: Freddy uses dual claws (unlike the single claw in the movies) to balance his gameplay. He excels at "trap" gameplay, using ground fires and dream-world teleports to confuse the opponent. His reach with the claws makes him very effective at "poking" through an opponent's defense.

Complete List of the 27 Base Roster Characters

The core of the game is a retelling of Mortal Kombat 1 through 3. As such, the base roster is a "who's who" of the most iconic fighters in gaming history.

The Defenders of Earthrealm

Liu Kang: The champion of Earthrealm. He remains the most balanced "shoto" style character, featuring fast fireballs and the iconic bicycle kick.
Raiden: The God of Thunder. Raiden is a mobility king with his "Superman" fly across the screen and teleportation. His corner pressure is among the highest in the game.
Kung Lao: Known for his razor-rimmed hat. Kung Lao is a top-tier character in competitive play due to his "Spin" move, which acts as a perfect anti-air and combo starter.
Johnny Cage: The Hollywood star. Johnny is a "pressure" character. His "Forceball" and "Nut Punch" are essential for keeping opponents in a defensive state.
Sonya Blade: A Special Forces veteran. Sonya is a high-execution character who relies on "dive kicks" and "arc kicks" to mix up her offensive approach.
Jax Briggs: The powerhouse with bionic arms. Jax is a "grappler" in this edition. His "Gotcha Grab" allows for significant damage and positional advantage.
Nightwolf: A shaman warrior. Nightwolf is a versatile fighter with a reflect move for projectiles and an arrow shot for long-distance harassing.
Stryker: A riot control officer. Stryker uses batons, grenades, and a handgun. He is often overlooked but has excellent mid-range control.

The Ninjas and Assassins

Scorpion: The face of the franchise. Scorpion is built around his "Spear" (Get Over Here!) and "Teleport." He is the most accessible character for new players.
Sub-Zero: The cryomancer. Sub-Zero is the master of "setup" play. His "Ice Clone" can be placed on the field to freeze any opponent who touches it, creating a defensive wall.
Reptile: The Saurian spy. Reptile is all about speed and invisibility. His "Acid Spit" and "Force Ball" (slow and fast) allow him to control the tempo of the match.
Ermac: A collection of souls. Ermac uses telekinesis to lift opponents and slam them. He has high damage output but requires precise timing.
Noob Saibot: The shadow ninja. Noob uses a "Shadow Clone" to attack from a distance while he remains safe. He is a premier "zoning" and "disruption" character.
Kitana: The Princess of Edenia. Her "Fan Toss" and "Square Wave" make her a formidable air-combatant.
Mileena: The feral clone of Kitana. Mileena is a "high-risk, high-reward" character with a teleport kick and a ground roll that can be punished if blocked.
Jade: The royal protector. Jade’s staff gives her great reach, and her "dodging shadows" move makes her immune to projectiles for a short duration.

The Outworld Forces and Villains

Baraka: The Tarkatan general. Baraka is a "bruiser" with arm blades. His "Chop Chop" move deals massive damage in close range.
Kano: The leader of the Black Dragon. Kano is a "dirty" fighter using knives and a laser eye. His "Kano Ball" is a classic but risky maneuver.
Shang Tsung: The soul-stealing sorcerer. He can transform into his opponent, gaining their moveset. In his base form, he uses "Ground Eruption" fireballs to zone.
Quan Chi: The Netherrealm sorcerer. Quan Chi focuses on "trance" and "summoning" moves. He is a tactical character who excels at confusing the opponent.
Sindel: The Queen of Outworld. Sindel uses sonic screams and her hair to trap opponents. She is a strong zoner with multiple air-projectile options.
Sheeva: The Shokan warrior. She is a heavy grappler with a "Teleport Stomp" that is difficult to block if the player is not prepared.
Sektor: The Lin Kuei cyborg (Unit LK-9T9). Sektor uses missiles and a flamethrower. He is a fantastic zoner with a "Teleport Uppercut" for mobility.
Cyrax: The Lin Kuei cyborg (Unit LK-4D4). Cyrax is known for his "Nets" and "Bombs." He is a "reset" king, able to trap opponents in infinite-feeling combo loops.
Smoke: The Enenra. Smoke is incredibly fast and focuses on "evasion." His "Smoke Cloud" teleports opponents into the air for a free combo.
Cyber Sub-Zero: A cybernetic version of Kuai Liang. He uses "Ice Bombs" and "Drones" to control the stage.
Cabal: The former Black Dragon. Cabal is widely considered the strongest character in MK9 due to his "Nomad Dash" and fast recovery on "Gas Blast" projectiles.

How to Unlock Secret Characters in MK9

While the Komplete Edition provides most characters immediately, two specific fighters are traditionally tied to the Story Mode progression. If they are not appearing on your select screen initially, you must complete the following:

Cyber Sub-Zero: Unlocked by completing Chapter 13 of the Story Mode.
Quan Chi: Unlocked by completing the final chapter of the Story Mode.

In the Komplete Edition, most players find these characters already available, but if you are playing a fresh save file, the Story Mode is the key to ensuring the full roster is accessible for local versus and online play.

Essential Combat Mechanics for Every Character

To master the 32 characters in the Komplete Edition, players must understand the "Super Meter" system, which is divided into three tiers:

Level 1 - Enhanced Moves: By pressing the "Block" button during a special move execution, the character performs a more powerful version (e.g., Scorpion’s Spear will apply fire damage).
Level 2 - Breakers: Used to interrupt an opponent's combo. This is vital for surviving high-damage characters like Kung Lao or Cyrax.
Level 3 - X-Ray Move: A cinematic, bone-crunching attack that deals massive damage (usually around 30-40%). Every character has a unique X-Ray. For example, Johnny Cage’s X-Ray is a counter-move, while Raiden’s is a direct strike.

The Brutality of Fatalities

The "Komplete" version also brings back classic finishing moves. Every character has at least two Fatalities and one Stage Fatality. Players can also perform "Babality" moves. For those playing on PS3, Kratos has unique Fatalities that involve the environment and his God of War weaponry.

Non-Playable Bosses and Secret Encounters

While there are 32 playable characters, players will encounter several "boss" characters that cannot be selected in the standard roster without mods.

Goro & Kintaro: These Shokan sub-bosses appear in the Ladder mode. They are "super-armored," meaning they do not flinch from most standard attacks.
Shao Kahn: The final boss. He is notorious for his "Hammer Toss" and "Shoulder Charge." He is designed to be unfair, requiring players to find specific "gaps" in his AI to defeat him.
Secret Fights: By fulfilling certain conditions in the Ladder mode (like winning a Double Flawless victory on the Pit stage), players can fight "Klassic" versions of Jade, Reptile, Smoke, and Noob Saibot. These versions are faster and more difficult than their playable counterparts.

Conclusion

Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition on the PS3 remains a landmark title in the fighting game genre. By offering 32 unique fighters—including the legendary Kratos and the terrifying Freddy Krueger—it provides a level of content density that few modern games can match. The roster successfully blends the nostalgia of the 1990s arcade era with the technical depth of modern 2.5D fighters. Whether you are a casual player looking to execute "Stage Fatalities" or a competitive gamer mastering the frame data of Cabal, this character lineup offers something for everyone.

FAQ

Is Kratos available on the Xbox 360 version of the Komplete Edition?

No, Kratos is a PlayStation 3 exclusive character. He was included as part of a partnership between Sony and Warner Bros. Games. The Xbox 360 version does not have a corresponding exclusive character.

How many characters are there in total in the MK9 Komplete Edition?

There are 32 playable characters in total. This includes the 27 base characters, the 4 DLC characters (Rain, Skarlet, Kenshi, Freddy Krueger), and Kratos.

Do I need to buy the DLC characters separately in the Komplete Edition?

No. The "Komplete Edition" includes all previously released DLC characters on the disc. They are available to play as soon as you start the game.

Does the PS3 version include the classic skins?

Yes, the Komplete Edition includes 15 "Klassic" skins for characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Reptile, as well as several classic Fatalities that were originally pre-order bonuses.

Can I play as Shao Kahn or Goro?

Not in the standard version of the game. Shao Kahn, Goro, and Kintaro are non-playable boss characters. However, they appear as opponents in the Story Mode and the Challenge Tower.