10 Crucial Tips to Master Mortal Kombat

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping experience that will test your reflexes and ignite your competitive spirit. Mortal Kombat, the legendary fighting game series, has captivated millions worldwide with its visceral combat, iconic characters, and brutal fatalities. Dive into the realm of Earthrealm and Netherrealm, where warriors from different dimensions clash in epic battles to determine the fate of worlds. Master the art of combos, special moves, and devastating finishers, as you ascend to become the ultimate fighter.

Before you step into the arena, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the game’s basic mechanics. Choose your fighter from a diverse roster, each possessing unique abilities and fighting styles. The controls are intuitive, but mastering them requires practice and strategy. Learn to execute basic attacks, block incoming strikes, and unleash special moves that can turn the tide of battle. As you progress, discover the nuances of gameplay, including juggles, cancels, and advanced techniques that will elevate your skills.

In Mortal Kombat, every victory is hard-earned. Engage in intense one-on-one duels against AI opponents or human players in various game modes. Climb the ranks in the online ladder and prove your worth against the best in the world. Unlock hidden characters, costumes, and brutal fatalities that will strike fear into the hearts of your foes. With each battle, you will refine your skills, learn from your mistakes, and forge an indomitable spirit that will carry you to the top of the combat hierarchy. So prepare to unleash your inner warrior and experience the legendary thrill of Mortal Kombat.

Controls and Interface

Controls

Mortal Kombat is a fighting game that uses a variety of buttons and joystick movements to control the characters. The basic controls are as follows:

Button	Function
D-pad	Move the character
A	Punch
B	Kick
X	Special move
Y	Fatality
L	Block
R	Run

In addition to these basic controls, there are also a number of advanced techniques that can be used to perform more powerful moves. These techniques include:

Combos: Combinations of buttons and joystick movements that can be used to perform a series of attacks.
Special moves: Moves that can be performed by pressing a specific button combination.
Fatalities: Finishing moves that can be performed by pressing a specific button combination after defeating an opponent.

Interface

The Mortal Kombat interface is designed to provide players with all the information they need to play the game. The interface includes the following elements:

Health bar: A bar that shows the amount of health that the player’s character has remaining.
Power bar: A bar that shows the amount of power that the player’s character has remaining.
Time bar: A bar that shows how much time is remaining in the round.
Combo counter: A counter that shows the number of hits that the player has landed in a row.
Fatality meter: A meter that shows how close the player is to performing a Fatality.

Basic Attacks

Light Attacks

Light attacks are the bread and butter of Mortal Kombat, and they can be used in a variety of ways to control the pace and rhythm of combat. These attacks are quick and can be executed in rapid succession, making them ideal for poking and pressuring opponents. Additionally, light attacks can be used to cancel special moves, providing you with a way to mix up your offense and keep your opponent guessing.

Mid Attacks

Mid attacks are slower and more powerful than light attacks, but they also have more range and knockdown potential. Mid attacks can be used to break through an opponent’s defenses, create space, or punish them for making mistakes. However, they are also more punishable than light attacks, so it’s important to use them wisely.

Attack	Damage	Startup	Active	Recovery
Standing Light Punch	5	5	4	8
Standing Light Kick	6	6	5	9
Crouching Light Punch	4	4	3	7
Crouching Light Kick	5	5	4	8
Jumping Light Punch	6	6	5	9
Jumping Light Kick	7	7	6	10

Special Moves

Universal Special Moves

These special moves can be performed by all characters in the game. They are used for quick attacks and zoning:

Jump Attack: Press Up + Attack Button
Roll: Press Back, Forward + Attack Button
Throw: Press Forward, Forward + Attack Button
Uppercut: Press Down, Forward + Attack Button

Unique Special Moves

Each character in Mortal Kombat has a unique set of special moves that can only be performed by them. These moves vary in execution and damage output, and they play a crucial role in determining each character’s playstyle and strengths.

Here are a few examples of unique special moves across different characters:

Character	Special Move	Execution
Scorpion	Spear	Down, Back + Attack Button
Sub-Zero	Slide	Forward, Down, Forward + Attack Button
Liu Kang	Dragon Fireball	Forward, Forward + Attack Button

Advanced Special Moves

Advanced special moves are more complex and difficult to execute than regular special moves. They are typically performed by combining two or more inputs and may require precise timing. These moves often deal more damage or have unique effects:

Enhanced Moves: These are enhanced versions of regular special moves that can be performed with additional inputs. They typically deal more damage or have improved properties.
Meter Burn Moves: These special moves consume one bar of super meter to increase their damage or add additional effects.
Fatal Blows: These are extremely powerful moves that can only be performed when a character is below 30% health. They deal massive damage and can end a round instantly.

