Kuai Liang



"This fight will be your last!"

- Sub-Zero's Mortal Kombat (2011) Battle Cry

Kuai Liang (奎良 or 快涼), better known as Sub-Zero (絶対零度, "Absolute zero"), Grandmaster (of the Lin Kuei), and formerly known as Tundra and the cyborg LK-52O, is a Lin Kuei assassin in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. He is the younger brother of Bi-Han, who was the original Sub-Zero in the first Mortal Kombat game. The younger Sub-Zero made his debut in Mortal Kombat II.

About Sub-Zero
There are in fact two incarnations of Sub-Zero, and they are siblings; older brother Bi-Han and younger brother Kuai Liang. Both are blue garbed warriors who at different times have used the codename "Sub-Zero", and both have served the Lin Kuei. Both are descended from Cryomancers, an Outworld race possessing the ability to generate and control the powers of ice. However, they were born in Earthrealm and only the younger Sub-Zero would discover his heritage. Kuai Liang bears a scar on his right eye which he received between the events of MK3; in the new timeline (as revealed in the Mortal Kombat X comic series), the scar was made by Kano. However, as seen in Deception, the scar has faded away. This may have been caused by the Dragon Medallion's power.

In their biography, both Sub-Zero brothers were sons of a Cryomancer father and a human mother. It is known that the father of both brothers was a secret operative for the Lin Kuei in the United States. He married an American woman and together they had two sons. Against the will of their mother, the father took the sons with him to move back to China, and as such both brothers were trained as Lin Kuei assassins. This was later retconned as both brothers being kidnapped by the Lin Kuei when they were still children (this was revealed in Sub-Zero's trailer in Mortal Kombat 2011).

Bi-Han appeared as Sub-Zero in the first Mortal Kombat, while Kuai Liang went by the codename "Tundra". After Bi-Han was murdered by Scorpion during the tournament, Kuai Liang swore revenge on him. He mastered the art of ice and cold, and took his brother's former code name: Sub-Zero. Driven by anger, Kuai Liang entered the Mortal Kombat Tournament with one goal: To destroy his brother's killer, and anyone else that gets in the way.

Kuai Liang replaced Bi-Han as Sub-Zero for the rest of the games - Bi-Han later was resurrected by Quan Chi and became the Netherrealm wraith Noob Saibot. The younger Sub-Zero clearly shares many traits with his older brother, and was perhaps too similar to his brother upon his introduction. Like the elder, the younger Sub-Zero gives the impression of being a stern, distant and cold man who goes about his business silently, without attracting unwanted attention. However, as time progressed, Sub-Zero evolved - from what fans labeled a "carbon copy" of his brother - into a man of great integrity and self-discipline. The disparities between the brothers, who were once neutral and almost indistinct from each other, have now grown so large that one could speak of the evil twin syndrome.

While the younger Sub-Zero was depicted as a young Lin Kuei warrior who was living in the shadow of his older brother, he has since changed and grown into a warrior who has progressed towards the more humane sides of moral issues. This change in characteristics has not only strengthened him as a man, but has also set him apart from his former Lin Kuei counterparts. This included leaving his clan in disgust and breaking the sacred codes of honor, joining the rebellion against Shao Kahn and assisting Raiden and Liu Kang (along with Earthrealm's other chosen warriors). More recently, he defeated the cyborg assassin known as Sektor after the events of Mortal Kombat Gold to gain the leadership of the Lin Kuei and become the Grandmaster, where he has grown even stronger and more powerful. He is a dependable ally of Earthrealm who is willing to assist when needed, especially when Raiden gives the call. He is, without question, one of the greatest and most powerful warriors that Earthrealm has to offer. He, like much of the MK cast, follows a character archetype. In his case, he is the enigmatic hero that shows up to aid the main hero(es) when needed.

Appearance
Sub-Zero dresses in the familiar blue-garbed ninja-like uniform. Originally, Sub-Zero was depicted with Asian facial features as revealed in the ending when unmasked, due to his Chinese-American heritage.

Around Mortal Kombat 3, Sub-Zero was given a scar over his right eye to help differentiate himself from his older brother. Sub-Zero was the first ninja-like character in the series to go on without a mask and wore a less-concealing version of his outfit. In MK4, he wore the traditional uniform his brother wore, but again wears an updated version of his MK3 outfit in Deadly Alliance featuring Chinese characters. His alternate costume from Deadly Alliance and beyond is more of a stream-lined version of his original costume featuring the Dragon Medallion on the right side of his chest. In Deception, Sub-Zero dons an ancient armor once worn by his Cryomancer ancestors. In MK 2011 Sub-Zero was turned into a cyborg by the Lin Kuei after being captured, because of this his cyber form looked similar to Sektor and Cyrax, but his dominant color was blue and his head looked different.

In Mortal Kombat X, Sub-Zero regained his human form and became a Revenant serving under Quan Chi. Like the others, his skin turned pale and his veins glowed yellow along with his eyes. His outfit was similar to his earlier appearance, but twisted by the sensibilities of the Netherrealm, which included a steel spine-like decoration on his back and a more armored vest. Unlike his previous appearance, he did not wear a hood, but still retained his mask. Upon being freed from Quan Chi's control, he wears an outfit similar to his MK3 and MKDA appearances, but allowed his facial hair to grow out. His scar is still featured prominently.

Interestingly, Sub-Zero is one of the few characters in the series to show signs of natural aging (faster than anyone due to the Dragon Medallion). Around Deadly Alliance, he is depicted with slight wrinkles and graying hair, which has begun to bald around the time of Deception. His scar also changes blue, and eventually fades from his face entirely.

In sporadic appearances beginning with MK4, Sub-Zero bears a flexible ice sheet on his forearms, a sign of his growing power of cryomancy. This aesthetic choice was carried over into MKX with his Cryomancer variation.

Powers and abilities
Being descended from a race of Outworld inhabitants known as Cryomancers, Kuai Liang has the innate ability to control ice in many forms. Throughout the span of the series, Sub-Zero's powers have continued to evolve. His deadly ability to freeze comes from the process of him absorbing the air around him and storing it before releasing it as a cold substance or simply lowering the temperature of the surrounding air to create ice constructs. He is naturally used to the cold temperatures of his turf and is able to resist other Cryomancers' freezing abilities as shown in the Mortal Kombat X comic series where Frost fails to freeze Sub-Zero's arms. His ability to freeze is strong enough to turn the body's water content, flesh and bone into brittle ice with just a single tap of his fingers. He has even surpassed his (late) brother Bi-Han's freezing ability, whose ice can reach temperatures up to -500° Fahrenheit which is way below absolute zero.

He is one of the few combatants who can manipulate chi, the life energy of a martial artist. By channeling his chi, Sub-Zero can use it to enhance the power behind his physical strikes and make them strong enough to send other combatants flying with each strike he lands on them. The Dragon Medallion has not just increased the power of his freezing ability, but it has also given him another source of chi to channel power from. Sub-Zero is one of the many combatants capable of teleporting by turning his body into ice and reforming his physical form of flesh and blood in another location.

Aside from flash-freezing opponents, Sub-Zero also has the ability to instantly conjure up an ice statue of himself to act as both a scapegoat and a 'landmine' of sorts as any who touch it instantly flash freeze. He has created many different kinds of ice constructs for offense and defense. Such ice constructs include swords, daggers, hammers, axes, spears, shields, walls, spikes, statues and more. He is one of the characters that are more oriented on defense thanks to his ability to counter attacks by freezing melee attackers who come into contact with him and being able to create several defensive ice constructs that usually freeze on contact such as icy orb traps, ice clones, ice barriers and ice armor.

Ever since he takes possession of the Dragon Medallion, the scope of Sub-Zero's powers and abilities has increased significantly. As a member of the Lin Kuei, Sub-Zero has attained a great degree of skill in many forms of hand-to-hand combat. The Dragon Medallion and his ancestral armor increased and amplified his martial arts and ice-related abilities, as shown in his Deception Arcade ending. Throughout the Mortal Kombat series, Sub-Zero's abilities have grown more powerful; he was capable of killing an entire city's population while amplified by Blood Magik and was able to freeze a large building and shattered it with one punch.

Signature moves

 * Ice Blast: Sub-Zero sends a blast of ice directly towards the opponent to temporarily freeze them in place for a free hit. He could also freeze opponents in midair, if timed correctly. In the earlier Mortal Kombat games, if Sub-Zero were to freeze the opponent twice, the second ice ball would defrost the opponent and freeze Sub-Zero, setting him up for a free hit. Like Scorpion's Spear, it has had different depictions. In MKII to MKT, it is depicted a series of ice shards; from MK4 onward, it is an energy blast of ice condensed into a spherical form. In MK:DA, MK:D and MK:A, it is called Freeze Ball. In MKX, it takes the appearance of frozen mist in a beam-like projectile. In the same game, Sub-Zero throws it with only one hand rather than two. In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, the Ice Freeze can also inflict a small bit of damage, even to enemies who are immune to being frozen by the move. In MK 2011, MKX, and MK11 this is called Ice Ball. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11)
 * In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Ice Beam. Instead of a single ball of ice, Sub-Zero will shoot a beam of ice, making it easier to hit opponents in the air. The opponent is also frozen for a longer amount of time.
 * In MKX, the enhanced version is called Ice Blast which activates faster and is a much larger, faster-moving projectile rather than a beam. It also has the ability to destroy an enemy's projectile, should it come in contact with one.
 * Equipping Deep Freeze allows the attack to be amplified and alters its effects; (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * Amplifying the attack now has Sub-Zero send a fast moving Ice Ball that can strike ducking opponents, can continue combos in certain instances and destroys any incoming projectiles. Amplifying the attack now causes the attack to deal damage in addition to freezing the opponent and setting them up for a free hit.
 * Slide: Sub-Zero slides across the floor, knocking the opponent off their feet. It is assumed Sub-Zero slides by freezing the soles of his feet. This move was later given to Frost. In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Sub-Zero can perform an uppercut or throw a snowball-like projectile after executing the Slide. In MK11, Sub-Zero is offered a brief moment of additional attacks when this attack is utilized in the corner of an arena. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM, MKvsDCU, MK 2011, MKX, MK11)
 * In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Power Slide. After Sub-Zero hits the opponent, he will follow up with an additional twin palms attack.
 * In MKX, the enhanced version is called Icy Slide, which has armor and has Sub-Zero follow up with a blast of ice to the opponent's back.
 * In MK11, amplifying the attack has Sub-Zero grab the opponent by the leg mid-air and throw them into a giant ice wall where he follows up with a powerful punch to the stomach that knocks the opponent away, through the wall while also destroying said wall.
 * If Sub-Zero successfully lands three amplified Slides, the third is turned into a Krushing Blow, with the punch to the stomach having more impact, dealing slightly over double the original damage.
 * Ground Ice: Sub-Zero freezes the floor and whoever steps on the circle of ice will temporarily slip all over the place, setting the opponent up for a free hit. Since it aims for the opponent's feet, it cannot be blocked. This move was also later adapted for Frost. In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, the Ground Ice maneuver can be upgraded to allow Sub-Zero to freeze the ground around him in a radius affecting multiple enemies or even create chunks of ice to pop opponents into the air. In MK 2011, the opponent is frozen to the ground, and the move is called Ice Puddle. In MK11, this move is unblockable. (MKII, MK:SM, MK 2011, MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * In MK 2011, the enhanced version is called Ground Freeze and it freezes the entire arena floor that is in front of him.
 * In MK11, amplifying the attack sends an ice trail towards the opponent, however the attack no longer becomes unblockable. Sub-Zero can only send one ice trail at a time.
 * Ice Clone: Sub-Zero creates an ice clone of himself anywhere he chooses, and anyone who touches it will freeze. In MKX, it is called Ice Klone, and can be used as a shield to block damage, or a projectile if Sub-Zero is close to it. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A, MK 2011, MKX - Grandmaster Variation)
 * The enhanced version is called Ice Statue. The clone will stay for a longer period of time and Sub-Zero will spawn the clone much faster. Additionally, in some instances, Sub-Zero can continue combos after spawning the enhanced version when timed right.
 * In MKX, the klone can be shattered with Ice Burst if Sub-Zero is near it, dealing additional damage. In some cases, it can also allow a brief juggle.
 * Klone Toss: Sub-Zero grabs his Ice Klone and throws it at the enemy, knocking them to the ground. Enemies hit with Klone Toss will not be frozen as if they were to touch the stationary Klone otherwise. (MKX - Grandmaster Variation)
 * Ice Shower: Sub-Zero shoots ice straight overhead which falls back down atop his opponent. He can shoot it close, mid way, or far away to freeze the opponent. In Armageddon, it is known as Ice Pillar and instead of falling on the opponent, the ice comes up underneath them like a frozen geyser, freezing and suspending them in the air. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK:A)
 * Ice Shaker: Sub-Zero emits a wave of cold air from his body freezing anyone or anything near him. (MK:DA)
 * Tombstone Teleport: Sub-Zero's body becomes ice, falls backward into the ground, and reappears behind his opponent. Sub-Zero performs this in MK11 after winning a round, but never in the actual game itself. (MKvsDCU)
 * Icy Counter: Sub-Zero quickly covers himself in a sheet of ice. If an opponent attacks him physically whilst in this state, they will automatically be flash-frozen as Sub-Zero disappears and reappears behind the opponent with his Kori Blade in hand to strike them down. A low or sweep attack from the opponent does not trigger this ability. (MKvsDCU)
 * Ice Nugget: Sub-Zero makes a block of ice above his opponent, which comes crashing down on their head. It is unblockable. (MKvsDCU)
 * Ice Burst: Sub-Zero sends out a pulsing wave of ice, knocking the opponent off their feet. (MKX)
 * The enhanced version is called Frost Bomb, activates faster and launches the opponent into the air for extended combo.
 * Frost Hammer: Sub-Zero summons a large war hammer made of ice and pounds the opponent into the ground with it. (MKX - Cryomancer Variation)
 * The enhanced version is called Crushing Hammer which activates slightly faster and bounces the opponent for extended combos at the cost of dealing slightly less damage.
 * Air Frost Hammer: Sub-Zero summons his Frost Hammer while in the air and slams the head into the ground, knocking the opponent off their feet. (MKX - Cryomancer Variation)
 * Polar Puncture: Sub-Zero grabs his opponent and stabs them 3 times in the lower chest area with an ice dagger and then stabs them a final time with two in the upper chest area. Sub-Zero is able to use special attacks after the final stab, so long as the correct input is used. (MKX - Cryomancer Variation)
 * The enhanced version, called Arctic Assault, has armor on startup but no extra damage. When enhanced, the attack will connect on standing opponents during a combo.
 * Barrier of Frost: Sub-Zero forms a large barrier of ice in front of him that cancels or absorbs projectiles and freezes opponents who touch it. (MKX - Unbreakable Variation)
 * The enhanced version is called Barrier of Ice, and activates faster, while retaining the same properties.
 * Frozen Aura: Sub-Zero covers himself in an armor-like layer of rock-hard ice, rendering him immune to chip damage. While the Aura is active, it will increase the damage of the next Ice Burst used and create knock back. In addition, utilizing Icy Slide will freeze the opponent in the air, allowing for a free hit. However, the Aura will disintegrate after either of these attacks are used. Sustaining too much damage while the aura is active will shatter it. Sub-Zero remains vulnerable before he encases himself, and if attacked during this time, can prevent the buff from taking effect. (MKX - Unbreakable Variation)
 * The enhanced version is called Ice Aura, which is activated much faster, has Sub-Zero recover from using the move quicker and reduces all damage taken. Sub-Zero can also continue combos in some instances.
 * Cold Shoulder: Sub-Zero rushes the opponent with his shoulder, leaving a trail of ice behind him on the ground. In MK (2011), Sub-Zero uses this move to initiate his X-Ray attack. In MK11, he forms an ice shield in front of his arm and shoulder, which shatters on impact with the opponent or if the attack misses. This replaces Slide when equipped. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A, MK 2011, MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * In MK11, amplifying the attack has Sub-Zero follow up with two axe strikes and a swing with a large axe, knocking the opponent down for increased damage. The attack can be amplified even if the initial shoulder charge misses, which has Sub-Zero spawn and swing his axes. If the axes successfully hit, the additional strikes initiate.
 * If the attack is used as a Kounter or Punish when amplified, the attack is turned into a Krushing Blow, with the final large axe swing crushing and shattering the top of the opponent's skull, dealing nearly double the original damage.
 * Creeping Ice: Sub-Zero strikes the ground with his fist and causes ice spikes to rise up, damaging the opponent's shins and feet. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * Amplifying the attack has Sub-Zero hop and stomp down on the ground, causing additional spikes to appear, knocking the opponent off their feet for increased damage. The amplified version also offers an extremely small window of additional attacks when utilized in the corner of an arena.
 * Rising Ice: Sub-Zero creates a burst of ice below him that propels him upwards and leaves ice spikes on the ground that launch the opponent briefly in the air. When used in the corner of an arena, this juggle effect is slightly increased. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * Amplifying the attack has Sub-Zero recover faster after performing the move and launch the opponent higher into the air, allowing for a juggle effect in used anywhere in the arena.
 * Frigid Storm: Sub-Zero sends a ring of ice directly towards the opponent. The ring eventually condenses into a big ice ball. Sub-Zero is completely vulnerable while summoning the ice. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * Death-Cicle Barrage: Sub-Zero steps backwards and sends a volley of sharp icicles at the opponent, striking the opponent with five ice shards. If the attack misses, Sub-Zero only shoots three shards before stopping. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * (Air) Polar Axe: Sub-Zero creates an ice axe while in the air and throws it downwards at an angle. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * Arctic Trap: Sub-Zero creates a stationary ice orb. If the opponent steps in it, they will instantly be frozen and open for a free hit. (MK11 - Equip Ability)
 * X-Ray Move - Deep Freeze: Sub-Zero charges at the opponent with a cold shoulder and punches into the stomach, proceeding to freeze and crush the opponent's entrails, also cracking their ribs. He recoils and headbutts the opponent in the side of the head, shattering their skull and jaw. This move can be delayed. (MK 2011)
 * X-Ray Move - Deep Freeze: Sub-Zero sucker punches the opponent before plunging his hand into their stomach, grabbing and ripping out their entrails. He freezes them into an icicle, which he violently rams into the opponent's eye socket. (MKX)
 * Sub-Zero can delay the activation, where he freezes himself, effectively turning the attack into a parry. If the opponent attacks Sub-Zero while this is done, they will freeze in place. Sub-Zero also has the option to cancel the attack, though it can only be done once it is turned into a parry. If the opponent is frozen from the parry effect, Sub-Zero can cancel the attack which leaves the opponent open for any other attack.
 * Fatal Blow - Chill Out: Sub-Zero pushes his opponent backwards and plunges two ice axes into their sides before kicking them to the ground. He then buries the blade of a larger Axe into their head and uses it as leverage to raise the opponent overhead and violently slam them into the ground, shattering the axes in the process. (MK11)

