A confidant of Liu Kang in the past timeline, Kung Lao returns to Mortal Kombat 1 with changes to his personality but retains his ferocity. Players who’ve played previous Mortal Kombat games will notice that, but they’ll also notice brand-new features previously non-existent in his older incarnation. So, if you are a new player and you want to learn how to fight him, here are all the best Kung Lao moves and combos in Mortal Kombat 1.
What You Will Learn
- Understanding Kung Lao's core and special moves for effective gameplay.
- Exploring various combos to maximize damage during fights.
- Learning about the unique features that enhance Kung Lao's fighting style in Mortal Kombat 1.
- Tips on how to adapt your strategy when playing as Kung Lao.
Mortal Kombat 1 Kung Lao Moves
Before we proceed, it's important to note that Mortal Kombat 1 controls follow a unique notation that might be unfamiliar to you. To fully grasp the techniques involved, I recommend reviewing a guide on the control scheme first.
Kung Lao Core Moves
Kung Lao practices Shaolin martial arts, which aligns with his background as he trains with the Shaolin monks in Earthrealm. Consequently, many of his core moves reflect popular techniques found in Chinese martial arts films. Here are some key core moves you should familiarize yourself with:
- Dragon Scales: 1, 2
- Shaolin Strike: B + 1
- Body Blows: 2, 1
- Heavy Chops: B + 2
- Human Weapon: B + 2, 4
- Downward Slice: F + 2
- Rising Chi: D + 2
- Knee Buckle: B + 3
- Dip One’s Woes: F + 3
- Shaolin Spin: B + 4
- Calm Palm (air): FU + 1
- Quick Fist (air): FU + 1, 2
Kung Lao Special Moves
Kung Lao has a diverse arsenal of special moves at his disposal. These attacks are typically executed after you create openings in your opponent's defense with core moves. Here's a complete list of Kung Lao's special moves:
- Buzzsaw: BF, 1 (press the ex for enhanced Buzzsaw)
- Hat Toss: DB, 1 (press the ex for enhanced Hat Toss)
- Direct Up: Hold U
- Direct Down: Hold D
- Shaolin Shimmy: BF, 2 (press the ex for enhanced Shaolin Shimmy)
- Kung-Kussion: DB, 2 (press the ex for enhanced Kung-Kussion)
- Shaolin Spin: UU, 3 (press the ex for enhanced Shaolin Spin, hold 3 to extend the spin, and press B or F to move back or forward)
- Soaring Monk: DB, 4 (press the ex for enhanced Soaring Monk)
- Dive Kick (air): DB, 4 (hold ex for enhanced Dive Kick)
Best Mortal Kombat 1 Kung Lao Combos
To perform combos as Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat 1, you’ll first need to create openings in your opponent's defense using core moves. Extensions with special moves allow you to maintain the combo and deliver greater damage. Here are some of the best combos you can try:
Best Kung Lao Ground Combos
- Punishing Palm: 1, 2, 1
- Madam El-Bo: 2, 1, 2
- Eight Trigram Palm: 2, 1, 2, 1
- One More Time: F + 3, 3, 3
- Focused Footsies: B + 3, 3
- Monastery Mixup: B + 3, 4
- Sweep The Foot: B + 1, 4
Best Kung Lao Air Combos
- Hinge Kick (air): FU + 1, 2, 4
- Split Kick (air): FU + 3, 4
- Spinning Flash (air): FU + 3, 4, 3
Best Kung Lao Advanced Combos
- Bread-and-Butter combo: 2, ex DB, 4, (air) 2, FDash, B+24, FDash, 124 ~ ex DB, 2, 4, DB, 2
- Corner combo: B + 24, B + 24 ~ FJ124, ex DB, 4 ~ 121, BF, 2
- One Meter combo: B + 24, B + 24, FDash, F + 33, ex BF, 2, 4, BF, 2
- Soaring Monk Goro-assist combo: 212 ~ ex DB, 4, J2, Dash, B24, Dash, 121 ~ ex DB, 4, B + K, J124 ~ DB4
- Air-to-Air Kombo: J2, B24, Dash, 121 ~ BF2
These are the best Kung Lao moves and combos in Mortal Kombat 1. As you explore his basic moves and advanced combos, you might find yourself enjoying Kung Lao even more. Let me know in the comments if you give Kung Lao a try and if you decide to main him!
