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.

Quick Facts

Series

Mortal Kombat

Creator

Ed Boon; John Tobias

Designer

John Tobias (early games)
Luis Mangubat (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A)
Herman Sanchez (MKvs.DCU)
Atomhawk Design (MK9)

First

Mortal Kombat (1992)

Origin

The Heavens (most media); Earthrealm (Fengjian, China) (MK1)

Lore & Background

Raiden is defined by his shift from guiding mentor to a harsher protector of Earthrealm. In Mortal Kombat Trilogy he gives up his immortality to fight Shao Kahn after the Elder Gods refuse to help him. After Mortal Kombat 4 he is made an Elder God and hands Earthrealm's protection to his brother Fujin, but in Deadly Alliance that status stops him from interfering when Shang Tsung and Quan Chi kill Liu Kang, so he renounces it and gathers allies. In Deception he releases his godly essence in an explosion against Onaga; the essence reforms on Earthrealm as a darker, corrupted Raiden, who digs up Liu Kang's corpse and revives it in a temple of the Houan necromancers.

In Armageddon's Konquest mode he tells Taven he has made a deal with Shao Kahn to spare Earthrealm while the Emperor rules the other realms, is beaten by Taven, and later, as one of the last two warriors alive, sends a message to his past self before Shao Kahn finishes him.

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?

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.