Other moves

 * Suplex Throw: Sub-Zero grabs his foe, proceeds to roll backwards, brings up a leg as in a monkey flip and launches the foe halfway across the area. He then does a kip-up. Almost all male ninjas share the Suplex Throw pre-MK4. (MKII)
 * Icy Skateboard: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent and ride on the frozen opponent's body like a skateboard. (MK:DA)
 * Rib Breaker: Sub-Zero grabs his opponent, delivers two elbows to the ribs then flips his opponent to the ground. In Armageddon, he freezes the opponent then delivers a massive forward punch to the ribs knocking them down. (MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)
 * Free-Fall Super Move: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent solid, before slamming them to the ground with a powerful Axe-handle punch, shattering their icy restraint in the process. (MKvsDCU)
 * Throw: Sub-Zero creates an icicle and stabs the opponent with it, then twists it, breaking it. (MK 2011)
 * Force Claws: Sub-Zero winds up and then hits the opponent with a double palm strike. This move can be charged, and at full charge it will freeze the opponent on hit. (MK 2011)
 * Throw: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent solid, then punches them with an ice-covered fist, knocking them to the ground. (MKX)
 * Ability To Freeze: Sub-Zero kicks his opponent in the abdomen, pushes them back a bit then grabs them and throws them in the opposite direction. (MKX)
 * Upward Sword: Sub-Zero slices his opponent with a rising ice sword that knocks them away. This replaces his Rising Fist uppercut in the Cryomancer variation. (MKX - Cryomancer Variation)
 * Note: This uppercut cannot miss if the opponent ducks like other uppercuts.
 * Throw (Forward): Sub-Zero dazes his opponent with a punch, freezes a block of ice over their head and launches them straight into it with an uppercut. (MK11)
 * Throw (Backward): Sub-Zero buries an Ice Axe into his opponent's chest and kicks them to the ground behind him. (MK11)
 * If this is used on an opponent who had failed a Throw Escape, the attack is turned into a Krushing Blow, with the Ice Axe to the chest shattering the ribcage, slicing and piercing through the opponent's heart and lungs before the kick to the ground, dealing over double the original damage.
 * Cold Encounter: Sub-Zero delivers a quick chop and punch to the opponent before kicking them away. (MK11)
 * If this combo is performed in a combo of 8 or more hits, the combo turns into a Krushing Blow, with the kick to the chest shattering the opponent's ribcage, dealing nearly three times the original damage. Additionally, the knockback effect of the kick is increased, knocking the opponent nearly full-screen distance away from Sub-Zero.
 * Final Draw: Sub-Zero creates and slams his Ice Axes over the opponent's head and follows up with a rising kick and stomp the opponent, knocking them down. (MK11)
 * If this combo is performed on the opponent as a Kounter or Punish, the combo is turned into a Krushing Blow, with the final downward stomp shattering and crushing the top of the opponent's skull, dealing over double the original damage.

Fatalities

 * Snowball Grenade: Sub-Zero creates a small orb of ice and launches it at the opponent. It lodges within their chest and detonates, causing them to explode from within. In MK:SM, Sub-Zero freezes the opponent first before launching the orb. (MKII, MK:SM)
 * Ice Shatter: Sub-Zero deep-freezes his opponent, then uppercuts their upper body, shattering it. In MK4, Sub-Zero shatters the opponent's entire body when uppercutting them. In MK:SM, Sub-Zero knocks off the opponent's upper body rather than shattering it. (MKII, MK4, MKG, MK:SM)
 * Freeze Kick: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent and kicks them, smashing them to pieces. (MKvsDCU)
 * Frosty!: Sub-Zero breathes icy breath at his opponent, who falls back and shatters upon contact with the floor. In the mobile phone version of UMK3, he still breathes icy breath, but uppercuts their body into pieces, similar to his Ice Shatter Fatality. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
 * Overhead Ice Smash: Sub-Zero grabs the opponent and presses them over his head. After freezing the opponent, Sub-Zero breaks them into pieces with his own hands. In MKvsDCU, it is called Freeze Slam and Sub-Zero throws the opponent on the ground, shattering them, as well as MK3 GameBoy version only. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MKvsDCU)
 * Ice Blast: Sub-Zero sends a blast of ice directly towards the opponent to temporarily freeze them in place, then opponent detonates. (MK3) (Game Gear and Master System versions only)
 * Spine Rip: Sub-Zero grabs the opponent's neck, and tears out their spine and skull. This Fatality was taken directly from his older brother. This was also used as a finisher in Armageddon. (MK4, MKG, MK:DA, MK:SM, MK 2011, MKX)
 * In the Game Boy Advance version of MK:DA, Sub-Zero rips out the opponent's frozen skull with the spine instead of the whole head with the spine. Several organs are also removed in the process during this version of the Fatality.
 * In MK:SM, Sub-Zero freezes the opponent first before performing the spine rip.
 * In MK 2011, this Fatality is unlocked via a DLC code.
 * In MKX, this Fatality is renamed as Head Rip.
 * Skeleton Rip: Sub-Zero sidesteps towards his opponent's back and rips a whole skeleton out of their body. Different from Kano's version in MK3; Sub-Zero pulls it from the lower spine. (MK:DA)
 * Freeze and Throw: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent before ripping the head off, sliding away, then throws the head at the opponent, shattering the body and head. (MK:D, MK:U)
 * Below Freezing: Sub-Zero freezes the legs of his foe and shatters them. He then walks toward the victim, ignoring their pleas for mercy, and proceeds to stomp on them, causing their head to explode. (MK:D, MK:U)
 * Have an Ice Day: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent from the foot up to the waist. He then rips the opponent's torso off and holds the victim's bleeding torso in victory. (MK 2011)
 * Spinal Smash: Sub-Zero rips the opponent's spine and skull out through their chest. He then freezes the opponent's body and smashes it with the spine. (MK 2011)
 * Chest Kold: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent's chest before punching through it, leaving a gaping hole through their torso, with their spine intact. He reaches in and grabs the spine with both hands, breaking it in half. Finally, he presses the victim over his head and rips them completely in half. (MKX)
 * Bed of Ice: Sub-Zero forms a frozen bed of spikes behind his opponent, then kicks them onto the surface and jumps onto them, impaling them in several places. As he stands over the opponent, Sub-Zero gives a final stomp, causing the spikes to penetrate the skull with one eyeball gouged out and impaled on a spike. (MKX)
 * Ice-Cutioner: Sub-Zero encases the opponent's body up to the shoulder in a block of ice. He then chops off the opponent's head with a single blow from his Ice Axe. The head rolls over, whereas Sub-Zero picks up the head, freezes it, and proceeds to shatter it with a single punch. (MK11)
 * Frozen In Time: Sub-Zero creates an ice clone holding a spear and slides toward his opponent, flipping them over his head and impaling them on the spear. As the opponent hangs upside down, Sub-Zero then plunges his hand into their chest and rips out their spine, taking their head with it. Finally, he violently impales the head onto the tip of the spear, poking out an eyeball. (MK11)

Other finishers

 * Friendship #1: Sub-Zero takes out a Sub-Zero doll and text appears on screen saying "Buy a Sub-Zero Doll !" (MKII)
 * Friendship #2: Sub-Zero covers himself up with a snowman. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
 * Animality: Sub-Zero turns into a polar bear and mauls his opponent. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
 * Multality: Ice Stomp: Sub-Zero leaps up and comes back down, stomps on the ground and then freezes and shatters all opponents. (MK:SM)
 * Brutality: Frostbite Rage: Sub-Zero covers himself up in ice, sliding toward the opponent, mercilessly pounding them until they shatter. (MK:SM)
 * Hara-Kiri: Meltdown: Sub-Zero covers himself with ice, falls over and shatters, leaving him as a mess of ice and bones. (MK:D, MK:U)
 * Babality: Sub-Zero urinates on the floor and accidentally freezes it with his feet, making him slip and hit his head on the ground, causing him to cry. (MK 2011)

