
In addition to Liu Kang and Kung Lao, there are characters for the player to unlock in both the co-op and versus modes. The game centers on Liu Kang and Kung Lao as they travel through the different realms in order to stop Shang Tsung. Unfortunately, the warriors are left stranded within Shang Tsung's crumbling island. Shang Tsung, Goro, and other enemies escape to Outworld while Liu Kang and Kung Lao, warriors from The Order of Light, are in close pursuit. The events of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks takes place between Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II, with the opening scene of the game depicting the final moments of the first Mortal Kombat tournament.

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
