Introduction to Mortal Kombat's Combat System
Mortal Kombat revolutionized the fighting game genre when it first appeared in arcades in 1992. Created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, this legendary fighting game introduced digitized actors, a unique five-button control scheme, and of course, the infamous Fatalities that sparked controversy and cemented the game's place in video game history. Understanding Mortal Kombat's combat system is essential for mastering the game and dominating your opponents in this classic arcade fighter.
Unlike other fighting games of its era, Mortal Kombat features a distinct block button rather than blocking by moving backward. This fundamental difference changes the entire approach to combat, making Mortal Kombat moves and strategies unique compared to contemporaries like Street Fighter II. Each character in Mortal Kombat possesses special moves that require specific button combinations and directional inputs, giving them individual fighting styles and advantages.
In this comprehensive Mortal Kombat character guide, we'll explore every fighter's special moves, fatalities, and effective combos. Whether you're a nostalgic player returning to the arcade classic or discovering this influential fighting game for the first time, this guide will help you master all aspects of Mortal Kombat's combat system and character roster.
Quick Navigation
Basic Controls & Universal Moves in Mortal Kombat
Before diving into character-specific Mortal Kombat moves, it's important to understand the basic control scheme that applies to all fighters. The original Mortal Kombat arcade cabinet featured five buttons: High Punch, Low Punch, High Kick, Low Kick, and Block. This control scheme differs significantly from other fighting games of the era and forms the foundation of Mortal Kombat's unique combat system.
Universal Controls
Action | Button/Input |
---|---|
High Punch | HP |
Low Punch | LP |
High Kick | HK |
Low Kick | LK |
Block | BL |
Throw | BL + LP (close to opponent) |
Sweep | Down + LK |
Uppercut | Down + HP |
All characters in Mortal Kombat share certain universal moves. The uppercut (Down + HP) is one of the most powerful basic attacks, capable of dealing significant damage and launching opponents into the air. The sweep kick (Down + LK) is another essential move that can knock opponents off their feet. Mastering these fundamental Mortal Kombat moves is crucial before advancing to character-specific special techniques.
Movement in Mortal Kombat is also unique compared to other fighting games. Players can walk forward and backward, crouch by holding down, and jump by pressing up. Unlike Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat doesn't feature dashing or running mechanics in its original arcade version, making positioning and spacing even more critical to success.
Pro Tip: Blocking Fundamentals
In Mortal Kombat, blocking is performed by pressing the dedicated Block button rather than holding back on the joystick. This means you can block while moving forward, creating unique offensive opportunities not possible in other fighting games. Master the timing of your blocks to create openings for counterattacks.
Scorpion Moves Guide: Master the Hellfire Ninja

Scorpion
Real Name: Hanzo Hasashi
Fighting Style: Ninjutsu
Weapon: Kunai Spear
Alignment: Neutral
Scorpion is one of Mortal Kombat's most iconic characters, known for his signature spear attack and fire-based special moves. As an undead ninja seeking vengeance, Scorpion combines speed with devastating special attacks that can keep opponents at bay or pull them in for devastating combos. His famous catchphrase "Get over here!" accompanies his spear attack, which has become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise itself.
Scorpion's Special Moves
Spear
Input: Back, Back, LP
Scorpion's most famous Mortal Kombat move. He throws a kunai attached to a rope, shouting "Get over here!" or "Come here!" If it connects, he pulls the opponent toward him, setting up combo opportunities. This move is essential for controlling space and punishing opponents who keep their distance.
Teleport Punch
Input: Down, Back, HP
Scorpion disappears in a burst of fire and reappears behind his opponent, delivering a powerful punch. This move is perfect for escaping corner pressure or surprising opponents who are being too aggressive. It can be blocked, however, so use it wisely.
Fire Breath
Input: Forward, Forward, HP
Scorpion removes his mask and breathes fire at his opponent. This move has good range and deals solid damage, making it useful for keeping opponents at bay. The fire breath can also be used to end combos for additional damage.
Scorpion's Fatality
Toasty!
