Annihilate the competition by mastering controls in the latest installment of Mortal Kombat featuring new air combat mechanics.
Mortal Kombat first debuted in 1992 and was developed by Midway Games, now known as NetherRealms Studios. On September 19th, 2023 the studio released Mortal Kombat 1, a sequel to MK11 and the twelfth main installment of the series. Mortal Kombat 1 features a new timeline and updated realistic style graphics. This year’s release also introduces Invasion Mode, a new RPG-style adventure with puzzles, challenges, and in-game currency.
Mastering the controls and mechanics is the most important part of becoming an intimidating fighter in any fighting game. Mortal Kombat controls have a reputation for being less complex than other games in the genre but, it remains vital to commit as many button commands to muscle memory as possible if you want to dominate your opponents.
Whether you play PlayStation, XBOX, Nintendo Switch, or on the PC, OutsiderGaming’s editorial team has you covered with information to get you started! Below you will find all of the Mortal Kombat 1 controls as well as tips on how to use the mechanics and gain advantage in your fights.
Keyboard Controls
| Front Punch | J |
| Back Punch | I |
| Front Kick | K |
| Back Kick | L |
| Throw | Space |
| Block | O |
| Kameo | ; |
| Flip Stance | U |
| Jump | W |
| Duck | S |
| Move Left | A |
| Move Right | D |
| Use Talisman | B |
| Reset Practice | M |
PS5 / XBOX / Switch Controls
| Move | Xbox | PS5 | Nintendo Switch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Punch | X | Square | X |
| Back Punch | Y | Triangle | Y |
| Front Kick | A | X | A |
| Back Kick | B | Circle | B |
| Throw | LB | L1 | L |
| Block | RT | R2 | ZR |
| Kameo | RB | R1 | R |
| Flip Stance | LT | L2 | ZL |
| Jump | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
| Duck | D-PadDown | D-PadDown | D-PadDown |
| Move | D-Pad | D-Pad | D-Pad |
Mortal Kombat 1 Tips
1. Block-Based on Attack Type In Mortal Kombat 1
You have to think quickly and anticipate attacks if you want to be successful at blocking in Mortal Kombat 1. It is important to perform the correct block for the type of attack you are defending against. Mid-attacks are the most common type of attack and target a character’s midsection. Mid-attacks can be blocked while standing or ducking.
Low Attacks target the feet or lower body to counter standing blocks. You can only block a low attack if you are ducking. High attacks target the head or upper body. While high attacks can be blocked when standing or ducking, they can be evaded entirely by ducking without blocking. Visit Tutorial mode to learn advanced blocking techniques, this will improve your success at reading and anticipating attacks and fine-tune your abilities on defense.
2. New Kameo Attacks in Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new element to the fighting game experience with Kameo Fighters. These additional fighters are picked after selecting your main character. For instance, if you pick Sub-Zero as your main fighter, you can then select Stryker as your Kameo Partner. Attacks are specific to your Kameo fighter’s weapons and special moves.
Kameo fighters have three basic attacks and can join the fight to assist your main character. They also provide support with countering combos and blocks. With good timing, you can use Kameo attacks to initiate and extend combos as well. Kameo attacks are limited by a Kameo gauge located under your health bar and recharges automatically over time.
3. Learn new Air Combos in Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new aerial combat fighting system. You can start an attack from the ground and launch your opponent into a juggle of attacks while suspended in the air. The new combos include the use of special moves and Kameo fighters giving you the ability to create combinations.
Catching an opponent in the air with a jump kick, performing a launch attack, or using an uppercut, are all great ways to start an aerial combo. Trapping your opponent in the corner is a great way to string off multiple combos as the opponent has limited space. Air combos can inflict substantial damage while keeping your opponent defenseless.
4. Complete Tutorial Mode to master controls in Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 has a very extensive tutorial mode similar to sports games. Past titles had practice mode to learn gameplay and some used story mode as a way to learn the game mechanics. Mortal Kombat 1 has seven different tutorial sections that you can repeat as many times as needed and is very extensive.
The tutorials not only cover attacks but also positioning, and defensive tactics. You can learn combos strategy in different scenarios, learn how to pressure your opponent, how to time attacks, and advanced defensive techniques.
So there you have all the controls and some extra fighting tips for Mortal Kombat 1. The button mapping is what you would expect from a Mortal Kombat game which will make it easy to pick back up even if you haven’t played it in years. Tutorial mode is a great place to sharpen individual techniques and abilities but it is also very important to challenge yourself in real fights to make sure you are committing the move commands without thinking. Tower Mode, Invasion mode, and online are great ways to test your progress as a fighter.