Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks is an action-adventure beat 'em up video game set in the Mortal Kombat universe. Players take on the roles of the iconic Shaolin monks Liu Kang and Kung Lao, either solo or in cooperative mode, as they defend Earthrealm against the threats of Outworld. The game offers a reimagining of the storyline from Mortal Kombat II.

Based on the events that occurred at the end of Mortal Kombat leading into Mortal Kombat II, the story begins with Earthrealm's warriors battling for their lives against Outworld's forces on Shang Tsung's island fortress. Liu Kang eventually confronts the sorcerer and gains the upper hand against him, only for Goro to enter the fray. While the heroes are distracted by this new threat, Shang Tsung is able to open a portal to Outworld and retreats with his evil allies as the fortress begins to crumble around them. Escaping, Liu Kang and Kung Lao find the Wu Shi Academy under attack from Baraka and his Tarkatans. Defeating them the duo decide to meet the threat head on, despite the odds, and battle through Outworld itself to face Shao Kahn in person.