The following is a list of characters whose presence as playable characters have been confirmed in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, as they were both shown and listed in the Game Informer article: Ashrah, Baraka, Blaze, Bo' Rai Cho, Cyrax, Dairou, Darrius, Drahmin, Ermac, Frost, Fujin, Goro, Havik, Hotaru, Hsu Hao, Jade, Jarek, Jax, Johnny Cage, Kabal, Kai, Kano, Kenshi, Kintaro, Kira, Kitana, Kobra, Kung Lao, Li Mei, Liu Kang, Mavado, Mileena, Mokap, Moloch, Motaro, Nightwolf, Nitara, Noob Saibot, Onaga, Quan Chi, Raiden, Rain, Reiko, Reptile, Sareena, Scorpion, Sektor, Shang Tsung, Shao Kahn, Sheeva, Shinnok, Shujinko, Sindel, Smoke, Sonya, Stryker, Sub-Zero and Tanya.

In the original report by Game Informer, Motaro was not shown and it was suggested that he may not to make the cut. However, Ed Boon confirmed in an interview that Motaro will, in fact, appear in the game. With regards to minor secret characters such as Khameleon, Chameleon, and Meat, it is unclear whether they will return.

It is worth noting that the designs seen in the render may be place holder models, and many of the characters will have different appearances in the final product. Some characters, such as Sub-Zero, appear in the render featuring a costume other than their most recent one (Sub-Zero is shown in his alternate Deadly Alliance costume rather than his Deception attire, though it is worth noting that some screenshots also show him in his DA armor). Fujin, Jarek, Reiko, and Rain have all been given makeovers - This, however, is just going off the above image. Other characters have been given new looks, such as Stryker & Sheeva, as other promotional images have shown this, but the image of all kombatants has them in their MK3/UMK3/MKT attires.

A small controversy has arose from the trailer, which features all the characters on 2 sides (Good & evil). This is because Scorpion is on the same side as the evil characters, and is running alongside Quan Chi - His sworn enemy since MK4. However, this is most likely as Scorpion is of neutral allignment and it would make no sense for him to be running along the middle charging against both sides on his own. But many still believe that it makes no sense for Scorpion to be running alongside Quan Chi. The CGI also features Sub-Zero in his armored costume from Deception, among other characters in updated costumes.