Brutalities

 * Snow Ball: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent and performs an Ice Blast from across the screen, smashing their torso to pieces. (MKX)
 * Must be full-screen distance.
 * Frozen Dinner: Sub-Zero freezes his opponent then performs a Rising Fist, shattering their head to pieces. In the Cryomancer variation, Sub-Zero performs an Upward Sword to shatter the opponent's head. (MKX)
 * Any one of Sub-Zero's abilities that freeze the opponent will count towards the brutality so long as the opponent is not frozen in the air. This includes his Barrier of Frost and Ice Klone.
 * Pick Your Brain: Sub-Zero performs a Polar Puncture, only this time, he stabs the opponent in the head instead of the chest, leaving a blade stuck in their head as they fall dead. (MKX - Cryomancer Variation)
 * Sub-Zero must land a certain number of hits before Polar Puncture, otherwise the brutality will not occur.
 * Ice Cubed: While encased in his Frozen Aura, Sub-Zero performs an Icy Slide with the ice blast obliterating the opponent and leaving their head intact. The camera pans down and zooms in on the head, now encased in an ice cube. (MKX - Unbreakable Variation)
 * The final hit must be from the enhanced Ice Slide. Any damage caused when the opponents health reaches zero during the combo will shatter the Frozen Aura, preventing the brutality from occurring.
 * Splitting Image: Sub-Zero creates an Ice Klone or an Ice Statue, then performs an Ice Burst to shatter the klone to pieces, piercing the opponent's face, chest, and arms. The opponent freezes shortly after. (MKX - Grandmaster Variation)
 * A button must be held.
 * This Brutality can also be done by throwing the clone on the opponent with Klone Toss.
 * Ice Skulpture: Sub-Zero performs his Throw, only this time instead of knocking the opponent away when frozen, he palm thrusts them through the chest, knocking out their heart and leaving a gaping hole in their chest. The opponent's head falls off shortly after. (MKXL - Secret)
 * The Klassic: Sub-Zero performs an uppercut, decapitating the opponent with their spine still attached. This brutality is shared will every character. (MK11)
 * Must not block an attack for the entirety of the final round.
 * A button must be held.
 * Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
 * Off With Your Head: Sub-Zero performs an amplified Slide, only this time instead of punching the opponent, he throws an Ice Axe at their neck, decapitating the opponent as their body slides down the ice wall. (MK11)
 * A button must be pressed repeatedly.
 * Will not trigger on Krushing Blow, if it has not been activated during the match.
 * Dancing On The Ceiling: Sub-Zero performs his Throw (Forward), only this time when he punches the opponent upwards, they are impaled on ice stalagmites in the frozen block. Their body remains stuck in the block as Sub-Zero performs his victory pose, with their blood constantly dripping from the ceiling. (MK11)
 * A button mush be held.
 * Falling To Pieces: Sub-Zero performs an Ice Ball on a frozen opponent, destroying the entire upper half of their body while their legs remain frozen in place. This Brutality is very similar to his Snow Ball Brutality from MKX. (MK11)
 * Big Leg: Sub-Zero performs a Brutal Kick with the impact of the kick severing the opponent's legs at the knees as they are kicked forward. The opponent crawls forwards before bleeding to death. (MK11)
 * Seeing Double: Sub-Zero performs an amplified Cold Shoulder, with the final axe swing cutting the opponent vertically in half from the head down. (MK11)
 * Slicing Meat: Sub-Zero performs a Double Axe Slam, cutting off the opponent's arms. The arms freeze immediately upon being severed. (MK11)
 * Requires Sub-Zero to be at a certain health level.
 * Butchered: Sub-Zero performs an (Air) Polar Axe that lodges into the opponent's head, freezing the head immediately and reducing it to a frozen skull as the opponent falls dead. (MK11)
 * Alternate Dancing On The Ceiling: Sub-Zero performs his Dancing On The Ceiling Brutality, only this time, the opponent's body falls from the stalagmites. (MK11 - Secret)
 * Has the same requirements as Dancing On The Ceiling.
 * Requires certain buttons to be held.

Powers and abilities
As a cyborg, Sub-Zero's natural strength is further enhanced through cybernetics. While he has a noticeably lighter frame, he appears to easily be the strongest and most capable of the cyborg ninjas, not only for soundly defeating his former Lin Kuei brethren Sektor and his older brother, but also both Shokan champions, Kintaro and Goro single-handed at the same time. He still retains his old cryomancy powers and wields the same skill he had when he was human, but these have been translated into a fighting style especially suited for his unique frame, taking attributes from both his original form and Cyrax.

While he can fire ice blasts in an instant from his chest cavity, he still performs the charging motion subconsciously to help focus his power. He still retains the ability to shape the cold around his body into solid weaponry and thus, regularly uses an ice sword in battle, albeit with a different, much larger shape featuring a hand guard. Like Cyrax, he has the ability to teleport by separating his limbs and reconfiguring at a different location. While he has lost the ability to make ice clones, he is instead given the ability to flash-freeze himself temporarily, passing the freeze to melee attackers for a quick counterattack.

Signature moves

 * Ice Ball: Cyber Sub-Zero sends a ball of ice directly towards the opponent to temporarily freeze them in place for a free hit. This move is similar to his freeze in human form, except it's smaller, slightly slower, and is fired directly from the chest. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Ice Beam. Cyber Sub-Zero shoots a beam of ice instead of a ball, and the opponent stays frozen for a longer amount of time.
 * Ice Bomb: Cyber Sub-Zero drops an ice bomb from his chest compartment. When the bomb explodes, it damages the opponent. It will freeze the opponent if the bomb is in very close range to them. There are short, medium and long range variations of the attack. This move is similar to Cyrax's Bomb. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Cryo Bomb and sends out three bombs at once. It is unblockable.
 * Slide: Cyber Sub-Zero slides across the floor, knocking the opponent off their feet. This move is taken directly from his human form. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Cyber-Slide. Cyber Sub-Zero travels further and faster, and follows-up with a flying kick.
 * Teleport: Cyber Sub-Zero's limbs detach from his body with a flash of blue-white light. Then they reattach behind his enemy. This move is very similar to Cyrax's Teleport. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Bangport. Cyber Sub-Zero's detached limbs hit the opponent while teleporting, damaging the opponent.
 * Ice Parry: Cyber Sub-Zero flash-freezes himself in a sheet of ice. If he is touched by melee attacks while in this state, he will pass the freeze to his opponent and hit them with his Kori Blade. This does not work when hit by low attacks. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Frozen Parry. Cyber Sub-Zero completely freezes his opponent without a counterattack.
 * Divekick: While in the air, Cyber Sub-Zero dives down in a diagonal kick. This can be done in close and far proximity. (MK 2011)
 * The enhanced version is called Powerkick and it makes him kick the opponent three times.
 * X-Ray Move - Cool Down: Cyber Sub-Zero does a Dive Kick to get behind his opponent, dizzying them, then creates a ball of ice and slams it to the back of their head, damaging their skull. Then he creates a Kori Blade and stabs upward through their back before pushing his opponent to the ground. (MK 2011)

Other moves

 * Throw: Cyber Sub-Zero grabs his opponent and freezes them. He then punches them in the face, knocking them to the ground, or steps behind them and kicks them in the back, knocking them to the ground. (MK 2011)

Fatalities

 * Kold Fusion: Cyber Sub-Zero enters a code on his arm and then jumps onto his opponent, freezing both of them in the process. They both eventually explode into shards of ice, leaving only the opponent's legs. This Fatality resembles the Hara-Kiri Finishers of Mortal Kombat: Deception, as well as Cyrax's MK3 Self-Destruct Fatality, further giving him resemblance to Cyrax. (MK 2011)
 * Brain Freeze: Cyber Sub-Zero fires two Shurikens from his chest, one into each of the opponent's eyes. He then charges an ice blast and fires it while shooting a third shuriken. Both shurikens in the eye sockets get into the opponent's brain, where they spin in place, shredding it, which is shown in a fashion similar to the X-Ray moves. Finally, the opponent enters rigor mortis, freezes in a comical pose with their limbs twitching in awkward ways, and falls to the ground, dead. (MK 2011)
 * If this Fatality is performed on Kratos, he will simply fall over once the shurikens tear his brain to pieces.

Other finishers

 * Babality: Cyber Sub-Zero plays with one of his ice bombs. He then drops it, freezing himself into a block of ice. His cries can be heard while he is frozen. (MK 2011)

Film
In the first Mortal Kombat movie, the elder Sub-Zero appears as a guardian of Shang Tsung. He confronts Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade alongside Scorpion, and the two prepare to fight the trio before being incapacitated by Raiden. In the tournament, he confronted Liu Kang again and engaged him in combat. Although he came close to victory, he was ultimately defeated and killed by Liu Kang (due to Kitana's previous advice) when he threw a bucket of water at Sub-Zero's freeze field, thus turning it to an icicle and piercing through him.

The younger Sub-Zero also makes a brief appearance in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. After saving Liu Kang and Kitana from an assassination attempt by Smoke, he fights and is temporarily subdued by Scorpion. As Liu Kang rushes to the assistance of Sub-Zero, Scorpion teleports away from the battle, with Kitana as his captive. Afterwards Sub-Zero disappears, and is not seen again for the remainder of the movie. Sub-Zero was portrayed by Keith Cooke, who appeared as Reptile in the first movie.

