The first Mortal Kombat arcade game was released, featuring groundbreaking graphics and a unique fighting system with fatalities.
Mortal Kombat 2 was launched, significantly improving gameplay and expanding the character roster, solidifying the franchise's popularity.
The first live-action Mortal Kombat movie premiered in theaters, bringing the franchise to a broader audience.
The deadly alliance chapter of the franchise debuted on home consoles, introducing new characters and fighting mechanics.
A reboot of the Mortal Kombat series, this game revitalized the franchise with enhanced story mode and refined gameplay.
Mortal Kombat X launched, introducing new fighters and further improving graphics and mechanics.
Mortal Kombat 11 was released, featuring advanced graphics, a robust story mode, and new gameplay features.
Great Kung Lao establishes a tournament to determine the defenders of Earthrealm, marking the first Mortal Kombat tournament arranged by Earthrealm warriors to maintain peace.
The initial Mortal Kombat tournament is held, establishing the rules where Earthrealm champions fight against Outworld warriors to prevent Outworld's invasion.
The Earthrealm champion, Great Kung Lao, defeats sorcerer Shang Tsung, securing Earthrealm's safety from Outworld invasion temporarily.
Descendant of the first Great Kung Lao assumes mantle, continuing the defense of Earthrealm through Mortal Kombat tournaments.
Shang Tsung allies with Outworld emperor Shao Kahn to corrupt and influence various warriors to participate in Outworld's conquest of Earthrealm.
The Mortal Kombat tournament is held in the modern age; Earthrealm champions including Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade compete.
Liu Kang wins the Mortal Kombat tournament, defeating Shang Tsung and preventing Outworld's invasion of Earthrealm.
Emperor Shao Kahn attempts to invade Earthrealm forcibly after losing Mortal Kombat tournament but is thwarted by Earthrealm warriors.
The tournament sees new warriors and darker forces joining the conflict, including the emergence of characters like Mileena and Baraka.
Native shaman Nightwolf assists Earthrealm warriors by bolstering spiritual defenses against Outworld magic and threats.
Following the weakening of the realm defenses, Shao Kahn relaunches a full-scale invasion with a larger army and multiple champions.
Liu Kang is killed during the conflict, leading Raiden to adopt a darker approach to protect Earthrealm.
All realms' warriors unite in a final gladiatorial battle to decide the fate of the realms, ending with massive devastation.
Following Armageddon, Liu Kang is resurrected and ascends as the Fire God, becoming Heavenly Protector of Earthrealm.
The fallen Elder God Shinnok invades Earthrealm utilizing dark magic but is ultimately thwarted by the Earthrealm champions.
Regular Mortal Kombat tournaments recur between realms as the primary method to settle conflicts and maintain balance in the realms.
