From emperor to…whining about NOT being emperor, Shao in the new timeline has been reduced to serving Empress Sindel, at least until his eventual betrayal. Now he has returned to being an enemy of the Forces of Light with burning hatred towards Liu Kang especially. 

But if there’s one thing I’d give General Shao credit for is  that the guy looks downright intimidating! And I’m not talking about just his physical appearance, but his clothing just screams that he will tear you limb from limb if you so much as look at him wrong.

#1: Restorer of Outworld

Shao aims to make Outworld great again!

Restorer of Outworld in action:

Start at 0:58

Shao’s idea of restoring Outworld is turning it back into what it once was: a hostile realm filled with war and death. Seeing as the general isn’t taking the throne anytime soon, Restorer of Outworld doesn’t seem as intimidating, but this common New Era is still pretty cool with blue and gold in its palette. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Restorer of Outworld as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

Outworld in Mortal Kombat 1’s timeline has changed drastically from its original design in the previous timeline. In fact, the originally antagonistic realm is much more peaceful and beautiful under the rule of the current royal family. Let’s pray that General Shao never gets to rule Outworld or any other realm ever again.

#2: Victor of Tervaria

What in the name of the Elder Gods is a “Tervaria”!?

Victor of Tervaria in action:

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Glad to see that General Shao isn’t always catching L’s. But anyway, Victor of Tervaria is another common New Era skin for General Shao with a palette of red, white, and blue. To unlock Victor of Tervaria, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

Because of his incredible strength and strategic mind, Shao has won many victories for Outworld and this led him to becoming the best general working under Sindel. I don’t know anything about Tervaria, but I’m assuming it’s a place in Outworld that Shao conquered for the empress or maybe Tervaria is his hometown. Either way, doesn’t Tervaria sounds very close to Terraria, like the game?

#3: Konqueror of the Kytinn

Please, please, PLEASE tell me you killed D’Vorah

Konqueror of the Kytinn in action:

Start at 1:07

Out of all the things that still exist in the new timeline, why are the Kytinn still a thing!? Even though I’m a bit irritated that they were even mentioned (proceeds to scream into a pillow), I still think Konqueror of the Kytinn is worth looking at with its palette of purple and silver. To unlock Konqueror of the Kytinn, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

The Kytinn are a race of humanoids who resemble insects and they come from the realm of Arynek. Of course, the most notable member of the Kytinn is D’Vorah, a character who was introduced in Mortal Kombat X. As someone who hates bugs, I immediately hated D’Vorah and after killing characters like Scorpion and Mileena, I absolutely DESPISE her!

#4: Firestarter

You mess with this guy, you’re gonna get burned dude!

Firestarter in action:

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99.9999% of the time, Shao is the one who finds and starts trouble just for the fun of it. Firestarter, which is a common New Era skin, has a palette with red and gold for its main colors. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Firestarter as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store.  

General Shao thrives in war and destruction, so it made sense that he was prepared to go to war with Earthrealm the moment he was given a reason to. Fortunately, Sindel and Kitana were able to halt his plans at every turn because they are much more level-headed than the general. Shao just wants all the smoke, but he’ll learn to fear smoke when he’s choking on it.

#5: Admiral of the Lost Sea

Taking a trip to Shang Tsung’s Island, are we?

Admiral of the Lost Sea in action:

Start at 1:17

Soooooo…is the Lost Sea like the Bermuda Triangle of Mortal Kombat? Ignoring that thought, let’s focus on Admiral of the Lost Sea, which is legendary New Era skin for General Shao and silver and gold are in the skin’s palette. To unlock Admiral of the Lost Sea, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

The Lost Sea is located somewhere in between Earthrealm and Outworld and it’s a body of water that surrounded Shang Tsung’s island, at least in the previous timeline. In Shang Tsung’s MK1 ending, the sorcerer discovered a deserted island when he was sailing by sea, and I’m assuming the sea he traveled through was indeed the Lost Sea. Did Shao come across this island while he was traversing the Lost Sea as well?