Sub-Zero and his brother are mentioned in the short film Mortal Kombat: Rebirth, by Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs, in an attempt to gain Scorpion's trust, and get him to enter Shang Tsung's tournament. Here, Sonya Blade tells Hanzo Hasashi that if he joins the tournament, he will get the opportunity to kill Sub-Zero. Scorpion believed he was dead, but he was then informed that he killed his older brother.

Harry Shum Jr. portrays Kuai Liang in Mortal Kombat: Legacy season 2. In this, he is portrayed as the younger brother of Bi-Han without morals or honor, using Scorpion's son, Jubei, as bait to attempt to lure him into an ambush. What happens to him is unknown, but it is implied he was killed by Scorpion.

Joe Taslim was announced as Kuai Liang for the upcoming rebooted film.

Television
Sub-Zero appeared in the cartoon Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm as one of the leading characters, in which he was voiced by Luke Perry from Beverly Hills 90210. Sub-Zero has to prove he was trustworthy in the first episode of the series (Kombat Begins Again), since his status as a Lin Kuei traitor cast a shadow of doubt over his intentions, especially with Sonya, who takes longer to be convinced. In episode 2 (Sting of the Scorpion) he confronts and is defeated by Scorpion, only to be succeeded by Liu Kang. His last important episode is Episode 5 (Old Friends Never Die) in which he is attacked by former friend Smoke, and is able to free his soul and later take on the Lin Kuei Grandmaster.

An ancestor of Sub-Zero, played by J. J. Perry, also appeared in the live-action TV series Mortal Kombat: Conquest, as a Lin Kuei assassin hired by Shang Tsung to defeat Kung Lao and retrieve from his home a magic crystal that had the ability to transport its keeper to other dimensions. The Lin Kuei were later forced into a partnership with Scorpion on orders from Shao Kahn, who believed that the combined strength of the two fighters would finally result in the death of Kung Lao after their individual failures. The alliance quickly dissolved when people close to both warriors were killed. Sub-Zero also killed a Grandmaster who attempted to bar him from meeting his original family from before his Lin Kuei days. Not only did these events turn Scorpion and Sub-Zero against each other in a stalemate battle, but the icy warrior was forced to become renegade, abandoning his clan. He turned down an offer by Kung Lao to join him in the fight against Outworld.

Comic Books
Sub-Zero makes a cameo appearance in the Malibu Comics series Battlewave epilogue, in which, wearing his MK3 attire, freeze a group of Lin Kuei while proclaiming the clan is corrupted and no more worthy of the services of Sub-Zero. If there was any plannings to the younger Sub-Zero, they were never met as the comic books ended before adapting the Mortal Kombat 3 stories.

Character Development
Although Scorpion was intended to become the protector of the younger Sub-Zero in atonement for murdering his older brother at the end of MKII, and the plot is mentioned in UMK3, this was retconned by Deadly Alliance, whose Konquest mode specifies that Scorpion vowed only not to harm the Lin Kuei warrior.

It is believed that Sub-Zero was unmasked in Mortal Kombat 3 to give him an identity of his own. Because Sub-Zero had a nearly identical appearance to his elder brother from the first Mortal Kombat, fans didn't necessarily buy that this new Sub-Zero was the younger brother of the first, and because the younger Sub-Zero had a storyline that depended on the elder Sub-Zero's, the fans felt that this was the same Sub-Zero all along and begun to believe that there was only one Sub-Zero in the series. Midway gave Sub-Zero a new appearance and unmasked him to simply give him a new identity and make it clear that there are two Sub-Zeros and that the current Sub-Zero that exists today is the younger brother of the elder Sub-Zero.

Since Deadly Alliance, Sub-Zero has appeared far older, while few, if any characters show signs of dramatic aging. This is possibly due to the amplifications his powers have undergone during the time, as in MK:DA, his arms became frozen over, and his scar turned blue as well as his hair graying. In Deception, now wearing the armor of his ancestors in addition to the Dragon Medallion from MK:DA, Sub-Zero's skin has become far more pale than a normal human's.

Game Information
When filming Mortal Kombat 3, the unmasked Sub-Zero costume was red, as shown in the Mortal Kombat history section featured in Deadly Alliance, due to the photo capture technology used to recolor character sprites.

Since Mortal Kombat 3, Sub-Zero has had a scar running from his forehead across his right eye, but in the early arcade version of Mortal Kombat 4 and Deadly Alliance, this was forgotten, each time leading to speculations that his older brother had returned. The scar was first featured to be red, only to later change blue as a result of Sub-Zero's enhanced powers. In Mortal Kombat: Deception, his scar seems to have faded to the point where it can no longer be seen. In Mortal Kombat Armageddon, Sub-Zero's ninja outfit retains the scar, while his alternate outfit, his Deception armor does not, due to re-using models from two different games. In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, the player witnesses Kung Lao vertically slashing Sub-Zero's face with his hat, resulting in bloodshed and ultimately a scar. However, very little of Shaolin Monks is considered canon. Sub-Zero no longer has the scar in Mortal Kombat (2011), having not received it in the alternate timeline, though he later receives a similar facial scar after being cut by Kano in the Mortal Kombat X comic.

Although Sub-Zero originally had blue eyes, they turned white after obtaining the Dragon Medallion. Renders from Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks also give him white eyes. Official renders from Deadly Alliance also depict him having ice-blue eyes. After the timeline change, he originally features blue eyes, but these later turn white after he is revived by Raiden.

In early versions of Mortal Kombat 4, Sub-Zero was able to draw a broadsword to use in battle. (This same sword was also used by Scorpion in the same game.) The second revision of the game changed his weapon to an "Ice Scepter" that could be used both as a club and as a means of freezing opponents. Any character who picked up the Ice Wand if it was dropped could use it to freeze Sub-Zero, though using it twice in succession would freeze the player similar to the behavior of Sub-Zero's freeze move. In Deadly Alliance, Deception and Armageddon, Sub-Zero used a large broadsword formed of solid ice called the "Kori Blade." In MK 2011, Sub-Zero could create Katanas out of ice to use combos, though not as a full on weapon as the Katanas melt shortly afterwards.

In the N64 version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, the unmasked Sub-Zero was nowhere to be found, due to the N64's lack of ROM space of the cartridge, though the ninja Sub-Zero is still present. This version of ninja Sub-Zero can perform the moves of unmasked Sub-Zero in addition to his own, though not his finishers. While the unmasked version was omitted, his Babality sprite can be seen in Stryker's Friendship. The PlayStation, PC and Sega Saturn versions of MK Trilogy had two different forms of Sub-Zero with the correct movesets.

In Armageddon's Motor Kombat Sub-Zero drives a blue snow mobile with spiked tires and his special is to send an Iceball to another driver.

Sub-Zero, in one incarnation or another, is the only character to have been playable in all Mortal Kombat games, with the exception of Mortal Kombat: Special Forces and Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition as well as the only character to have been playable in all of the original mainstream fighting games (other characters, such as Scorpion and Raiden, do appear in the updates for Mortal Kombat 3, but not in the original version).

Mortal Kombat 4/Gold

 * "The battle is finished, your quest for vengeance is over, Scorpion!" (to Scorpion, when he defeated him)
 * "I serve no one! Not the Lin Kuei, and not you. (to Quan Chi when he knocks him down)
 * "Your soul will never rest, Scorpion. The Lin Kuei may have been responsible for your murder... But your family's true killer still remains free..." (to Scorpion, after being defeated by him)

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

 * "Rest? Think again intruder. You may have bested my Lin Kuei warriors, but you will not get past me."
 * "I am Sub-Zero. Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. And you are trespassing. Fight!"
 * "Your tattoo!"
 * "It resembles the dragon image on the door behind you! Who are you? And why are you here?"
 * "This must be what?"
 * "I assure you. It had been abandoned long before we arrived."
 * "I assume you have a key."
 * "I may."
 * "Friends of yours?"
 * "Time to choose sides: Friend or Foe?"
 * "Then defend the Lin Kuei Temple! Smash these new intruders!"
 * "I should thank you. You probably saved my life."
 * "He is Noob Saibot. A warrior from the Netherrealm. He is my brother. He was corrupted long ago. But now I have the chance to save him.
 * "The Lin Kuei owe you much, Taven. In return for your aid I will help you find the men who have been hunting you. They are called the Red Dragon, a clan of mysterious warriors. I can't help you get inside their base, but I can reveal its location. Charred Mountain."