Input: Forward, Forward, Down, HP (Sweep distance)
Scorpion removes his mask, revealing a skull, and breathes a massive stream of fire that burns the opponent to a charred skeleton. This iconic Mortal Kombat fatality must be performed at sweep distance for it to work properly.
Effective Scorpion Combos
Basic Spear Combo
Sequence: Spear → HP → LP → HK
This fundamental Scorpion combo begins with his spear to pull the opponent in, followed by a high punch, low punch, and finishing with a high kick. The timing requires practice, but this sequence can deal significant damage when mastered.
Teleport Surprise
Sequence: Teleport Punch → LP → Down + LP → Spear → HP
Start with a teleport punch to get behind your opponent, follow with a low punch, crouching low punch, then spear them back in and finish with a high punch. This combo demonstrates advanced Mortal Kombat move combinations that can confuse opponents.
Scorpion Strategy Tips
- Use the spear to control space and punish opponents who keep their distance
- The teleport punch is excellent for escaping corner pressure
- Mix up your approach with teleports and spears to keep opponents guessing
- After landing a spear, you have multiple combo options - vary them to prevent becoming predictable
- Practice the timing of your spear combos, as they form the core of Scorpion's offensive strategy
Sub-Zero Moves Guide: Command the Ice

Sub-Zero
Real Name: Bi-Han (Original)/Kuai Liang (MK2 onward)
Fighting Style: Shotokan with Cryomancy
Weapon: Ice powers
Alignment: Neutral (Original)/Good (MK2 onward)
Sub-Zero, the ice-wielding ninja, is Scorpion's arch-rival and another fan-favorite character in the Mortal Kombat universe. His cryomancy abilities allow him to freeze opponents and control the battlefield in unique ways. Sub-Zero's Mortal Kombat moves focus on immobilizing opponents and creating openings for devastating combos, making him one of the most tactically interesting fighters in the game.
Sub-Zero's Special Moves
Ice Blast
Input: Down, Forward, LP
Sub-Zero fires a blast of ice that freezes the opponent on contact, leaving them completely vulnerable for a brief period. This is Sub-Zero's signature Mortal Kombat move and forms the foundation of his strategy. A frozen opponent cannot block or attack, creating perfect combo opportunities.
Slide
Input: Back + LP + LK + BL
Sub-Zero slides across the floor, knocking down his opponent. This move covers ground quickly and can be used to escape pressure or surprise opponents. The slide can go under certain projectiles, making it useful against zoning characters.
Ground Freeze
Input: Down, Back, LK
Sub-Zero freezes the ground in front of him, causing opponents to slip if they step on it. This move is excellent for controlling space and setting traps. When opponents slip, they're vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Sub-Zero's Fatality
Spine Rip
Input: Forward, Down, Forward, HP (Close distance)
In this brutal and iconic Mortal Kombat fatality, Sub-Zero grabs his opponent's head and tears it off with the spine still attached. This fatality must be performed at close range and was one of the most controversial finishing moves that contributed to the creation of the video game rating system.
Effective Sub-Zero Combos
Freeze and Punish
Sequence: Ice Blast → Forward + HP → HP → Down + HP
This basic but effective combo starts with freezing your opponent, then moving in for a jumping punch, standing high punch, and finishing with an uppercut. The frozen state ensures your opponent can't block any part of this sequence.
Slide Combo
Sequence: Slide → LP → HP → Ice Blast → HP
Start with a slide to knock your opponent down, then as they're getting up, hit them with a low punch, high punch, freeze them, and finish with another high punch. This combo demonstrates how to use Sub-Zero's Mortal Kombat moves to maintain pressure.
