AVirk13's Mortal Kombat 1 Liu Kang Character Guide

The Fire Lord and Earthrealm's protector himself, Liu Kang returns in Mortal Kombat 1, and with him, a plethora of core projectiles and zoning moves. Here at DashFight, we've brought in NRS top player AVirk13 to walk your through what makes Liu Kang click in this latest installment of the franchise.  If you haven't already, you can also read Avirk's breakdown of Scorpion.

Liu Kang's Gameplay Basics

You want to stay away from a mid-range and use as much of the screen as possible to zone out your opponent, at least until you can open them up and get right up and close to make use of all your tools. Don't be afraid to shimmy a lot and fish for pokes that then give you a chance to throw.

Since Liu Kang has a few risky strings and buttons, a lot of your game plan will revolve around conditioning your opponents and punishing them for it, such as using your Kameo to punish them for trying to flawless block your F4,4,3,4 string.

Best Buttons

• S1: Can punish a lot of things in the game as one of the faster S1 in the roster.
• F1: Good advancing normal, has a good string.
• D3: Solid ranged poke.
• D4: Another good poke.

Specials

• BF1: Great projectile that can be used in the air.
• DB1: Solid low projectile.
• BF4: Armor breaker and corner carry.
• BF3: Good for closing the distance and adding damage.
• DB4: Very situational but good damage.

Strings

• S1,2: 0F on block, allowing you for a cheeky D1 poke or throw.
• F1,4: On hit confirm can be canceled into DB4.
• S2,2: Leaves you are +3F on block, good to punish mashers.
• F4,4,3,4: Good pressure string, be mindful of the gap on the last hit.

Best Kameos for Liu Kang

Liu Kang's Bread & Butter Combos

Meterless

• 29% - F1,4, DB4, 3,3,3, BF3

Meter

• 36% - F4,3, BF3 (AMP), B2,3, 3,3,3, BF3
• 39% - F4,3, BF3, (AMP), B2,3, 3,3,3, BF3 (AMP), BF3
• 31% - F1,4, DB4, 3,3,3, BF3 (AMP), BF3

Kung Lao

• 22% - THROW, KAMEO, B2,3, 3,3,3, BF3

Corner

• 36% - F4,3, BF3 (AMP), B2,3, 3,3,3, BF3
• 44% - F4,3, B2,3, 3,3,3, BF3 (AMP), 3,3,3, BF3 (AMP), 3,3,3, BF3