Mortal Kombat (2011)

 * "This fight will be your last!" (Battle Cry)
 * "You are right, Smoke. But assuming Bi-Han's identity is the best way to honor him." (to Smoke)
 * "We should separate. Our fellow Lin Kuei will not be far behind once our absence is discovered."
 * "If he killed Bi-Han, he will die." (about Shang Tsung)
 * "Be stealthful as the night..." (to Smoke)
 * "A pity you could not cooperated."
 * "Cyrax!"
 * "I'm sorry for what they did to you..." (to Cyrax)
 * "... but I will not comply."
 * "I will face the Lin Kuei when my task is done, not before." (after defeating Cyrax)
 * "I am not the Sub-Zero you speak of. He was my brother." (to Sonya and Jax)
 * "I'm only here to find out Sub-Zero's fate." (to Sonya and Jax)
 * "Where would I find him?" (to Sonya and Jax)
 * "Not if I break you first." (to Ermac)
 * "I remain whole, for now." (after defeating Ermac)
 * "You have stopped the bleeding." (to Sonya)
 * "I must go to the Coliseum." (to Sonya)
 * "There is a portal to the south. You can use it to transport yourselves back to Earthrealm." (to Sonya)
 * "Shao Kahn! I challenge Scorpion, the murderer of my brother! You will bring him before me!"
 * "I would kill you. But that is not my purpose here." (after defeating Reptile)
 * "Your followers hold you in high esteem, warlord. They fight and die for your amusement. My brother participated in this folly. I do so only to face his killer!"
 * "I am his family and clan! I fight for his honor!" (to Scorpion)
 * "For my brother!" (after defeating Scorpion)
 * "No! I will not be turned!" (being taken away by the Lin Kuei)
 * "My soul was corrupted Now it is cleansed." (to Sektor)
 * "Artificial enhancements are no substitute for the human soul." (after defeating Sektor)

Story Mode

 * "It is time to entertain our guests." (to his Lin Kuei ninjas)
 * "You are not welcome here. State your intentions." (to Kung Jin)
 * "You demand my cooperation. Yet you are cut off. Surrounded. What will you do?" (to Cassie Cage and her partners)
 * "Talking. Always his first choice."
 * "Cassandra Cage, you lead this group, but they do not follow. What would your mother do?" (asking Cassie Cage)
 * "You are more like your mother than you think." (after defeating Cassie Cage)
 * "Your powers should have revealed my intention, Takahashi Takeda. No doubt Kenshi taught you how to use them." (to Takeda Takahashi)
 * "Let us see."
 * "You are not your father. Not yet." (after defeating Takeda)
 * "You announced your arrival, Jacqueline Briggs." (To Jacqui Briggs)
 * "Yes. Military decorum is important in your family."
 * "Our histories share a dark chapter." (to Jacqui Briggs)
 * "Do not judge yourself harshly, Specialist Briggs." (after defeating Jacqui)
 * "Kung Jin, you should rally your companions rather than mock your superiors." (to Kung Jin)
 * "False bravado does not suit you." (after defeating Kung Jin)
 * "That opportunity has passed."
 * "Yes, I suppose so. Chuo! Dangin!" (calling his Lin Kuei ninjas to unbind Cassie and her partners)
 * "A training exercise."
 * "You and your friends show much promise, Cassandra Cage. But until you function as one...you will fall short." (to Cassie)
 * "Master Hasashi. I'm grateful that you've come." (while greeting Scorpion)
 * "You reestablish the Shirai-Ryu as I reform the Lin Kuei. We both seek to shed our clans' dark pasts. Dedicate them to Earthrealm's protection. Our common purpose gives us a chance to end old rivalries. To start anew." (to Scorpion about the story of themselves)
 * "Our honor is indeed stained. Please. Sit."
 * "After you and I were freed from Quan Chi's control, I sought out my clan. I had hoped rebellion from within would have quashed the Grandmaster's plans. But Sektor had realized his father's vision. The Lin Kuei had been fully cyberized. I pledged to kill Sektor and his followers. Reform the Lin Kuei and restore our honor." (to Scorpion about the past time)
 * "When I finally killed Sektor, I discovered the Lin Kuei had not sacrificed its honor with the Cyber Initiative. We had abandoned it long before."
 * "Master Hasashi, wait!" (telling Scorpion to stop)
 * "I did not bring you here for treachery." (to Scorpion after stopping Frost)
 * "Frost is strong, but lacks judgment. She cannot see the wisdom of peace. I will deal with her." (to Scorpion about Frost)
 * "For years, I had thought you had unfairly blamed the Lin Kuei for the death of your family and clan. But Sektor's cyber-preserved memories revealed the truth." (to Scorpion)
 * "Had I known of my clan's complicity in the Shirai-Ryu's extinction, our history would be different." (to Scorpion)
 * "Quan Chi is responsible for Bi-Han's death." (to Scorpion and assuring Hanzo he holds nothing against him for Bi-Han's death)
 * "You stood together against formidable odds. Lesser warriors would not have fair so well." (after saving Cassie, Jacqui, Kung Jin, and Takeda)
 * "I will remain here to push Kotal Kahn back to Outworld. Proceed to the Sky Temple. Earthrealm's fate lies with you."

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe

 * "Closer than you think!" (to Liu Kang)
 * "Is this the way of the so-called Forces of Light? Exterminate your enemies?" (to Liu Kang)
 * "Many of our warriors have disappeared... and now I have found their assassin." (to Liu Kang)
 * "Another one! Quan Chi was right." (when he sees Wonder Woman)
 * "I am Sub-Zero."
 * "The Lin Kuei do not know the meaning of surrender!" (to Wonder Woman)
 * "Fight!"
 * "You are the invaders!" (to Wonder Woman)
 * "You should've finish him."
 * "He is Jax, a formidable warrior, as you will soon discover." (to Wonder Woman)
 * "Obviously, I am a captive. It appears we are now allies." (to Sonya Blade over radio and Jax)
 * "True, but you'd be a fool to refuse my help." (to Jax)
 * "Only that these warriors are unlike anything that I've encountered. I don't know yet who commands them." (to Jax about the DC universe)
 * "The most logical assumption would be that Shao Kahn has returned to finish what he started, with his new army. Now I need to find someone... The sorcerer who may have answers."
 * "Like it or not, we need him. Where there is threat of invasion, he usually knows something about it."
 * "I'm not my brother." (to Raiden)
 * "For the same reason you helped my brother... to protect Earthrealm." (to Raiden)
 * "Yes. Much like this rock formation, the warrior's appeared near the Lin Kuei temple. I wore him down and sealed him in ice." (to Raiden about the Fortress of Solitude and Superman)
 * "Scorpion was here. I can sense the Nether, but he must have vanished from this spot."
 * "You do not look so innocent yourself." (to Deathstroke)
 * "Sub-Zero." (to Deathstroke)
 * "It is none of your concerns." (to Deathstroke)
 * "I'm not from your world." (to Deathstroke)
 * "And I assume you are the enemy." (to Deathstroke)
 * "Scorpion's trail is weak, but I can still track him. This way!"
 * "This is where Scorpion first entered the mortal realm. What was he doing here? What is this place?" (inside the Bat Cave)
 * "Then I will do it the hard way!" (to Batman)
 * "Quan Chi! There were rumors that the Elder Gods had punished you. I see the rumors were true."
 * "That was not me..." (to Scorpion about his family and clan's murder)
 * "You're free..."
 * "You used us." (to Quan Chi)
 * "More intruders!"

Mortal Kombat: Legacy

 * "I'm tired of you telling me what to do. You're going to regret underestimating me all these years." (To Hanzo)

Mortal Kombat 11

 * "I recognize your footsteps, Hanzo." (To Hanzo)
 * "The old Cyber Lin Kuei factory was defunct, buried beneath this quarry—until the time disruption." (Explaining to Hanzo the situation)
 * "Now, Sektor's returned and reactivated it. He's building an army by processing Lin Kuei warriors kidnapped from my temple."
 * "We could enter though that tunnel, but a frontal assault would be..."
 * "Needlessly dangerous. There's another entrance, less populated."
 * "We get help on the inside..."
 * "He was converted against his will. If we disable the behavior inhibitors that control him..."
 * "All Cyber Lin Kuei are linked to a common network. Cyrax can shut them down from within."
 * "I don't know. Focus on disabling Cyrax. He's the key." (when asked about the unknown woman in the cloak)
 * "Frost!"
 * "I gave you a home. I was your mentor. Yet after all this, you allied with Sektor? He corrupted the Lin Kuei!"
 * "Keep Cyrax alive. We need him." (If the player chooses him)
 * "There's no future in which you are fit to lead the Lin Kuei." (To Frost)
 * "You deceive yourself, Frost." (After defeating Frost)
 * "The upgrade, Cyrax. Is this Kronika's doing?"
 * "Take the others." (If the player chooses him)
 * "You've been enslaved, Cyrax. First by Sektor, now by Kronika."
 * "It ends today."
 * "You will be freed." (After defeating Cyrax)
 * "He'll need a moment to initialize."
 * "Sektor? Show yourself!"
 * "Bi-Han?!" (Seeing Noob Saibot alive)
 * "Leave Bi-Han to me." (If the player chooses him)
 * "I uphold the Lin Kuei principles I thought you shared."
 * "We share blood. We are not brothers." (To Noob Saibot after defeating him, a callback from Noob’s word in MK (2011))
 * "Your soul is intact, Cyrax. Trust me, I speak from experience."
 * "We need your help, Cyrax."
 * "Aid Cyrax. Sektor is mine." (If player chooses him)
 * "I've taken your head once, Sektor. I will do it again."
 * "The Cyber Lin Kuei are finished." (After defeating Sektor)
 * "It is not the end. I will find a way to restore you. Anything is possible. Hanzo and I are living proof."
 * "Machine or man, you have a warrior's soul. As long as I am Grandmaster, the Lin Kuei will welcome you." (As he says goodbye to Cyrax)
 * "First we speak with Raiden."
 * "Kharon, of course."
 * "He travels in the space beyond realms, transporting damned souls to the Netherrealm."
 * "Agreed. But why not use Kharon's fleet? The bridge clearly taxes her power." (To Hanzo)
 * "In which case he may help us."
 * "Are you certain Kharon will aid us?" (Before returning to Earthrealm)
 * "Your Shaolin masters, they're ready?" (To Liu Kang)
 * "That is likely what it will take."
 * "No. If we do not hear soon, I will return to the Netherrealm." (As Liu Kang and Kuai Liang are worried about Hanzo's whereabouts in the Netherrealm)
 * "Get Raiden." (As Scorpion appears instead of Hanzo, to their surprise)
 * "Why are you here, Scorpion? Where is Grandmaster Hasashi?"
 * "And now, you have come to finish us."
 * "I find that impossible to believe." (Before fighting Scorpion)
 * "Such wasted potential."
 * "She commands them? Not Sektor?" (Surprised that Frost is the new Cyber Lin Kuei's leader)
 * "If so, she is linked to them. They follow her thoughts."
 * "Liu Kang?" (As Liu Kang became a god)

