Earthrealm

Earthrealm is a fictional realm in the Mortal Kombat multimedia franchise, representing the human world. It is one of several realms in the series’ cosmos, alongside Outworld, Netherrealm, Chaosrealm, Orderrealm, Edenia, and others. The realm is depicted as a diverse locus of human cultures and environments, frequently presented as the central setting for the franchise’s conflicts.

In the lore, Earthrealm’s safety is governed by a balance maintained through interrealm tournaments and the oversight of higher powers such as the Elder Gods. Under the rules of Mortal Kombat, Earthrealm can remain free only if its champions prevail in key battles against invaders from other realms; failure can lead to conquest by hostile forces, most notably Outworld. Earthrealm is often protected by its chosen fighters, with figures such as Liu Kang and Raiden appearing as its principal guardians across installments and storylines.

The setting features a range of locales, from urban centers to rural landscapes, reflecting humanity’s diverse geography. Earthrealm has produced many human fighters who assume leading roles in the series’ plots, while its borders are occasionally crossed by beings and magic from other realms.

Earthrealm first appeared in the original Mortal Kombat (1992) and has remained a core element of the franchise. The term is used to distinguish the human world from other realms and to anchor many of the series’ moral, mythological, and narrative arcs.