Shinnok

How Shinnok joined the Tourney
Shinnok is considered one of the most evil beings in Mortal Kombat. A vengeful and powerful fallen Elder God, Shinnok appeared in Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat 4 /Mortal Kombat Gold, and Mortal Kombat X as the main antagonist. He has also made an appearance in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, seemingly leading the side of evil.

Unlike Shao Kahn, Shinnok relies less on brute strength and fear-mongering, but more on magical powers and ancient artifacts. He is the ruler of the Netherrealm, possessing millions of years' worth of knowledge and power. He can impersonate any other beings of his choosing, as well as to transform into an immense demon. He also possesses extreme cunning, as well as the ability to manipulate events through others. For example, he had Quan Chi convince Shao Kahn to merge Earthrealm with Outworld against the Elder Gods' will. As a result, both realms were severely weakened and left vulnerable to invasion by the Netherrealm.

Shinnok demands unwavering faith and loyalty from his followers and will not hesitate to kill anyone who doubts, challenges, or even represents a potential threat to him. He may even be more brutal and heartless than Shao Kahn.

One day, on his war against Earthrealm, he stumbled upon the Fire Nation and its current lord, Zuko. He intended to use the young Fire Lord as his pawn until they found the Jinsei, then he would have to kill him.

When highlighted
Glows the jewel in his amulet.

After the announcer calls his name
Shinnok blasts energy out of the amulet as the camera zooms then says "You cannot comprehend my plans."

Amulet Strike (Neutral)
Shinnok pulls out his amulet that strikes the enemy with magic.

Summoned Fiend (Side)
Using his magical powers, Shinnok summons a large skeletal hand to grab and throw his opponent.

Skeletal Break (Up)
Using a bone spear, Shinnok jumps into the air swinging it three times.

Mimicry (Down)
Shinnok steals a single ability from his current opponent (such as Sub-Zero's ice ball, Mario's Fireball, Sol's Gun Flame and Johnny Cage's Shadow Kick), which he stores for later usage. While the power is stored, the runes on his outfit will glow yellow instead of red.

The Grinder (Hyper Smash)
Based on his first Mortal Kombat X Fatality. Shinnok summons two skeletal hands around his opponent, and grabs the opponent with them. He proceeds by making the hands twist the opponent torso, before ripping it off. Finally he smashes both the torso and the lower body by clapping both hands. The head can be seen rolling towards Shinnok afterwards.

Flick Trick (Final Smash)
Shinnok summons a skeletal hand then proceeds to grab his opponent, then places the thumb of the skeleton hand under the opponent's jaw and flicks the head upwards. He then catches the head and looks at it as the skeletal hand disappears and the opponent's headless body falls down.

Wrathful Shinnok
Shinnok's first bonus costume is Wrathful costume from when he first appeared in the Mortal Kombat X story mode. To unlock, clear Classic Mode with Shinnok without continuing. After completing the mode, the announcer will say "You've earned a new costume!" and a Smash Ball (appears on the lower-right corner) will appear with a message saying "Shinnok's Wrathful costume is now arrived. Face his wrath if you dare!" Then, highlight Shinnok and press Minus.

Samurai Shinnok
Shinnok's second bonus costume is his samurai outfit from Mortal Kombat X. To unlock, win 25 matches with Shinnok. After the 25th victory, the announcer will say "You've earned a new costume!" and a Smash Ball (appears on the lower-right corner) will appear with a message saying "You've opened up Shinnok's samurai outfit! He doesn't need a reguar sowrd, but can make one from bones!" Then, highlight Shinnok and press Minus twice.

Robed Shinnok
Shinnok's third bonus costume is his robed outfit from Mortal Kombat Armageddon. To unlock, successfully execute Shinnok's hyper Smash 30 times. After the 30th success, the announcer will say "You've earned a new costume!" and a Smash Ball (appears on the lower-right corner) will appear with a message saying "You've unlocked Shinnok's robed costume. His sorcery and robes make a deadly pair!" Then, highlight Shinnok and press Minus thrice.

Shinnok in Mortal Kombat 4
Shinnok's fourth bonus costume is based on his Mortal Kombat 4 appearance. To unlock, win 115 Survival Mode matches. After the 115h opponent in the Survival Mode is defeated, the announcer will say "You've earned a new costume!" and a Smash Ball (appears on the lower-right corner) will appear with a message saying "Shinnok's appearance from Mortal Kombat 4 is back! Oppose him as he wears this and die!" Then, highlight Shinnok and press Minus four times.

Victory Animations

 * 1) Shinnok holds a miniature version of Earth in his hands saying "Death to all!" then burns it to an evil Earth.
 * 2) Shinnok glows his amulet and says "Do you fear death? Let me help you."
 * 3) Shinnok resurrects the dead loser as a revenant and says "Now you will follow my will!"

On-Screen Appearance
Shinnok bursts up covered by skeleton hands then walks out and says "Greetings."

Trivia

 * Shinnok's regular rival is the formerly expelled Fire Prince, Zuko.
 * Shinnok himself is available from the beginning, but his boss form from Mortal Kombat X needs to be unlocked.