Sub-Zero Strategy Tips
- The Ice Blast is your most valuable tool - use it to create openings for combos
- Mix up your approach with slides and normal attacks to keep opponents guessing
- Use Ground Freeze to control space and limit your opponent's movement options
- After landing an Ice Blast, you have time for multiple hits - maximize your damage
- Practice your spacing - Sub-Zero excels at mid-range where he can threaten with both Ice Blast and Slide
Liu Kang Moves Guide: The Shaolin Champion

Liu Kang
Real Name: Liu Kang
Fighting Style: Shaolin Kung Fu
Weapon: None (Hand-to-hand)
Alignment: Good
Liu Kang is the protagonist of the original Mortal Kombat game and the champion of Earthrealm. Based on martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Liu Kang combines speed, power, and unique special moves that make him one of the most balanced fighters in the game. His Mortal Kombat moves include his iconic flying kick and fireballs, giving him options at multiple ranges.
Liu Kang's Special Moves
Flying Kick
Input: Forward, Forward, HK
Liu Kang flies across the screen with an extended kick that covers significant distance. This Mortal Kombat move is excellent for closing the gap quickly and can be used to punish projectiles or escape corner pressure. The Flying Kick has good priority over many other attacks.
Fireball
Input: Forward, Forward, HP
Liu Kang throws a fireball that travels across the screen. Unlike other projectiles in the game, Liu Kang's fireball travels in a straight line rather than arcing. This makes it excellent for controlling space and forcing opponents to block or jump.
Bicycle Kick
Input: Hold LK for 4 seconds, then release
Liu Kang launches into a series of rapid bicycle kicks that deal multiple hits. This Mortal Kombat move requires a charge time but delivers significant damage when it connects. The Bicycle Kick can also be used to end combos for additional damage.
Liu Kang's Fatality
Cartwheel Uppercut
Input: Forward, Forward, Forward, LK (Any distance)
Liu Kang performs a cartwheel, then delivers a powerful uppercut that launches his opponent high into the air. When they land, they explode into pieces. This Mortal Kombat fatality showcases Liu Kang's acrobatic abilities and devastating power.
Effective Liu Kang Combos
Basic Kick Combo
Sequence: LP → LP → Forward + LK → Flying Kick
Start with two quick low punches, follow with a forward low kick, and finish with a Flying Kick. This combo demonstrates Liu Kang's speed and ability to chain normal attacks into special moves.
Fireball Pressure
Sequence: Fireball → Forward + HP → LP → Bicycle Kick
Throw a fireball to force your opponent to block, then close in with a jumping high punch, follow with a low punch, and finish with a Bicycle Kick. This combo shows how to use Liu Kang's Mortal Kombat moves to maintain offensive pressure.
Liu Kang Strategy Tips
- Use the Flying Kick to punish projectiles and close distance quickly
- The Fireball is excellent for controlling space and forcing opponents to make a move
- Mix up your approach with normal attacks and special moves to keep opponents guessing
- The Bicycle Kick requires charge time, so plan accordingly and use it when you have a safe opening
- Liu Kang excels at mid-range where he can threaten with both Fireballs and Flying Kicks
Johnny Cage Moves Guide: Hollywood's Finest Fighter

Johnny Cage
Real Name: Jonathan Carlton
Fighting Style: Karate/Hollywood Fighting
Weapon: None (Hand-to-hand)
Alignment: Good
Johnny Cage is a Hollywood action star who entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to prove his fighting skills are real. His character combines flashy moves with surprising effectiveness, making him a fan favorite. Johnny Cage's Mortal Kombat moves include his signature Shadow Kick and Split Punch, giving him unique offensive options that can catch opponents off guard.
Johnny Cage's Special Moves
Shadow Kick
Input: Back, Forward, LK
Johnny Cage slides across the screen with a green energy-infused kick. This Mortal Kombat move covers significant distance and leaves a shadow trail behind him. The Shadow Kick is excellent for punishing projectiles and closing distance quickly.
Green Fireball
Input: Down, Forward, LP
Johnny Cage throws a green energy ball that travels across the screen. This projectile is useful for controlling space and forcing opponents to block or jump. Unlike other projectiles, Cage's fireball has a unique arcing trajectory.
Split Punch
Input: Back, Down, Back, LP
Johnny Cage performs a split and delivers an upward punch to his opponent's groin. This Mortal Kombat move is unblockable against male characters but can be blocked by female characters. The Split Punch is perfect for surprising opponents who rely too heavily on blocking.
