The egotistical Johnny Cage returns in Mortal Kombat 1. Anyone familiar with the character will be sure to notice some changes though, as he’s bringing plenty of fresh moves and mechanics with him. If this stylish action star speaks to you, we’ve got you covered. From his moves list to some general pointers, this guide will go over how to play Johnny Cage in MK1.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Johnny Cage Guide: Moves List and How to Play

  • Basic Attacks
  • Aerial Attacks
  • Throws
  • Special Moves
  • Fatal Blow
  • Fatalities
  • Brutalities
  • How to Play Tips

MK1 Johnny Cage Moves List

Before we map out the move list, let’s break down the general notations. We’ll be using the number system that members of the community have long used for Mortal Kombat games.

NotationCommandPlayStation InputsXbox InputsNintendo Switch Inputs1Front PunchSquareXY2Back PunchTriangleYX3Front KickCrossAB4Back KickCircleBA

Johnny Cage Basic Attacks

Move NameInputsPlot Fist1Rough House1, 1Knuckle Under The Buckle1, 1, 2Kontracted Kick1, 1, 4Breaking BackhandForward+1Elbow’s WorldForward+1, 2Under The TableForward+1, 2, 3Back To The FootureForward+1, 2, 4The Bee’s KneesDown+1 Talk To The Hand2My Own Publifist2, 1Dunking On Haters2, 1, 2Legbanged RedemptShin2, 1, 4Foot Loosey Goosey2, 1, 4, 4GutbustersBack+2Charged GutbusterBack+2 (Hold)Rising StarDown+2Reading Shoe3Pow3, 3 FootlessBack+3Dizzy KneeForward+3Elbow Before MeForward+3, 2On The ChinForward+3, 2, 1Style PointsForward+3, 4Ankle Of The CovenantDown+3John Kick4Cagenado4, 4Sweep The LegBack+4FlipperForward+4Donkey KickDown+4

Johnny Cage Aerial Attacks

Move NameInputsSky DieForwardUp+1Private JetForwardUp+1, 2Air BloodForwardUp+1, 2, 4Face XForwardUp+2Air GoringForwardUp+2, 4Star Wrecked: The Final FootierForwardUp+2, 4, 4Toe TapForwardUp+3 or ForwardUp+4

Johnny Cage Throws

Move NameInputsShoveForward+L1/LB or Forward+1+3Hands OffL1+R2/LB+RT or 1+3+R2/RTWombo KomboL1/LB or 1 +3Hands OffL1+R2/LB+RT or 1+3+R2/RT

Johnny Cage Special Moves

Move NameInputsBall BusterBackDown+1Enhanced Ball BusterBackDown+1+R2/RTBall Buster (Hype)BackDown+1, L2/LTShow OffDownBack+1Extend Show OffDownBack+1 (Hold)Enhanced Show OffDownBack+1+R2/RTThrowing ShadeForwardDownBack+2Enhanced Throwing ShadeForwardDownBack+2+R2/RTThrowing Shade (Hype)ForwardDownBack+2, L2/LT Rising StarDownBack+3Enhanced Rising StarDownBack+3+R2/RTRising Star (Hype)DownBack+3, L2/LTShadow DashDownForward+3Enhanced Shadow DashDownForward+3+R2/RTExtend Shadow DashL2/LTShadow KickBackForward+4Enhanced Shadow KickBackForward+4+R2/RTShadow Kick (Hype)BackForward+4, L2/LTHypeForwardDownBack+4Wowing OutForwardDownBack+4

Johnny Cage Fatal Blow

Move NameInputsThat’s All FolksL2+R2/LT+RTOr Is It?L2+R2/LT+RT (Hold)Shadow DashDownForward+3

Johnny Cage Fatalities

Move NameInputsHollywood Walk of PainForward, Back, Down, 2

Johnny Cage Brutalities

Move NameInputsThe KlassicDown+2

Related: Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities: The Complete List

How to Play Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1

Screenshot by GameSkinny

Johnny Cage has always been a rushdown character, and that’s remained the same, but he enters this new era with some new tools to replace old ones. These are some things to keep in mind when learning how to play Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1.

  • From Dunking On Haters to Flipper, Johnny has many normals that will launch his enemies into the air for a follow-up or a Kameo assist.
  • Shadow Dash is a new move in his arsenal, which is great for maintaining space during combos.
  • He has a unique throw escape called Hands Off, which costs a bar but will break the opponent’s arm and disable them from throwing for a while.
  • Holding the inputs down for his Fatal Blow will delay the attack and turn it into a parry state, with the hit coming after a brief period of time or after you let the buttons go.
  • The biggest highlight is his new Hype Meter mechanic that builds from special attacks and unique taunts attached to them. Fill it up to enter a Hype state that allows him to cancel special moves into others as well as use some enhanced moves without draining his bar.

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the self-centered action star with this Mortal Kombat 1 Johnny Cage guide. Just like our other character guides, as well as our MK1 Brutalities list, we’ll be looking to update this with any additional tips we find once the game has been released. Check out our other MK1 guides covering unlocks and movelists.

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