Fatalities

Fatalities are iconic, over-the-top finishers that have become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat series. To perform a Fatality, the player must first defeat their opponent, then input a specific sequence of buttons during the “Finish Him/Her” prompt. Here are some of the most famous Fatalities in Mortal Kombat history:

Sub-Zero: Spine Rip – Sub-Zero freezes his opponent’s head and shoulders, then rips their spine out through their mouth.

Scorpion: Get Over Here – Scorpion spears his opponent with his kunai, then pulls them towards him and impales them on his sword.

Johnny Cage: Split Punch – Johnny Cage punches his opponent in the groin, then uppercuts them into the air, and finally splits them in half with a bicycle kick.

Liu Kang: Bicycle Kick – Liu Kang performs a spinning bicycle kick that shatters his opponent’s skull.

Goro: Heart Rip – Goro grabs his opponent’s heart and rips it out of their chest.

Kitana: Fan Fare – Kitana uses her fans to slice her opponent into pieces.

Baraka: Razor Blade Throw – Baraka throws his razor blades at his opponent, shredding them to pieces.

Character	Fatality	Description
Sub-Zero	Spine Rip	Freezes opponent’s head and shoulders, then rips spine out through mouth.
Scorpion	Get Over Here	Spears opponent with kunai, then pulls towards him and impales on sword.
Johnny Cage	Split Punch	Punches opponent in groin, uppercuts into air, then splits in half with bicycle kick.
Liu Kang	Bicycle Kick	Performs spinning bicycle kick that shatters opponent’s skull.
Goro	Heart Rip	Grabs opponent’s heart and rips it out of chest.
Kitana	Fan Fare	Uses fans to slice opponent into pieces.
Baraka	Razor Blade Throw	Throws razor blades at opponent, shredding them to pieces.

Combo Attacks

Combo attacks are intricate sequences of moves that can deal devastating damage to your opponent. These attacks typically consist of a series of basic and special moves that are executed in a specific order. Master combo attacks can be difficult, but they are essential for success in Mortal Kombat.

Types of Combo Attacks

There are two main types of combo attacks in Mortal Kombat:

Basic Combos: These combos are relatively easy to execute and typically consist of a few basic moves.
Advanced Combos: These combos are more complex and can deal more damage. They often require precise timing and execution.

How to Perform Combo Attacks

To perform a combo attack, you must first input the correct sequence of buttons. The timing of your button presses is critical. If you input the buttons too quickly or too slowly, the combo will not work.

Tips for Mastering Combo Attacks

Here are a few tips for mastering combo attacks in Mortal Kombat:

Practice: The best way to improve your combo skills is to practice. Spend time in the practice mode of the game to learn the different combos.
Learn the timing: The timing of your button presses is crucial for performing combos. If you are having trouble with a particular combo, try slowing down the game speed and focusing on the timing.
Use a variety of combos: Don’t rely on the same combo over and over again. Learn a variety of combos to keep your opponent guessing.

Sample Combo Attacks

The following table shows a few sample combo attacks for Mortal Kombat:

Character	Combo	Damage
Scorpion	Spear -> Teleport -> Uppercut	20%
Sub-Zero	Ice Ball -> Slide -> Freeze	25%
Liu Kang	Flying Kick -> Bicycle Kick -> Dragon Punch	30%

Character Selection

Character selection in Mortal Kombat is a crucial aspect that determines the playstyle and strategies you’ll employ in the game. The roster features diverse characters, each with unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. You can select your character based on your preferences and fighting style. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a character:

1. Fighting Style:

Every character has a distinct fighting style that revolves around specific strengths and weaknesses. Some fighters might specialize in long-range attacks, while others excel in close combat or grappling. Consider your preferred playstyle and choose a character that aligns with it.

2. Ability Variations:

Each character has three different ability variations that modify their attacks and abilities. These variations allow for customization and adaptability. Explore the variations and select the one that best suits your playstyle or matchup.

