Liu Kang
Shaolin warrior and one of Earthrealm's principal champions.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move, crouch, and jump |
|---|---|
A | High Punch |
B | Block |
C | Low Punch |
X | High Kick |
Y | Run |
Z | Low Kick |
Control notes
These mappings describe the Sega 32X six-button controller layout.
Direction inputs are combined with attack buttons for special moves and finishing moves.
Some moves require the fighter to be at a specific distance from the opponent.
How it plays
How does Mortal Kombat II play?
Matches use a side-view arena and are won by depleting the opponent's health in a best-of-three-round format. Players move, jump, crouch, block, perform punches and kicks, and use character-specific special moves.
The main one-player ladder leads through a sequence of opponents toward Kintaro and Shao Kahn. Versus mode supports two-player competition, while endurance-style encounters and secret battles add variety. Finishing moves can be performed after the final round when the game displays the appropriate prompt.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Mortal Kombat II?
Learn to block and punish unsafe attacks rather than relying only on repeated special moves. Each fighter has different reach, speed, and projectile options, so practice the distance at which normal attacks connect.
Save Fatalities and other finishing inputs for the end of a match, and use the training-like practice of Versus mode to learn spacing, jump attacks, and opponent patterns. Against Kintaro and Shao Kahn, keep your distance when possible and attack after their recovery windows.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Kung Lao
A disciplined fighter who uses his razor-edged hat as a weapon.
Johnny Cage
A Hollywood martial artist who fights with flashy strikes.
Sub-Zero
A cryomancer capable of freezing opponents and creating ice weapons.
Scorpion
A spectral ninja who attacks with a chained spear and hellfire.
Raiden
The thunder god and protector of Earthrealm.
Reptile
A stealthy reptilian warrior serving Outworld's rulers.
Kitana
An Edenian assassin who fights with steel fans.
Mileena
A dangerous clone and rival of Kitana armed with twin sais.
Jax
An Earthrealm soldier with powerful cybernetic arms.
Baraka
A Tarkatan warrior whose arm blades make him a brutal close-range fighter.
Shang Tsung
A sorcerer who can transform into other fighters.
Kintaro
A powerful Shokan sub-boss.
Shao Kahn
Outworld's emperor and the final boss.
Jade
A hidden green-clad assassin and secret opponent.
Smoke
A hidden gray ninja and secret opponent.
Noob Saibot
A hidden shadowy ninja encountered through a secret battle.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use block to survive aggressive rushes and wait for a punishable recovery.
- 2
Learn one reliable special move and one close-range combo for your chosen fighter.
- 3
Explore the arcade ladder for hidden encounters and alternate match conditions.
Community discussion
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