Johnny Cage's Fatality
Decapitation
Input: Forward, Forward, Down, HP (Close distance)
Johnny Cage delivers a devastating uppercut that knocks his opponent's head clean off, with the spine still attached. This iconic Mortal Kombat fatality must be performed at close range and showcases Cage's surprising strength beneath his Hollywood exterior.
Effective Johnny Cage Combos
Shadow Combo
Sequence: LP → HP → Shadow Kick
Start with a low punch, follow with a high punch, and finish with a Shadow Kick. This simple but effective combo demonstrates Johnny Cage's ability to chain normal attacks into special moves for good damage.
Fireball Pressure
Sequence: Green Fireball → Forward + HP → LP → Split Punch
Throw a Green Fireball to force your opponent to block, then close in with a jumping high punch, follow with a low punch, and finish with a Split Punch. This combo shows how to use Johnny Cage's Mortal Kombat moves to maintain offensive pressure and surprise opponents.
Johnny Cage Strategy Tips
- Use the Shadow Kick to punish projectiles and close distance quickly
- The Green Fireball is excellent for controlling space and forcing opponents to make a move
- Save the Split Punch for key moments when your opponent is expecting a different attack
- Mix up your approach with normal attacks and special moves to keep opponents guessing
- Johnny Cage excels at mid-range where he can threaten with both Fireballs and Shadow Kicks
Raiden Moves Guide: The Thunder God

Raiden
Real Name: Lord Raiden
Fighting Style: Nan Chuan with Lightning Powers
Weapon: Lightning/Electricity
Alignment: Good
Raiden is the God of Thunder and the protector of Earthrealm. His divine status gives him command over electricity and the ability to teleport, making him one of the most unique fighters in Mortal Kombat. Raiden's special moves provide excellent mobility and zoning capabilities, allowing him to control the pace of the match.
Raiden's Special Moves
Lightning Bolt
Input: Down, Forward, HP
Raiden fires a bolt of lightning across the screen. This Mortal Kombat move is an excellent projectile for zoning and controlling space. The Lightning Bolt travels quickly and forces opponents to block or jump, creating openings for Raiden's other attacks.
Teleport
Input: Down, Up
Raiden disappears in a flash of lightning and reappears behind his opponent. This Mortal Kombat move provides exceptional mobility and can be used to escape corner pressure or surprise opponents. The Teleport can also be used to punish projectiles by appearing behind the opponent after they throw one.
Superman Fly
Input: Back, Back, Forward
Raiden flies toward his opponent with an electrified tackle. This Mortal Kombat move covers significant distance and can be used to close gaps quickly. The Superman Fly is particularly effective after forcing an opponent to block a Lightning Bolt.
Raiden's Fatality
Electric Decapitation
Input: Forward, Back, Back, Back, LP (Close distance)
Raiden grabs his opponent and sends a massive surge of electricity through their body, causing their head to explode. This Mortal Kombat fatality must be performed at close range and demonstrates Raiden's divine power over electricity.
Effective Raiden Combos
Teleport Surprise
Sequence: Lightning Bolt → Teleport → HP → Superman Fly
Throw a Lightning Bolt to force your opponent to block, then Teleport behind them, hit them with a High Punch, and finish with a Superman Fly. This combo demonstrates Raiden's ability to use his mobility to create offensive opportunities.
Electric Pressure
Sequence: LP → LP → HP → Lightning Bolt
Start with two quick low punches, follow with a high punch, and finish with a Lightning Bolt. This simple but effective combo shows how to chain normal attacks into special moves for good damage and screen control.