#6: Hero of the Makeba Cliffs

For a hero, Shao sure looks terrifying

Hero of the Makeba Cliffs in action:

Start at 1:21

Yes I know, General Shao was considered a hero at one point in Mortal Kombat 1, but we all knew that wasn’t going to last. Hero of the Makeba Cliffs is a common Union of Light skin and the palette for it has red, white, and black. To unlock Hero of the Makeba Cliffs, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

Located on a huge cliff within Outworld, there is a small village called Makeba. If you played Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, you may be familiar with the Drum Arena, a stage in the game where the people of Makeba hold their trials. It’s called the Drum Arena because of the giant drummers that play while the kombatants are fighting and the biggest drummed, whose name is Konga, will challenge both fighters if there is a tie.

#7: Vanquisher of Vaeternus

You didn’t do that good of a job of “vanquishing” Vaeternus!

Vanquisher of Vaeternus in action:

Start at 1:39

Oh great, even Shao agrees that Vaeternus needs to go, and I’m pretty sure Nitara is the reason why! But while we’re on the topic of Vaeternus, Vanquisher of Vaeternus is another common Union of Light that has a palette of purple and gold. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Vanquisher of Vaeternus as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

Vaeternus is a realm that is home to a vampiric race called the Vaeternians. Like D’Vorah, Nitara is the most notable member of this race and because General Shao decided to work with the likes of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, I’m sure he did cross paths with Nitara during the events of MK1. That must’ve pretty awkward if “Vanquisher of Vaeternus” is anything to go by…

#8: Mortician of Chesna Fields

When I die, don’t let this man anywhere near my body

Mortician of Chesna Fields in action:

Start at 1:41

Please, General Shao will be the reason why you’re headed to a mortician okay? Mortician of Chesna Fields is the third common Union of Light skin on this list and the skin’s palette contains blue, green, and gold. To unlock Mortician of Chesna Fields, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

In one interaction between Shao and Nitara, the general askes Nitara if she knows about the battle of Chesna Fields and Nitara replies saying she knows he killed many Vaeternians that day. Not only that, but it seems that Baraka’s father was killed during that battle while fighting against the vampires. It’s cool what you can learn if you take the time to listen to the characters’ dialogue with one another in MK1.

#9: Butcher of Lekoria

He’s not THAT kind of butcher, trust me

Butcher of Lekoria in action:

Start at 1:44

Now that I think about it, a nice steak does sound pretty good right now…sorry, I’m getting kinda hungry. Anywho, Butcher of Lekoria is another Union of Light skin for General Shao and black, brown, and silver are in its palette. To unlock Butcher of Lekoria, you have to level up your Character Mastery.

If you’ve been a fan of the Mortal Kombat series for a long time, then you know how absolutely brutal Shao was and still is. This man will do everything in his power to make sure your death is long and painful. If anyone still recognizes you once General Shao is done butchering your body, then count that as a blessing!

#10: Fire Accelerant

“Some men just want to watch the world burn.” — Alfred Pennyworth

Fire Accelerant in action:

Start at 1:51

Let’s end the list with a bang as we look over this last common Union of Light skin. Fire Accelerant is a skin containing warm colors, such as red and yellow. There are no specific requirements needed to obtain Fire Accelerant as you can get it from the Shrine or purchase it from the store. 

As I said before, General Shao is not one to shy away from battle. After all, the man does come from a military family and his father was the main reason why Shao was turned into such an exceptional soldier despite his sickly beginnings. Seriously, Shao is like young Kratos except he loses…a lot.

Yes, I hate Shao and always will, but he is a villain so that’s not too surprising. But I must say that Shao’s design has always been unique to me, and Mortal Kombat 1’s design for Shao is probably my favorite as of right now. And with his skins, Shao is a walking colossus of fear and flair! So, get these General Shao skins while you still have the chance!

You may also be interested in:

• Best Mortal Kombat Villains (and Their Arch Enemies)
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