Raiden

Story

Raiden is a thunder god who is tasked with protecting Earthrealm from the malicious plans of Shang Tsung and other enemies. Raiden also receives glimpses of the potential future of chaos which he must stop. However, pitting himself against destiny turns out to be a bad move as each action he takes to try and stop the unwanted future only causes tragedy for his friends and the victory of evil. 

He eventually realizes that the phrase ‘He must win’ was not intended for Liu Kang, but rather Shao Kahn. He faces off against Liu Kang to ensure that this happens. He would eventually battle Shao Kahn, win, causing the latter to be apprehended and punished by the elder gods. 

He was also at the forefront of the battle against Shinnok and faced with the potential of defeat, travels to the Netherrealm to make a deal with Quan Chi promising the souls of the warriors that die in the ensuing battle including his own, in return for Quan Chi’s help. He finds out that Quan Chi already has Shang Tsung as a partner. Raiden saves Johnny Cage from being killed and this was beneficial to the human race as Johnny and daughter, Cassie, are eventually the downfall of Shinnok. 

Raiden takes Shinnok’s amulet, but starts to be corrupted by it. He remains Earthrealm’s protector, but is willing to carry out his duty with questionable means. His younger self appears in Mortal Kombat 11 and is central to the conflict finding himself opposed to Liu Kang and the two about to fight before Raiden realizes that the pitting of himself against Liu Kang was all part of Kronika’s plan. 

He stops  and engages Kronika in a conversation. The latter kidnaps Liu Kang and Raiden musters the Special Forces and others to attack Kronika’s keep. They succeed and he even defeats Geras who he throws into the Sea of Blood to sink forever. 

He also helps Liu Kang become the Fire god and he loses his own powers and become a mere mortal. 

Mortal Kombat 1

In the story of Mortal Kombat 1, he is a regular human who is now taken by Liu Kang to become Earthrealm’s champion in something of a role reversal. 

Personality

Raiden is a strong warrior that is committed to protecting Earthrealm. As time goes on, it becomes clear that he is willing to protect Earthrealm by any means necessary, even if those means aren’t particularly clean. His MK1 version is a pure-hearted youth who loves his village and its people.

Playstyle

Appearance

Raiden wears his iconic Sun hat and a long white shirt and with blue edges and strips. He also wears blue pants with white, shin-high boots. He wears a leather belt with an amulet on it. His hands have white and blue wrapping around it.