Raiden Strategy Tips
- Use the Teleport to escape corner pressure and surprise opponents
- The Lightning Bolt is excellent for controlling space and forcing opponents to make a move
- Mix up your approach with Teleports and Superman Flies to keep opponents guessing
- Raiden excels at both close and long range, making him a versatile fighter
- Use your mobility to frustrate opponents and create openings for counterattacks
Sonya Blade Moves Guide: Special Forces Commander

Sonya Blade
Real Name: Sonya Blade
Fighting Style: Military Combat/Kenpo
Weapon: None (Hand-to-hand)
Alignment: Good
Sonya Blade is a Special Forces officer who entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to track down the criminal Kano. As the only female fighter in the original game, Sonya brings a unique fighting style that combines military training with acrobatic moves. Her Mortal Kombat moves include her signature Leg Grab and Energy Rings, giving her options at multiple ranges.
Sonya's Special Moves
Energy Rings
Input: Forward, Back, LP
Sonya fires pink energy rings across the screen. This Mortal Kombat move is her primary projectile for zoning and controlling space. The Energy Rings travel quickly and can be used to keep opponents at bay or force them to jump.
Leg Grab
Input: Down + LP + BL (Close distance)
Sonya performs a handstand and grabs her opponent with her legs, then slams them to the ground. This Mortal Kombat move is a command throw that cannot be blocked, making it perfect for breaking through an opponent's defense. The Leg Grab must be performed at close range.
Square Wave Punch
Input: Forward, Down, Forward, HP
Sonya performs a rising uppercut that launches her into the air. This Mortal Kombat move has invincibility frames during startup, making it an excellent anti-air attack and reversal option. The Square Wave Punch can also be used to punish projectiles if timed correctly.
Sonya's Fatality
Kiss of Death
Input: Forward, Forward, Forward, LK (Close distance)
Sonya blows a kiss of fire that burns her opponent to a skeleton. This iconic Mortal Kombat fatality must be performed at close range and showcases Sonya's deadly charm beneath her military exterior.
Effective Sonya Combos
Ring Pressure
Sequence: Energy Rings → Forward + HP → LP → Leg Grab
Throw Energy Rings to force your opponent to block, then close in with a jumping high punch, follow with a low punch, and finish with a Leg Grab. This combo demonstrates how to use Sonya's Mortal Kombat moves to maintain offensive pressure and break through blocks.
Anti-Air Punish
Sequence: Square Wave Punch (as anti-air) → LP → LP → Energy Rings
Catch a jumping opponent with a Square Wave Punch, then follow with two quick low punches and finish with Energy Rings. This combo shows how to punish jumping opponents and maintain advantage after an anti-air hit.
Sonya Strategy Tips
- Use the Energy Rings to control space and force opponents to make a move
- The Leg Grab is perfect for breaking through an opponent's defense, but must be used at close range
- The Square Wave Punch is an excellent anti-air attack and reversal option
- Mix up your approach with normal attacks and special moves to keep opponents guessing
- Sonya excels at mid-range where she can threaten with both Energy Rings and close-range attacks
Kano Moves Guide: The Black Dragon Mercenary

Kano
Real Name: Kano
Fighting Style: Xing Yi/Knife Fighting
Weapon: Butterfly Knives
Alignment: Evil
Kano is the ruthless leader of the Black Dragon crime syndicate and one of the primary antagonists in the original Mortal Kombat. His cybernetic enhancements and brutal fighting style make him a dangerous opponent. Kano's Mortal Kombat moves include his signature Cannonball and Knife Throw, giving him options for both offense and defense.
Kano's Special Moves
Knife Throw
Input: Down, Forward, HP
Kano throws a knife across the screen. This Mortal Kombat move is his primary projectile for zoning and controlling space. The Knife Throw travels quickly and can be used to keep opponents at bay or force them to jump.
Cannonball
Input: Down, Back, LP
Kano curls into a ball and launches himself at his opponent. This Mortal Kombat move covers significant distance and can be used to close gaps quickly. The Cannonball has good priority over many other attacks and can even go through some projectiles.
Knife Uppercut
Input: Back, Down, Back, HP
Kano performs an uppercut with his knife, dealing additional damage. This Mortal Kombat move has good priority and can be used as an anti-air attack or to punish opponents after blocking their attacks.
