Johnny Cage returned to Hollywood and filmed a movie based on his experiences, believed by viewers to be pure fiction. He soon learned of Liu Kang's journey into the Outworld, so he decided to follow his comrade.

Lt. Sonya Blade and Kano were both captured by Outworld forces after the first tournament. Jackson "Jax" Briggs, originally a member of Sonya's unit, traveled into the Outworld in search of Sonya and to help capture Kano.

Raiden soon ventured into the Outworld alone to help battle Kahn's forces.

Lin Kuei headquarters sent an assassin into the Outworld. This new assassin was the sixth Sub-Zero, the younger brother of the previous Sub-Zero. A close friend of his, Smoke, followed along. Scorpion learned of Sub-Zero's intentions and followed him into the Outworld, believing this Sub-Zero might have been the one he had already defeated in Mortal Kombat.

Princess Kitana and Jade continue to serve as assassins under Shao Kahn. In an attempt to stop Kitana if she should betray him, Kahn ordered Shang Tsung to create a grotesque clone of the princess, known as Mileena.

Reptile served as Tsung's protector once again, remaining in his human form. Baraka, recruited into Kahn's army for his fighting skills, joined the combat as well. After the defeat and disappearance of Goro, another member of the Shokan race was assigned to lead Kahn's forces. His name was Kintaro, a relative of Goro with tiger-striped skin.