Excited for Mortal Kombat 11? This guide will go over the basics of MKX so you can sharpen your skills in preparation.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how to play any version of Mortal Kombat. While each Mortal Kombat game is slightly different from the previous one, the premise and game mechanics of each are similar. Note that the arcade versions of Mortal Kombat are more limited than many console and PC specific versions.
Contents
How to play mortal kombat
①Health Bar
You will need to deplete your opponent’s health bar to win a round. Winning 2 out of 3 rounds will win you the battle.
② Stamina
Stamina is divided into 2 bars and is consumed when you perform actions. It will recover naturally over time.
Moves that consume 1 bar of Stamina: Back dash, interaction with the environment
Moves that consume 2 bars of Stamina: Breaker, Block Breaker, X-Ray
Moves that use Stamina over time: Run
③ Super Meter
Super Meter is divided into 3 bars and is used to perform special moves. Your Super Meter fills up when you take damage, attack a blocking opponent, or perform a special move.
Moves that consume 1 bar of meter: Enhanced Moves
Moves that consume 2 bars of meter: Breaker, Block Breaker
Moves that consume 3 bars of meter: X-Ray
Mortal Kombat X – Starter Guide
Combat
| Mortal Kombat X Controls | PS4 | XB1 |
| Front Punch | Square | X |
| Back Punch | Triangle | Y |
| Front Kick | Cross | A |
| Back Kick | Circle | B |
| Throw | L1 | LB |
| Flip Stance | L2 | LT |
| Interact | R1 | RB |
| Block | R2 | RT |
Dash
To perform a Dash, press ←, ← to dash backwards and →, → to dash forwards. Note that back dashes consume 1 bar of Stamina.
Run
To perform a Run, dash forward by pressing →, → and then press Block (R2 / RT). Your Stamina will deplete over time when using this action.
Throw
To Throw, get close to your opponent and press Throw (L1 / LB). To perform a Back Throw, press ← + (L1 / LB). Alternately, you can use the Front Punch + Front Kick input. To escape an opponent’s throw, press Front Punch for Forward Throws and Back Punch for Back Throws.
Interact
To interact with a stage’s environment, press Interact (R1 / RB) near a flashing object. Environments can allow you to use objects as weapons, projectiles, or jumping platforms.
Flip Stance
Flip Stance (L2 / LT) will change the posture of your character, however it will have no impact to gameplay. You can hold this button down to stay longer on the ground after a knockdown.
Enhanced Special Moves
Enhanced Special Moves are altered versions of Special Moves which deal additional damage and change their properties. You can perform this action by pressing Block (R2/ RT) at the end of a Special Move’s command. This will consume 1 bar of Super Meter.
Breaker
A Breaker will interrupt an opponent’s attack and free you from their combo. To perform a Breaker, hold → and press Block (R2 / RT). This will consume 2 bars of Super Meter and 2 bars of Stamina.
Block Breaker
A Block Breaker will push your opponent away while you are blocking. To perform this technique, press → + (L2 / LT) while blocking. This will consume 2 bars of Super Meter and 2 bars of Stamina.
X-Ray
When you have 3 bars of Super Meter, you can execute a high-damaging X-Ray move by pressing Flip Stance + Block (L2 + R2 / LT + RT).
Fatality
Finish off your opponent with a Fatality! As the announcer says “Finish Him/Her!” at the end of a match, input your character’s specific command before the timer runs out.
Where To Start
Story Mode
Story Mode is a great place to start if you are new to MKX or the Mortal Kombat franchise. As you progress through each mission, you will have the opportunity to play as and fight against a diverse cast of characters while participating in the narrative.
Living Towers
If you are looking for more variety, you can battle your way through Living Towers. Each tower features their own set of challenges and gameplay modifiers. Once defeated, you will earn Koins, Modifiers for other game modes, and kombat card icons. Be sure to visit the mode often as new towers will rotate hourly, daily, and weekly.
Training
Once you are ready to experiment with all the characters, dive into Practice Mode! From here, you can review their Move Lists and practice their kombos and special attacks. You can also use the Fatality Practice mode to perfect the timing of your finishers!
Krypt
To spend the Koins you have collected from Story Mode, Towers, Faction Battles, and Kombat Kard achievements, you will need to head into the Krypt. As you interact with the chests, tombs, and corpses, you will be rewarded with costumes, finishers, concept art, and kombat kard icons!
Versus and Online Versus
Ready to test your might? Challenge a human opponent in Versus and Online Versus Mode! Be warned that your matches will not be easy as the Mortal Kombat tournament will be represented by the best fighters of each realm.
Essential Mortal Kombat tips to know before you play
- Complete the Story Mode to unlock Shinnok as a playable character.
- Completing the Klassic Tower with most characters will unlock an additional costume for them.
- All characters come with 3 different variations that provide them with a unique set of attacks and special moves. Make sure to try out all three as the strengths of one variation can cover the weaknesses of another.
- Facing an opponent who likes to jump? Counter them with an uppercut by pressing ↓ + Back Punch.
Tips and Tricks for Play Mortal Kombat X & all other versions
1. Understand the basic mechanics of any Mortal Kombat fight.
2. Familiarize yourself with frame data.
3. Know the Mortal Kombat basic moves.
4. Know how combos work.
5. Know how fatalities work.
6. Play the campaign mode if it’s available.
7. Use any available tutorials before initiating a match.
8. Select an easy-to-play fighter.
9. Test each of the fighter’s moves.
10. Consider sticking to one fighter.
11. Practice with your selected fighter(s).