Since the beginning of Mortal Kombat, Shang Tsung has stood out in the series as both villainous and mysterious. As the host of the titular Mortal Kombat tournament and the first game's final boss, fans of the series may be curious to know the backstory behind such an iconic character.
Shang Tsung has a storied history with the characters of the Mortal Kombat universe. Starting as an unplayable antagonist in the original Mortal Kombat, Shang has fought Earthrealm's heroes throughout the series, becoming playable in Mortal Kombat 2 and playing an important role in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, a DLC expansion to the most recent game in the series.
Shang Tsung's iconic power is his ability to steal the souls of other characters. Having drawn the ire of Mortal Kombat's Elder Gods, Shang is cursed to age at a much more rapid rate; the sorcerer's first appearance in the series portrays him as a very old-looking man as a result. In order to avoid succumbing to this curse, Shang Tsung robs defeated fighters of their souls in an attempt to prolong his existence. Additionally, he can borrow the likeness and abilities of any person whose soul he has taken. Interestingly, however, Shang Tsung was not always the villain fans know.
Shang Tsung Originally Fought For Earthrealm in Mortal Kombat
Though he is most commonly associated with Outworld, Shang Tsung was originally from Earthrealm - one of Mortal Kombat's more hidden secrets some fans may have missed. 500 years before the events of the games, Shang Tsung fought as one of Earthrealm's Kombatants, but he was tempted by the idea of having greater power. Eventually, Shang made his way to Outworld and struck a deal with the tyrannical Shao Kahn. In return for his eternal fealty, Shang gained immense magical power, including his signature ability to steal the souls of others. Now a traitor, Shang Tsung fought in the Mortal Kombat tournament on behalf of Outworld, only to be defeated. From that point on, he has schemed and manipulated throughout the series in an attempt to triumph in the tournament for Outworld, all the while sustaining himself on the souls of other people.
With the conclusion of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, it appears that Shang Tsung's story may have come to an end. Still, death has never stopped Mortal Kombat characters in the past, and Shang Tsung is one of the franchise's most iconic characters. One way or another, Netherrealm Studios will likely find a way to feature the cunning sorcerer in future Mortal Kombat titles.