Kano's Fatality
Heart Rip
Input: Back, Down, Forward, LP (Close distance)
Kano plunges his hand into his opponent's chest and rips out their still-beating heart. This brutal Mortal Kombat fatality must be performed at close range and showcases Kano's ruthless nature and physical strength.
Effective Kano Combos
Knife Pressure
Sequence: Knife Throw → Forward + HP → LP → Cannonball
Throw a Knife to force your opponent to block, then close in with a jumping high punch, follow with a low punch, and finish with a Cannonball. This combo demonstrates how to use Kano's Mortal Kombat moves to maintain offensive pressure.
Uppercut Punish
Sequence: LP → HP → Knife Uppercut
Start with a low punch, follow with a high punch, and finish with a Knife Uppercut. This simple but effective combo shows how to chain normal attacks into special moves for good damage.
Kano Strategy Tips
- Use the Knife Throw to control space and force opponents to make a move
- The Cannonball is excellent for closing distance quickly and surprising opponents
- The Knife Uppercut is a good anti-air attack and can punish opponents after blocking
- Mix up your approach with normal attacks and special moves to keep opponents guessing
- Kano excels at mid-range where he can threaten with both Knife Throws and Cannonballs
Hidden Characters & Secret Moves in Mortal Kombat
One of the most exciting aspects of the original Mortal Kombat was the inclusion of hidden content that players had to discover. The most notable secret was the hidden character Reptile, a mysterious green-clad ninja who combined the abilities of Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Accessing Reptile and other secret content in Mortal Kombat required specific conditions and inputs that weren't obvious to casual players.
How to Fight Reptile
To face Reptile in the original Mortal Kombat arcade game, players needed to meet several specific conditions:
- Fight on The Pit stage
- A shadow must fly across the moon (occurs randomly)
- Don't use Block during the entire round
- Perform a Fatality
- Win both rounds with a Flawless Victory (take no damage)
If all conditions were met, players would be transported to the bottom of The Pit to face Reptile. This secret encounter became legendary among arcade players and demonstrated Mortal Kombat's innovative approach to hidden content.
Reptile's Special Moves
As a hidden character, Reptile combined the special moves of both Scorpion and Sub-Zero, making him an extremely powerful fighter:
Acid Spit
Input: Forward, Forward, HP
Reptile spits acid at his opponent, temporarily stunning them. This unique Mortal Kombat move creates openings for follow-up attacks and combos.
Force Ball
Input: Back, Back, HP
Reptile fires a green energy ball that travels across the screen. This projectile is faster than both Scorpion's and Sub-Zero's, making it an excellent zoning tool.
Slide
Input: Back + LP + LK + BL
Reptile slides across the floor, hitting his opponent's legs. This move is identical to Sub-Zero's Slide and provides good mobility and low-hitting options.
Invisibility
Input: Up, Up, HP
Reptile becomes invisible for a short period, making it difficult for opponents to track his movements. This unique Mortal Kombat move adds an element of surprise to Reptile's arsenal.
Other Secret Content in Mortal Kombat
Beyond Reptile, the original Mortal Kombat contained other secrets that players could discover:
- Goro: While not technically hidden, the four-armed sub-boss Goro was not playable in the arcade version without special codes or modifications.
- Shang Tsung: The final boss of the tournament could transform into any other fighter, essentially giving him access to all Mortal Kombat moves in the game.
- Secret Endurance Matches: Special endurance matches could be accessed through specific conditions, challenging players to defeat multiple opponents in succession.
- Test Your Might: This bonus mini-game appeared between certain matches, challenging players to break increasingly difficult materials by rapidly pressing buttons.
These secrets and hidden content helped establish Mortal Kombat as a game that rewarded exploration and mastery, contributing to its legendary status in arcade gaming history.
Advanced Strategies & Combos for Mortal Kombat Masters
Mastering Mortal Kombat goes beyond memorizing special moves and fatalities. True champions understand the nuances of spacing, timing, and matchup knowledge. In this section, we'll explore advanced strategies that can elevate your Mortal Kombat gameplay to tournament level.
