Thermal batteries are used in military power sources that require robustness and long storage life for applications in missiles and torpedoes. FeS₂ powder is currently used as a cathode material because of its high specific energy density, environmental non-toxicity, and low cost. MS₂ (M = Fe, Ni, Co) cathodes have been explored as novel candidates for thermal batteries in many studies; however, the discharge characteristics (1, 2, 3 plateau) of single cells in thermal batteries with different cathodes have not been elucidated in detail. In this study, we independently analyzed the discharge voltage and calculated the total polarizations of single cells using MS₂ cathodes. Based on the results of this study, we propose NiS₂ as a potential cathode material for use in thermal batteries.