Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Mortal Kombat: The Origin of Noob Saibot, Explained

Noob Saibot debuted as a hidden opponent in Mortal Kombat II. Later games revealed his original-timeline identity as Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, while Mortal Kombat 1 gives him a new-timeline interpretation.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Noob Saibot began as a hidden opponent in Mortal Kombat II (1993). In the original timeline, later games revealed that he was Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, returned from death as a wraith. The name is a separate, real-world joke: it reverses the surnames of series co-creators Ed Boon and John Tobias. Mortal Kombat 1 reimagines the character in a new timeline, so its version should not be mistaken for the original resurrection story.

Who is Noob Saibot?

That depends on which Mortal Kombat timeline you mean. In the original continuity, Noob Saibot is Bi-Han, the fighter who had been the first Sub-Zero. Later continuity established that he returned after death as a wraith. A fan-maintained timeline reference attributes this identity reveal to Mortal Kombat: Deception; it is a retrospective story development, not information present in Noob’s original secret-character debut. The Mortal Kombat Wiki’s timeline entry is a secondary source, rather than an official account.

Early Mortal Kombat stories did not settle every character’s fate in advance. In a 2020 interview, co-creator John Tobias discussed how early endings were framed as “what-if” scenarios, with later games determining which details became part of the series’ continuing story. That context helps explain why Noob’s sparse arcade introduction and his later identity reveal are different parts of the character’s history. Game Developer’s interview with Tobias discusses that early storytelling approach.

How did Bi-Han become Noob Saibot?

In the original timeline, Bi-Han was the first Sub-Zero. Later continuity identifies the dead Bi-Han as the wraith Noob Saibot. The key point is that this backstory was established after the character’s debut: Mortal Kombat II introduced Noob as a hidden opponent, not with a detailed account of his past. The Bi-Han connection is supported here by the secondary timeline reference above; the official developer feature cited below confirms the debut but does not give the full transformation story.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
McFarlane Mortal Kombat 7IN Figures WV6 - NOOB SAIBOT (Bloody), 11066
  • Exclusive Bloody Version: This special edition Noob Saibot figure features authentic blood splatter detailing and weathering effects that capture the intense combat nature of the iconic Mortal Kombat character, making it a must-have for serious collectors
  • Premium 7-Inch Scale: Crafted at the popular 7-inch collector scale, this action figure offers impressive size and presence for display while maintaining perfect proportions that showcase Noob Saibot's menacing shadow warrior appearance
  • McFarlane Craftsmanship: Manufactured with exceptional attention to detail, featuring intricate sculpting that brings out the character's signature black ninja outfit, shadowy textures, and battle-worn appearance from the Mortal Kombat universe
  • Articulated Design: Equipped with multiple points of articulation allowing you to recreate dynamic fighting poses and signature moves, giving you the flexibility to display this figure in various action-packed stances
  • Collector's Display Piece: Perfect for Mortal Kombat enthusiasts and action figure collectors, this detailed representation of Noob Saibot makes an impressive addition to any gaming memorabilia collection or display shelf

When did Noob Saibot first appear?

Noob Saibot first appeared in Mortal Kombat II in 1993 as a hidden secret opponent depicted as a black silhouette. Joe Epstein, a combat designer at NetherRealm Studios, described the debut as “strictly as a deeply hidden secret foe” in an official Xbox Wire feature published September 13, 2024. Players had to string together dozens of wins to encounter him; the feature does not specify an exact number. Xbox Wire’s feature on Noob Saibot also explains the character’s name and newer design.

The silhouette fit the secret-character format of the time. Recoloring existing character art offered a practical way to add content to arcade and console cartridges without building an entirely new fighter from scratch.

Rank #2
Mortal Kombat Shao Kahn (Platinum Kahn) 7" Action Figure with Accessories
  • Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise
  • Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
  • Shao Kahn is featured in his Platinum Kahn Skin as seen in Mortal Kombat 11
  • Includes hammer and a base
  • Figure is showcased in Mortal Kombat themed window box packaging

Why is Noob Saibot called Noob Saibot?

The name reverses the surnames of co-creators Ed Boon and John Tobias: “Boon Tobias” read backward becomes “Noob Saibot.” It is an out-of-universe nod to the developers, not an explanation of why Bi-Han chose the name within the story.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is Mortal Kombat 1’s Noob Saibot the same character origin?

No. Mortal Kombat 1 establishes a new timeline, and its Khaos Reigns portrayal is a new interpretation drawing on earlier versions. The original timeline’s Bi-Han resurrection should not be carried over as though the new game simply retells that plot. The official Xbox Wire feature describes this version’s design, but does not lay out every detail of his story.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Scorpion 7in Action Figure
  • Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise
  • Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
  • Includes Kunai and base
  • Figure is showcased in Mortal Kombat Klassic themed window box packaging
  • Collect all additional McFarlane Toys Mortal Kombat Figures

The shadow is part of the moveset

In the new portrayal, Noob’s shadow can act independently and assist his attacks. Its availability affects which moves he can use and how some attacks work. That makes the shadow more than a visual flourish: it is a central gameplay mechanic.

Earlier versions inform the design

The designers drew on previous appearances, including portal-focused moves from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat (2011). The result references the series’ history without making the New Era character’s origin identical to the original timeline’s.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Mortal Kombat Shao Kahn (Platinum Kahn) 7' Action Figure with Accessories
Mortal Kombat Shao Kahn (Platinum Kahn) 7" Action Figure with Accessories
Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise; Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
$44.98
SaleBestseller No. 3
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Scorpion 7in Action Figure
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Scorpion 7in Action Figure
Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise; Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
$56.25
Bestseller No. 4
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Sub-Zero 7in Action Figure
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Sub-Zero 7in Action Figure
Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise; Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
$57.15
Rank #4
McFarlane Toys- Mortal Kombat Klassic Sub-Zero 7in Action Figure
  • Incredibly detailed 7” scale figure based off the Mortal Kombat Franchise
  • Designed with Ultra Articulation with up to 22 moving parts for full range of posing
  • Includes 2 extra hands and base
  • Figure is showcased in Mortal Kombat Klassic themed window box packaging
  • Collect all additional McFarlane Toys Mortal Kombat Figures

Original timeline vs. Mortal Kombat 1’s New Era

Aspect Original timeline Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
Identity and origin Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, returns after death as Noob Saibot; the identity reveal is supported by a secondary fan-maintained timeline reference. A new-timeline interpretation; the original resurrection account should not be assumed to apply unchanged.
Story role A later continuity reveal gives the hidden fighter a defined past. The official feature describes a reinterpretation but does not disclose every story detail.
Signature presentation Black-silhouette hidden opponent at his 1993 debut. An independently acting shadow incorporated into many attacks.
Development context Secret character in Mortal Kombat II; name reverses the co-creators’ surnames. Designers draw on elements of several earlier appearances.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How To Create Custom Stickers & Shoutouts In Monster Hunter WildsMonster Hunter WildsBlog20min
  2. How to Get XL Gogoat in Pokemon Legends Z-A (An Extra-Large Gogoat)Pokemon Legends Z-ABlog20min
  3. How to Get Rotting Lightbringer in Diablo 4Diablo 4Blog17min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.