Li Mei will likely feel like a brand-new character to many of those playing Mortal Kombat 1, but the truth is she’s just been missing in action since the PS2 era of the series. Her return brings along a fresh moveset and plenty of flashy attacks that help her stand out among the roster. From her moves list to some general pointers, this guide will go over how to play Li Mei in MK1.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Li Mei Guide

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

MK 1 Li Mei 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. It’s important to learn these as any combos you find on the internet will be using these numbers as shorthand.

NotationCommandPlayStation InputsXbox InputsNintendo Switch Inputs1Front PunchSquareXY2Back PunchTriangleYX3Front KickCrossAB4Back KickCircleBA

Li Mei Basic Attacks

Move NameInputsWarrior’s Strike1Forces of Light1, 2Seeking Sanctuary1, 2, 4Low JabDown+1Light Hook2Seasoned Warrior2, 1Against The Rope2, 1, 4Double PalmBack+2Nova BurstBack+2, 1 Hammering UppercutDown+2Flick Kick3High HeelBack+3No Holds BarredBack+3, 4Low SpinForward+3Low Spin (Cancel)Forward+3 (Hold 3)Stiletto StabDown+3Broken Pedicure4Rough Zuffa4, 3Pankration Champion4, 3, 1, 2Calculated4, 3, 4Clean SweepBack+4Sliding InForward+4Kick PrecisionForward+4, 3Lion TailForward+4, 4Shin BreakerDown+4

Li Mei Aerial Attacks

Move NameInputsPalm PushForwardUp+1RebelForwardUp+1, 3For FreedomFowardUp+1, 3, 4Straight PunchFowardUp+2Fierce FistFowardUp+2, 1DeterminationFowardUp+2, 1, 2Flying FuryFowardUp+2, 1, 2, 1Side KickFowardUp+3 or FowardUp+4

Li Mei Throws

Move NameInputsShoveForward+L1/LB or Forward+1+3The Lion’s AppetizerL1/LB or 1+3

Li Mei Special Moves

Move NameInputsNova BlastBack, Forward, 1Enhanced Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1+R2/RT(Air) Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1(Air) Enhanced Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1+R2/RTSky LanternDown, Back, 2Foo TangDown, Back, 3Enhanced Foo TangDown, Back, 3+R2/RTChain ReactionBack, Forward, 4Enhanced Chain ReactionBack, Forward, 4+R2/RT(Air) Flipping Heel KickDown, Back, 4(Air) Enhanced Flipping Heel KickDown, Back, 4+R2/RT

Li Mei Fatal Blow

Move NameInputsThe Lion’s FeastL2+R2/LT+RT

Li Mei Fatalities

Move NameInputsRoman CandleForward, Back, Forward, 3

Li Mei Brutalities

Move NameInputsThe KlassicDown+2

Related: Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities: The Complete List

How to Play Li Mei in Mortal Kombat 1

Image via Mortal Kombat YouTube

This is a character with a ton of great tools to keep your opponents on their toes. These are some things to keep in mind when learning how to play Li Mei in Mortal Kombat 1.

  • Kick Precision is a wonderful launcher that gives you plenty of time to start some air combos.
  • Catch your opponent off-guard by mixing up the above with the overhead-hitting Lion Tail, which starts from the same buttons.
  • Low Spin is a flashy combo ender, and if the inputs are held down, the hit can be delayed or canceled into a different aerial attack altogether.
  • Chain Reaction is a literal firework-popping combo ender, but with the right Kameo assist it can be used in the middle of a combo too.
  • Nova Blast is a reliable projectile, and its enhanced version can be used to extend or start combos as it’ll bounce the opponent back in your direction.
  • Sky Lantern doesn’t look like much, but it’s her most unique tool – throw it out to deter jumping and to extend combos.

Feel free to return to our Mortal Kombat 1 Li Mei guide whenever you need a refresher on her moves list and how to play her. And check out our collection of MK1 guides encompassing unlocks, movelists, and more.

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