The ever-popular Liu Kang is back in Mortal Kombat 1, and this time, he’s a Fire God who reshaped a timeline. This also leaks into his gameplay where he has some new moves. From his moves list to some general pointers, this guide will go over how to play Liu Kang in MK1

Recommended Videos

Mortal Kombat 1 Liu Kang Guide

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

MK1 Liu Kang 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

Liu Kang Basic Attacks

Move NameInputsBare Knuckles1Dragon Scales1, 2Cosmic Fire1, 2, 1Fang StrikeForward+1Shaolin StutterForward+1, 4Low KnockDown+1Double Dragon2Dragon Fangs2, 2Pyromancer’s Gift2, 2, 1 TwistedBack+2TailwhipBack+2, 3Rising FlameDown+2High Flick3Chosen One3, 2Too Easy3, 3Holding Back3, 3, 3Side StepDown+3Brain Buster4Burning Desire4, 3Time SweeperBack+4Double StrikeForward+4The CreatorForward+4, 3Eternal PowerForward+4, 3, 4Reverse HeelDown+4

Liu Kang Aerial Attacks

Move NameInputsSnap BackForwardUp+1Deep ImpactForwardUp+1, 2KarmaForwardUp+1, 3UnstoppableForwardUp+1, 3, 4Heavy HandForwardUp+2Ultimate PowerForwardUp+2, 1New FutureForwardUp+2, 1, 2Dragon ClawForwardUp+3 or ForwardUp+4

Liu Kang Throws

Move NameInputsToward ThrowForward+L1/LB or Forward+1+3Cosmic Death SentenceL1/LB or 1+3

Liu Kang Special Moves

Move NameInputsFireballBack, Forward, 1Enhanced FireballBack, Forward, 1+R2/RT(Air) Fire StormBack, Forward, 1Enhanced (Air) Fire StormBack, Forward, 1+R2/RTLow DragonDown, Back, 1Enhanced Low DragonDown, Back, 1+R2/RTDragon’s TailBack, Forward, 3Enhanced Dragon’s TailBack, Forward, 3+R2/RTDancing DragonBack, Forward, 4Enhanced Dancing DragonBack, Forward, 4+R2/RTDragon’s BreathDown, Back, 4Enhanced Dragon’s BreathDown, Back, 4+R2/RTClose Dragon’s BreathDown, Back, 4+BackEnhanced Close Dragon’s BreathDown, Back, 4+R2/RT+Back

Liu Kang Fatal Blow

Move NameInputsMark of The CreatorL2+R2/LT+RT

Liu Kang Fatalities

Move NameInputsDouble DragonDown, Forward, Back, 4

Liu Kang Brutalities

Move NameInputsThe KlassicDown+2

Related: Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities: The Complete List

How to Play Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 1

Image via Mortal Kombat YouTube

Liu Kang has always been a well-rounded fighter in past entries, and that isn’t any different this time around. His moveset has seen some change to reflect his godly status though. These are some things to keep in mind when learning how to play Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 1.

  • The staple Fireball is a returning move that’s perfect for zoning on the ground or harshly punishing a jumping opponent when thrown in the air.
  • Joining it is the Low Dragon, which sends off a fiery dragon that travels across the screen and hits low.
  • Dragon’s Tail is another notable projectile, as it can quickly hit from across the screen and is followed up by his flying kick.
  • While the Bicycle Kick (his other staple from previous games) has been relegated to his Fatal Blow, his Dancing Dragon is a worthy successor and a flashy combo ender.

You should have a better understanding of how to play the new Fire God with our Mortal Kombat 1 Liu Kang guide. We’ll be updating this with new tips and potential moves once this fighter releases. If you’re just interested in brutal finishers, our MK1 Brutalities List has you covered. We’ve also got several other MK1 guides including unlocks and more.

Post Tag: Mortal Kombat 1 guides GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy