Raiden
The thunderous guardian of Earthrealm who wields lightning to defend humanity across multiple timelines and realities.
Raiden is a central figure in the Mortal Kombat franchise, depicted as the god of thunder inspired by the Japanese deity Raijin. He debuted in the original 1992 game and has appeared as a playable character in every main installment except Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and its first update. Serving as Earthrealm's protector, he selects and trains warriors to defend against threats while often participating directly in battles. While generally acting as a mentor, his role shifts to a darker, more ruthless stance in certain storylines to protect his realm. In the timeline of Mortal Kombat 1, a new human Raiden from a farmland becomes the champion, distinct from his godly counterpart who exists as a Titan.
- Character
- Raiden
- Role
- Protector of Earthrealm / Thunder God
- Affiliation
- Earthrealm
- First Appears
- Mortal Kombat (1992)
- Signature Element
- Lightning
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Raiden's journey is defined by his evolution from a guiding mentor to a ruthless protector. Originally, he sacrificed his immortality in Mortal Kombat Trilogy to aid warriors against Shao Kahn after the Elder Gods refused assistance. In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, unable to intervene as an Elder God when Liu Kang was killed, he relinquished his position and gathered allies. By Deadliness Deception, he transformed into a darker variant after releasing his godly essence in an explosion that failed to harm Onaga. Frustrated by Earthrealm's treatment of its realm, he revived Liu Kang's corpse using necromancy. In Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, he revealed a deal with Shao Kahn to let the Emperor conquer other realms in exchange for sparing Earthrealm, only to be defeated by Taven before sending a message to his past self.
In Their Own Story
In the 2011 reboot, Raiden received an ominous vision from his future self, leading him to kill Shao Kahn with Elder God assistance, though this resulted in Liu Kang and others becoming Quan Chi's undead revenants. In Mortal Kombat X, he joined Fujin to defend the sky temple, trapping Shinnok in his amulet. Twenty years later, after failing to stop Quan Chi from releasing Shinnok, Raiden was corrupted by absorbing the Elder God's energy while Cassie Cage purified the Jinsei. He then confronted the Netherrealm's new rulers, Liu Kang and Kitana, presenting them with Shinnok's severed head. In Mortal Kombat 11, leading an assault on the Netherrealm cathedral as Dark Raiden, he unknowingly angered the keeper of time.
Reader's Guide
Raiden was inspired by John Tobias finding a Raijin statue at the Field Museum and the character Lightning from Big Trouble in Little China. His name was originally spelled 'Raiden' but changed to 'Rayden' in PC/console ports until Mortal Kombat Trilogy due to trademark fears regarding Seibu Kaihatsu's game. Actor Carlos Pesina wore a conical hat that was ruined during production, while voice actor Jon Hey provided gibberish vocals for the 'Torpedo' move, often misheard as Japanese or phrases like 'Your momma's from LA'. He was originally intended to use a staff in Mortal Kombat II but memory constraints forced its removal. He appeared in the attract mode of Mortal Kombat 3 and in Nightwolf's Friendship, which included quotes about Kano being playable in MKII.
Did You Know?
- Raiden was originally intended to use a staff in Mortal Kombat II, but memory constraints forced the developers to scrap it.
- The voice actor Jon Hey spoke pure gibberish for Raiden's famous yell during his 'Torpedo' move, contrary to fan beliefs that he was speaking Japanese or English phrases.
- Ed Boon personally hated the spelling change to 'Rayden' used in ports until Mortal Kombat Trilogy and both movies.
- In Mortal Kombat 3, Raiden appeared in Nightwolf's Friendship where the character transforms into a version of Raiden alongside an arcade cabinet.
- Raiden's design was heavily influenced by the character Lightning from the Western film Big Trouble in Little China, rather than just traditional depictions of Raijin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Raiden in the Mortal Kombat universe?
Raiden is the Thunder God and the primary protector of Earthrealm, originally a mortal kung fu master who ascended to godhood. He has served as the main guide for human champions since his debut in the original 1992 game.
What powers does Raiden wield?
As the deity of thunder, he commands lightning bolts and electrical energy to fight enemies and defend humanity. His signature element allows him to strike from a distance or empower his physical attacks with raw electricity.
What is Raiden's main role in the tournament?
His duty involves selecting and guiding Earthrealm fighters to compete against interdimensional threats like Outworld to prevent global invasion. He constantly balances his divine responsibilities with personal attachments, often making difficult choices to save all realms.
How does Raiden's story conclude across the saga?
While his fate shifts between timelines, he remains an active and alive force dedicated to shielding Earthrealm from eternal darkness. His journey is defined by a relentless struggle against invaders, ensuring humanity survives despite impossible odds.
Why is Raiden considered so important to fans?
He is one of the most enduring figures in the series, representing the constant battle between duty and emotion for the sake of survival. As the de facto guardian, his presence anchors the narrative whenever Earthrealm faces an existential threat.
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