The Living Forest has appeared in many Mortal Kombat games, with it's first appearance in Mortal Kombat II. The same 2D version was also included in Mortal Kombat Trilogy. However, in Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, the Living Forest received a 3D makeover. It was also remade and appeared in Mortal Kombat: Deception, as well. Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks also possessed yet another take on this classic fighting stage.

The Living Forest was located in Outworld. Inhabitants feared the Living Forest due to the apparent "living" trees that populated these ancient woods. These trees possessed faces and occasionally roared at passersby.

In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, enemies could be thrown into the mouths of the trees where they would be chewed up and swallowed.

The stage was re-imagined for Mortal Kombat 1, with its bio stating:

A place of transcendant beauty, the Living Forest embodies peace and calm. Its trees house the souls of Outworld's honored dead. Illuminated by the sun, the forest is a masterpiece of nature. But a particular magnificence can be found during its frequent rainstorms.