Mortal Kombat (2011)

 * "You are not authorized for portal use." (To Kabal, upon Kabal's exit from the Outworld portal)
 * "Sub-Zero. Unit LK-52O" (Introducing himself to Kabal)
 * "As you will soon discover."  (To Kabal, after Kabal mocks him)
 * "Yes, Smoke." (Waking up from his reactivation)
 * "I remember.... the things I have done for Shao Kahn. He cannot be allowed to merge the realms."  (To the Earthrealm warriors)
 * "They are unaware of my defection. I could deceive them."  (To Stryker)
 * "My soul was corrupted. Now it´s cleansed." (To Sektor)
 * "Artificial enhancements are no substitute for the human soul."
 * "Thank you, Sektor." (After interrogating him)
 * "All those teeth and claws, yet still over matched." (After defeating Goro and Kintaro)
 * "Come no further, fiend of Outworld!" (To Ermac)
 * "You are not so fearsome." (After defeating Ermac)
 * "Who are you to judge?" (To Noob Saibot)
 * "Bi-Han?!"
 * "Restored? You and I both. We are just flawed copies of our former selves."
 * "For what end? To serve the Netherrealm and Outworld?"
 * "Then I will not regret your defeat."
 * "You are right. We are not brothers." (After defeating Noob Saibot)
 * "The Lin Kuei. They surround us!"

Trivia (as Sub-Zero)

 * Sub-Zero makes a cameo appearance in Injustice: Gods Among Us and a playable guest character Injustice 2
 * During Sub-Zero's Mortal Kombat (2011) arcade ending, a warrior in shadow can be seen performing the infamous Spine Rip fatality on another warrior. This is likely depicting Scorpion's death by the original Sub-Zero, Bi-Han, in the Shaolin Temple.
 * In Defenders of the Realm, Sub-Zero is shown to grow weak and debilitated in hot environments. It is unknown if this applies to other depictions.
 * The Pinyin translation of Sub-Zero's Chinese name (奎良), going by the first name-last name standard (the second character represents the person's first name), can be translated as "Liáng Kuí". While "Liáng" is a fairly common first name in mainland China (direct translation = "Good"), "Kuí" as a last name/surname establishes the person as a "foreigner from another kingdom" to China (as the name originated from either Mongolia or from the Manchu). Whether this character's naming convention was chosen to represent Sub-Zero's status as an Outworlder that was born in the Earthrealm or, alternatively, is merely a happy coincidence to the character is unknown.
 * The alternative Chinese characters for his name are "快涼", literally meaning "Fast and cool". In addition, "涼快" (Liang Kuai) means "cool".
 * In an episode of Malcolm in the Middle, Reese mentions the fact that nobody believes that he beat the last level of Mortal Kombat, to which Hal responds "Because that's just ridiculous; no one beats Sub-Zero."
 * Sub-Zero inspired the professional wrestling character known as Glacier in World Championship Wrestling. Ray Lloyd, a regional Karate champion, played the role for several years.
 * His weapon is called the "Kōri-Blade". Kōri (or hyō) is Japanese for "ice" (Chinese bīng), hyōten (bīngdiǎn) is "freezing point", and hyōtenka (bīngdiǎnxià) is "below freezing" - or, "sub-zero".
 * Despite not being a playable character in MK:TE, he is still involved in Sareena's ending.
 * Ed Boon stated that Sub-Zero was originally going to be called "Tundra", which canonically was Sub-Zero's original codename before changing it to Sub-Zero, honoring his fallen brother.
 * The game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks has a small Easter egg when two players select Sub-Zero in versus mode; his player 2 outfit is recolored black and resembles Noob Saibot.
 * In the television show Mortal Kombat: Conquest, it is mentioned that Sub-Zero had a sister, Lisa (who was murdered by Peron), but this seems to be the only universe where it shows he had a sibling other than Noob Saibot. Of course, the series takes place hundreds of years before the events of the movie, so the Sub-Zero in Conquest could be the ancestor of the character in the games.
 * In his MK vs DCU ending, he becomes Earthrealm's version of Batman, even altering his attire based on Batman's, also, his leaving of the Lin Kuei to pursue this goal is similar to some plot elements of Batman Begins.
 * In MKII, it is possible to defeat an enemy using only uppercuts, which in-turn, would allow the final blow to be a freeze move. If done quickly, a player could freeze the opponent as a final blow and perform either the Deep Freeze Uppercut or the Ice Grenade to finish their opponent which would then be followed by the thaw and collapse of the character just finished. The result would be to finish an opponent with a Fatality while still leaving their body on screen.
 * The Chinese characters on Sub-Zero's MK:DA primary costume "冰龍的", mean "Ice Dragon's" (as in "this belongs to Ice Dragon"). 冰= "Ice" // 龍= "Dragon" // 的= "'s". His alternative costume of the same game has the same Chinese Characters with addition to another "Ice" (冰龍的冰). As a result, it now means "Ice Dragon's Ice".
 * During the making of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Sub-Zero was originally given Tae Kwon Do as his primary fighting style, but this was given to Sonya instead.
 * Sub-Zero is similar to Taven in the regard that they both have a brother (Noob Saibot/Daegon) that became corrupted (Noob's descent into darkness/Daegon's influence from Shinnok) and both have tried to kill them (Noob in Deception/Daegon in Armageddon).
 * In his MK 2011 ending, Sub-Zero's partnership with Scorpion is very similar to the one formed by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi; they are even referred to as a "Deadly Alliance".
 * Unlike Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's alliance however, this alliance did not end with Sub-Zero and Scorpion fighting each other, instead they remained partners.
 * A parody character called Absolute Zero appears in the game Adventure Quest Worlds.
 * Sub-Zero, counting his Klassic Fatality and cyber form, is the only character in Mortal Kombat (2011) that has 5 Fatalities. Also, counting his cyber form, he is the only character who is playable in two complete chapters. Also, he is the only character to fight the same opponent twice, this one being Ermac, who is fought once in each of his chapters.
 * Machinima held a V.S. video featuring Scorpion and Sub-Zero where fans could vote on who would win. Sub-Zero received 5,728 votes, but Scorpion won with 6,262 votes.
 * In addition to his MK1 Klassic Costume, Sub-Zero later received an additional outfit with the Freddy Krueger compatibility pack, labeled as the MK3 Klassic Costume. Although the head resembles his MK3 appearance, the outfit is in fact the ninja outfit worn by Ninja Sub-Zero from UMK3.
 * When using Sub-Zero's alternate costume in Mortal Kombat (2011), most of his sound files are changed to Noob Saibot's; this can be clearly heard when he dies from a Fatality or performs the Ice ball special move. This can be interpreted as being the first time in many years since the Elder Sub-Zero was last playable in canon.
 * Furthermore, when wearing his Klassic Costume (Bi-Han's original costume), Sub-Zero's voice clips remain those of Kuai Liang.
 * The alternate color for his Klassic outfit in MKX resembles the color of the original Sub-Zero.
 * In a Top 10 list hosted by Screwattack.com, Sub-Zero was placed at #2 of the Mortal Kombat Characters in the Mortal Kombat Series.
 * In another Top 10 list hosted by Screwattack.com, Sub-Zero was placed at #5 of the ninja characters in the video games.
 * In another Top 10 list hosted by Screwattack.com, Sub-Zero's Spine Rip Fatality was placed at #1 of the top Mortal Kombat Fatalities.
 * According to John Vogel, the Sub-Zero who taught the freezing abilities to Shujinko in his youth, was not Bi-Han or Kuai Liang but an ancestor of them (he could either be their father or grandfather).
 * Originally in MK 2011, Sub-Zero's human form possessed the Icy Counter from MK vs DCU. He was later given the Ice Clone instead, while the Icy Counter was given to his cyber form.
 * In MKX, Sub-Zero is the only character whose X-Ray attack does not break or damage any bones.
 * Sub-Zero makes a cameo appearance during Scorpion's intro in Injustice: Gods Among Us. He returns as a DLC character in the sequel, Injustice 2, with Steve Blum reprising the role.
 * Sub-Zero is also mentioned in a clash sequence with Scorpion and Batman.
 * Like Scorpion before him, Injustice 2 's Sub-Zero was given a redesign by legendary DC Comic's artist, Jim Lee.
 * The League of Legends character Shen has two alternate skins that reference both Scorpion and Sub-Zero.
 * Kuai Liang's older brother Bi-Han had a weapon called the Troll Hammer in MK Armageddon, Kuai Liang has similar weapon in Mortal Kombat X, made out of ice.
 * Fans of the Saudi Arabian soccer team known as Al-Hilal have payed tribute to Sub-Zero & the Mortal Kombat series before their club's matches first by showing Sub-Zero's face and then showing the words: "Finish 'em."
 * In MKX, Sub-Zero, along with Raiden and Reptile, has the weakest X-ray attack, dealing only 31% damage.
 * In MKX, Sub-Zero in his Cryomancer Variation is the only character with an uppercut that hits Mid rather than High. This means that it is unavoidable if the opponent does not block while ducking.
 * With the exception of reflected brutalities, Sub-Zero's Frozen Dinner brutality is the only brutality that can be performed by more than one person. The other two are Shinnok and Triborg as Cyber Sub-Zero.
 * Interestingly, Shinnok can steal the brutality in his Impostor variation while Triborg simply borrows the finisher.
 * Sub-Zero's default outfit in MKX is never seen in the Story Mode. This is also the same for Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Kitana and Scorpion.
 * He is shown to be able to teleport in the MKX Story Mode, but is never able to do it in actual gameplay.
 * Sub-Zero is able to teleport in his guest appearance in Injustice 2.
 * Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Jax are currently the only characters who have returned to Human form from being Revenants.
 * Sub-Zero is currently the only character to change from two different Revenant forms before returning to Human form.
 * This is because he was transformed into a Revenant as a Cyborg in MK 2011 then changed into the Revenant form seen in the Story Mode of Mortal Kombat X before being returned to Human form.
 * Although he never says Erron Black's name in MKX, Sub-Zero says Erron's name in its entirety when clashing with Deadshot in Injustice 2.
 * Sub-Zero is featured on the main cover art for Mortal Kombat XL.
 * Mortal Kombat 11 is the second game after Injustice 2 where Sub-Zero creates Ice Axes as weapons. This was only achievable in Injustice 2 with his Legendary Multiverse item, which changes his hammer to a double-sided battle axe.
 * Sub-Zero is one of the few characters whose voice actor from Mortal Kombat X reprises their role in MK11.
 * According to dialogue with Noob Saibot and a mirror match encounter with himself or Kuai Liang, the name Sub-Zero was originally their grandfather's.
 * In MK11, during a mirror match, two possible interactions happen:
 * The second Sub-Zero is revealed to be Bi-Han before his resurrection as Noob Saibot.
 * The second Sub-Zero is revealed to be Kuai Liang and Bi-Han's Grandfather, the first Sub-Zero, where Kuai Liang fights to earn the mantle of Sub-Zero.
 * Kuai Liang and Noob Saibot are the only klassic trilogy era-based fighters in MK11 who never have their past-selves appeared in its story mode.
 * In MK11, when interacting with Raiden, Raiden discuss about a dream he had, which Sub-Zero will reply with "of a Dark Knight and a Caped Wonder". This is a reference to both the DC fighting game series Injustice, developed by NetherRealm Studios, and Sub-Zero and Raiden's inclusion in the second game as playable guest characters.
 * It is further referenced in an interaction with Cetrion, which Cetrion states to Sub-Zero that his dream of going there was no dream, hinting at the possibility that both Raiden and Sub-Zero actually went to the Injustice Universe.
 * In MK11, Sub-Zero is one of the few characters that actually refers to Noob Saibot as Bi-Han.
 * In MK11, after winning a match with a Brutality, Sub-Zero may either spawn an ice klone performing his klassic victory pose, a snow man, or a polar bear. This idea may have been taken from his guest appearance in Injustice 2, where various items could change the shape of his Ice Klone character trait.
 * In MK11, when interacting with Skarlet, Sub-Zero tells her the temperature to freeze blood; -3 degrees Celsius.

