K'
A central protagonist of the NESTS storyline who uses flame-based attacks and fights alongside Maxima.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move, crouch, and jump |
|---|---|
A | Light punch |
B | Light kick |
C | Heavy punch |
D | Heavy kick |
AB | Dodge or evade Arcade control convention; exact behavior depends on situation. |
CD | Blow-away attack Used as a heavy guard-crushing attack. |
START | Call or select a striker when permitted The exact use depends on the current game state. |
Control notes
The game uses an arcade joystick and four attack buttons labeled A, B, C, and D.
Button functions can vary during character-specific command inputs.
How it plays
How does The King of Fighters 2001 play?
Matches are viewed from a side-on 2D perspective. A player selects a team, assigns a ratio to determine the strength and number of active fighters, and then fights through successive one-on-one rounds. A defeated fighter is removed, while the surviving character keeps remaining health between rounds.
Players use punches, kicks, jumps, crouches, blocks, special moves, super desperation moves, and strikers. The ratio system supports teams ranging from one stronger fighter to four weaker fighters, creating different resource and matchup choices. Arcade progression ends with the NESTS bosses Zero and Igniz.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play The King of Fighters 2001?
Choose the ratio according to the team’s strengths rather than automatically placing the highest ratio on the first fighter. A single high-ratio character can dominate neutral exchanges, while several low-ratio characters provide more chances to recover from a mistake.
Save strikers for confirmed opportunities or defensive interruptions. Learn each character’s guard-cancel and cancel options, and avoid spending all available power early in a round. Against bosses, prioritize safe punishes and controlling the horizontal space instead of relying on repeated unsafe attacks.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Maxima
A cybernetically enhanced fighter and K's dependable partner.
Whip
A NESTS-related agent who uses a long mechanical whip in combat.
Lin
A mysterious assassin connected to the Hizoku clan and the search for Ron.
Kula Diamond
A young fighter with ice-based powers and an uneasy connection to NESTS.
Zero
A NESTS commander who serves as a major boss.
Igniz
The final boss and leader of NESTS.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Experiment with different ratio assignments; they substantially change a team’s durability and damage potential.
- 2
Use the practice of calling a striker during pressure carefully, because an unsuccessful call can leave the active fighter exposed.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0