The Tarkata, also known as Tarkatans, Mutants, and Nomads, are a brutal species of warrior situated in Outworld.
Previously, The Tarkata were an inter-species breed of warriors. They were considered a mix of a humanoid race from Outworld and a demonic race from the Nether-realm.
However, this has been changed in the new timeline, as Baraka tells D'Vorah in Mortal Kombat X that his realm was conquered by Shao Kahn. This could suggest that the Tarkatans are from their own realm and not a fusion of Outworld and Nether-realm inhabitants as previously established.
Overview[]
They are often depicted as unintelligent, bloodthirsty brutes that serve the currently most powerful leader. However, more recently, they have been depicted as more intelligent, Baraka knowing that the meeting Mileena had scheduled with him in the ancient Beetle Lair was a trap and sent another Tarkatan in his place. As well as this, in his Mortal Kombat 2011 ending, he is able to detect the scent of Shang Tsung in the form of Shao Kahn, leading him to kill the impostor and allow Shao Kahn's forces to claim Earthrealm.
According to Mortal Kombat, all Tarkatan males joined Shao Kahn's army once they came of age and survived the brutal Ritual of Blood. Among the ranks present within their armies included that of an Enforcer. Tarkatan females appear in Mortal Kombat 11.
In Jade's Deception ending, it was revealed that it is possible to gather concentrated Tarkatan essence and seal it within a container. When the container is shattered near a person, the nearby Tarkata enter into an uncontrollable frenzy as they believe the person with the essence as a rival male.
The Tarkata also have a unique language, which is commonly spoken between them. Non-Tarkatans who know their language include Raiden and Skarlet.
They are well known for their combat prowess throughout Outworld, Sheeva recognizing that "there is no victory without the Tarkata."