Shokan

Shokan are a fictional humanoid race in the Mortal Kombat video game franchise. They are distinctive for their four arms and muscular build, which grant them enhanced reach and the ability to perform multiple attacks or grapples simultaneously. The Shokan are portrayed as a warrior people associated with the realm of Outworld, particularly the Kuatan region, and they maintain a hierarchical society ruled by a royal line. The best-known Shokan is Goro, a prince who serves as a formidable fighter and, in many continuities, as an enforcer for Shao Kahn. Other notable Shokan include Kintaro, a four-armed giant, and Sheeva, a female commander who appears in several installments.

In the Mortal Kombat games, Shokan fighters emphasize multi-armed fighting styles, with moves and combos that utilize all four limbs. They are typically depicted as exceptionally strong, durable, and skilled in hand-to-hand combat, often serving as guards, generals, or champions within Outworld’s military factions. Their physiology and combat approach set them apart from most other species in the series, contributing to their status as iconic elements of the franchise’s lore.

Beyond the games, Shokan appear in various Mortal Kombat media, including comics and film adaptations, where their role as a distinct, formidable race from Outworld is expanded and explored. They are commonly presented as both antagonists and allies, reflecting the shifting alliances that characterize the Mortal Kombat storyline.