3. Special Moves and Fatalities:

Special moves are unique attacks that can inflict significant damage or provide tactical advantages. Fatalities are gruesome finishing moves that can be a demoralizing sight for your opponent. Check out the character’s special moves and fatalities to see which ones appeal to you most.

4. Tier List:

Tier lists, while not definitive, can provide an indication of the characters’ perceived strength and effectiveness in the meta. However, it’s important to note that individual skill and preferences can override the tier list rankings.

5. Playable DLC Characters:

In addition to the base roster, Mortal Kombat offers downloadable content (DLC) that introduces additional playable characters. These characters are not available initially but can be purchased separately or as part of a season pass.

6. Personal Preferences:

Ultimately, character selection is a matter of personal preferences. Choose a character that you find fun to play and resonates with your style. You’ll be more comfortable and effective with a character you enjoy.

7. Character Matchups:

Understanding character matchups can be crucial in competitive play. Certain characters have advantageous or disadvantageous matchups against specific opponents. Studying these matchups and adjusting your character selection accordingly can give you an edge in battle.

Online Multiplayer

Mortal Kombat’s online multiplayer mode allows you to battle against players from around the world in a variety of modes.

To access online multiplayer, simply select “Online” from the main menu. You will then be presented with a list of available modes:

Ranked Matches: These matches are used to determine your rank and earn rewards.
Casual Matches: These matches are for fun and do not affect your rank.
King of the Hill: This mode pits eight players against each other in a free-for-all battle. The last player standing is the winner.
Tournament: This mode allows you to create and participate in your own tournaments.
Co-op: This mode allows you to team up with a friend to take on AI opponents.

Matchmaking

When you select a multiplayer mode, you will be matched with other players based on your skill level and preferences. You can also choose to create a private match and invite friends to join.

Once you are in a match, you will have a variety of options to customize your experience. You can choose your character, stage, and game settings. You can also communicate with other players using the in-game chat system.

Rewards

You can earn a variety of rewards for playing online multiplayer, including:

Reward	How to Earn
Koins	By winning matches
Experience points	By completing matches
Unlockable items	By reaching certain milestones

The Krypt

The Krypt is a bonus mode in Mortal Kombat that is set within a 3D environment, inspired by the arcade game Gauntlet. In the Krypt, you can explore the ruins of the Wu Shi Academy, fighting enemies and finding secret items. You can spend Koins to unlock chests throughout the Krypt, which may contain character skins, concept art, or other in-game bonuses.

Here are some of the things you can do in the Krypt:

– Fight enemies: You can fight various enemies in the Krypt, including Outworld demons, undead warriors, and even other Mortal Kombat characters.
– Find secret areas: There are many secret areas hidden within the Krypt. Some of these areas contain valuable items, such as Koins or character skins.
– Solve puzzles: The Krypt is full of puzzles, which you must solve in order to progress. Some of these puzzles are simple, while others are quite challenging.
– Unlock chests: The Krypt is filled with chests, which you can unlock by spending Koins. Chests may contain character skins, concept art, or other in-game bonuses.

The Well of Souls

The Well of Souls is a special area in the Krypt where you can use Koins to unlock character skins. The Well of Souls is located in the center of the Krypt, and it is surrounded by a ring of statues. Each statue represents a different character in the Mortal Kombat roster. To unlock a character skin, you must approach the statue for that character and spend the required number of Koins.

Character	Cost
Scorpion	10,000 Koins
Sub-Zero	10,000 Koins
Raiden	10,000 Koins
Liu Kang	10,000 Koins

Once you have unlocked a character skin, you can use it in the main game mode.

How to Play Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat is a fighting game series that has been around for over 25 years. It is known for its fast-paced gameplay, over-the-top fatalities, and iconic characters. If you’re new to Mortal Kombat, here’s a quick guide on how to play.

Controls:

Movement: D-pad or left analog stick
Attack: Square, Circle, Triangle, X
Block: L1
Run: Hold down L1 and push forward
Jump: X
Throw: Forward + Circle

Gameplay:

The goal of Mortal Kombat is to defeat your opponent by reducing their health to zero. You can do this by using a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, special moves, and fatalities. Each character has their own unique set of moves, so it’s important to learn which ones work best for you.

Fatalities:

Fatalities are special moves that can be used to finish off your opponent in a brutal way. To perform a fatality, you must first defeat your opponent with a certain combination of attacks. Once you have met the requirements, you can input the fatality command to perform the move.