Universal Advanced Techniques
Frame Traps
A frame trap occurs when you perform an attack that leaves just enough of a gap to bait your opponent into pressing a button, but not enough time for their attack to come out before your next hit. This is particularly effective with characters like Johnny Cage and Liu Kang who have fast normal attacks.
Tick Throws
Perform a safe, quick attack that your opponent blocks, then immediately throw them during their block stun. This technique is especially effective with Sonya's Leg Grab, which cannot be blocked once initiated.
Whiff Punishing
Deliberately stay just outside your opponent's attack range to bait them into missing (whiffing) an attack, then punish with a fast move of your own. Characters with good reach like Sub-Zero excel at this strategy.
Option Selects
Input multiple commands simultaneously so that the game chooses the most appropriate action based on the situation. For example, inputting both a special move and a block can ensure you block if your opponent attacks or perform your special move if they don't.
Character-Specific Advanced Strategies
Scorpion: Teleport Mind Games
Master the art of teleport canceling by inputting the teleport command but not completing it. This creates hesitation in your opponent as they anticipate the teleport, opening them up to other attacks. When you do teleport, mix up your follow-up between throws, combos, and blocks to keep opponents guessing.
Sub-Zero: Freeze Setups
After landing a Freeze, don't always go for the obvious uppercut or combo. Sometimes it's more advantageous to reposition, throw another Freeze as they're getting up, or bait a reversal attempt. Creating these freeze setups makes Sub-Zero one of the most dangerous characters in Mortal Kombat.
Liu Kang: Flying Kick Baits
The Flying Kick is not just an approach tool—it's a psychological weapon. Perform the forward, forward motion without pressing High Kick to make your opponent think you're about to Flying Kick. When they react, punish with a Fireball or normal attack instead.
Raiden: Teleport Mixups
Raiden's teleport allows for complex mind games. After conditioning your opponent to expect a certain follow-up after teleport, switch to something unexpected. For example, if you've been attacking after teleport, suddenly block instead to bait and punish their reaction.
Tournament-Level Combos
These advanced combos require precise timing and execution but deliver maximum damage in competitive play:
Scorpion's Spear Combo
Sequence: Spear → HP → LP → LP → HP → Teleport Punch
This extended combo uses the stun from Scorpion's spear to start a devastating sequence that ends with a teleport punch, making it difficult for opponents to predict the final hit location.
Sub-Zero's Freeze Juggle
Sequence: Freeze → HP (Uppercut) → Forward + HP (Jump Punch) → Slide
After freezing the opponent, launch them with an uppercut, then jump and hit them in mid-air, finishing with a slide as they land. This combo demonstrates advanced juggle mechanics in Mortal Kombat.
Liu Kang's Pressure String
Sequence: LP → LP → Forward + LK → Flying Kick → (if it hits) LP → LP → Bicycle Kick
This extended pressure string uses Liu Kang's quick normal attacks to set up his special moves, creating a devastating sequence that's difficult to escape once it begins.
Pro Tournament Tip
In high-level Mortal Kombat play, psychological warfare is as important as execution. Establish patterns early in the match, then break them at critical moments to catch your opponent off guard. For example, if you've been using Scorpion's Spear at a certain distance, suddenly close that distance with a jump attack instead.
Conclusion: Becoming a Mortal Kombat Master
Mastering Mortal Kombat requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of each character's strengths and weaknesses. By learning the special moves, fatalities, and combos outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to dominating the tournament and proving your worth as a champion fighter.
Remember that Mortal Kombat is not just about memorizing inputs—it's about adapting to your opponent, managing space, and making strategic decisions in the heat of battle. Each character offers a unique playstyle and set of tools, so experiment with different fighters to find the one that best suits your approach to combat.
Whether you prefer Scorpion's vengeful attacks, Sub-Zero's freezing techniques, Liu Kang's balanced fighting style, or any other character's unique Mortal Kombat moves, the key to victory lies in practice and persistence. Study your opponents, learn from your defeats, and continuously refine your techniques to become a true Mortal Kombat master.
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