Trivia (as Cyber Sub-Zero)

 * In MKX, Cyber Sub-Zero appears as a fourth variation for Triborg.
 * To unlock Cyber Sub-Zero in MK 2011, the player needs to defeat him in Chapter 13 of Story Mode.
 * Cyber Sub-Zero is the only character whose ending is mute.
 * The "Cyber" part of his name is not said by the announcer.
 * He has the lightest frame of all cyborgs, going as far as to have his brain shown after a few strikes.
 * He is the only character with a Fatality that puts his opponent into a "Rigor Mortis" state.
 * The shurikens used in his Brain Freeze Fatality have the Lin Kuei symbol on them.
 * Unlike the other cyborg ninjas, Cyber Sub-Zero has a unique tint of blue for his blood.
 * Cyber Sub-Zero, along with Blaze and D'Vorah, is one of the few characters to have a very rare blood color. In his case, it is presumed to be some kind of specially designed coolant or antifreeze to accommodate his freezing abilities.
 * The Ice Parry special move, previously known as Icy Counter, was one of his human form's special moves in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.
 * Originally, his human form was going to have the Icy Counter, but it was given to his cyborg form in later development.
 * This move could also be considered a variant of Freeze on Contact, a move his older brother displays in later levels of Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero.
 * Unlocking him will earn the player a secret achievement titled Cold Fusion. He is one of the two characters who grant achievements when they are unlocked, the other being Quan Chi.
 * He is the only character whose X-Ray Move must be activated in the air in MK 2011.
 * According to the electronic readout when he is reactivated, his internal temperature is -52° Fahrenheit (-47° Celsius).
 * Also, when Cyber Sub-Zero's slaving protocols are disengaged, the electronic readout shows that his brain function was lowered. This means that the Lin Kuei did this to prevent complex thinking in their cyber members (like Cyrax), so they wouldn't disobey orders.
 * In Cyber Sub-Zero's moves list, under the enhanced attacks it will read: Cryo bomb (Close) but for Medium and Far, the "b" in Cryo Bomb is capitalized.
 * When Cyber Sub-Zero performs his Brain Freeze Fatality on Kratos, he does not go into Rigor Mortis, but simply falls down instead.
 * Cyber Sub-Zero is one of the only five characters that does not fight a good character in MK 2011 ' s Story Mode. The others being Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Stryker and Nightwolf.
 * Bo' Rai Cho, Kenshi, Frost and Reiko are located inside his database, as seen when he first tries to learn the identity of Kabal.
 * Cyber Sub-Zero, along with Nightwolf, is the only character in whose ending is possessed by Shao Kahn.
 * Despite not being present in the original timeline (Smoke was the one who was turned into a cyborg instead), Cyber Sub-Zero received a Klassic Costume with the Freddy Krueger Compatibility Pack, along with his unmasked human counterpart. This is possibly a reference to Cyber Smoke.
 * Cyber Sub-Zero's unit designation LK-52O, unlike the ones used by (Sektor LK-9T9, Cyrax LK-4D4 and Smoke LK-7T2), has the two numbers before the letter rather than the number separating them. His number also resembles the initials in his name S(5) and Z(2).
 * Similar to his human counterpart, Triborg as Cyber Sub-Zero can also turn his X-Ray attack into a parry. However, inputting a different command will make him attack immediately with an Ice Mace. This make Triborg as Cyber Sub-Zero the only character in MKX that has an alternate input for his X-Ray attack in addition to the traditional input.
 * Sub-Zero as Cyber Sub-Zero is currently the only Cyborg Revenant to be created, seen in MK 2011.

Errors

 * He is not exactly holding onto his opponent during his Have An Ice Day fatality in MK 2011.
 * In his rendering picture for the mobile game for MKX, Sub-Zero's Revenant card is incorrectly the alternate color for the outfit, but during gameplay, he is the correct color.
 * In MKX, when Sub-Zero turns his X-Ray into a parry, projectiles will cancel the parry effect. However, if a throwable interactable is used sweep-distance away from him, the object and opponent will freeze, and the X-Ray can be initiated.
 * Sub-Zero does not actually have to be full-screen distance to perform his Snow Ball brutality. This is the same for Scorpion's Nether Hole brutality.
 * When Sub-Zero performs the Dancing On The Ceiling brutality, the "Finish Him/Her" quote appears, although the brutality will still initiate.
 * In MK11, the blood splatter from impaling the opponent's face into an ice spear during his Frozen In Time fatality clips into Sub-Zero's face after freezing frame. This is only visible based on which mask is selected.
 * In MK11, Sub-Zero can perform the entirety of his Final Draw combo during his Slicing Meat brutality, with the kicks not doing anything to the opponent when their arms are sliced off.
 * In MK11, Sub-Zero's masks clip through the shoulder/collar part of his default outfit during the second half of his Out Of The Cold intro.