Nightwolf is a fictional character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise by Midway Games/NetherRealm Studios. He debuted in Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) as a Native American shaman selected to help defend Earthrealm against invading forces from Outworld. In addition to his fighting prowess, Nightwolf possesses magical abilities that allow him to enhance his strength and create weapons. The character has appeared in various media outside of the games, including as one of the central heroes in the animated series Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm (1996). His portrayal in the franchise has been criticized as a stereotype of Native Americans, although his depiction in the rebooted games has received a more positive reception. Appearances Mortal Kombat games In Mortal Kombat 3 although he is introduced as a historian and shaman, Nightwolf does not live in the past. He is a proud and fierce warrior dedicated to the cause of good and is in contact with Raiden through visions. As such, he draws both on internal and external spiritual energy to enhance his strength. Although his patch of tribal land provided a vital protective area for the Earthrealm warriors during Shao Kahn's invasion, Nightwolf prefers solitary work to companionship. He had been warned of the coming invasion by a vision from Raiden. As such, he was fully aware and prepared for the events as they occurred, including attacks by the Kahn's extermination squads. As his homeland was protected by shamanic magic, Nightwolf would soon be joined by the other chosen warriors. Together, they traveled back to the East Coast, prepared for battle against the Emperor and his minions, and won. Nightwolf returned during the events of Mortal Kombat: Deception. In the events leading to the game, Nightwolf suffered recurring nightmares of Onaga the Dragon King's resurrection. He recognized these as a warning, but despite knowing a new threat was coming, he was unable to stop his nightmares from coming true when Reptile transformed into Onaga. Fortunately, he was prepared as his forefathers handed down the means with which he could defeat the Dragon King, the "Sin Eater'; which involved absorbing the sins of his tribe. Fearing the possibility of hurting his friends after he became the Sin Eater, Nightwolf chose to face Onaga alone. He traveled to the Netherrealm, drew Onaga's soul to him, and released his ancestors' absorbed sins to remove the Dragon King from Reptile and bind the