Mortal Kombat 1 is set to be a monumental entry in the long-running fighting game franchise, transporting players to a reimagined universe forged by Fire God Liu Kang. Following his triumph over Kronika in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, Liu Kang has reshaped history and ushered in a new era for the realms. This fresh take on the klassic mythology puts a creative spin on iconic characters, while also introducing expanded gameplay systems, gruesome Fatalities, and an immersive story mode. Among the new blood entering the legendary tournament is the mighty General Shao.
As the fearsome ruler of Outworld‘s armies, General Shao commands respect and terror in equal measure. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Shao Kahn, this hulking warrior dominates the battlefield with his immense strength, tactical brilliance, and imposing battle axe. His fighting style blends the raw brutality of a front lines berserker with the discipline and skill of a seasoned general. In his bid to conquer all realms, General Shao has perfected the art of kombat and brings a formidable array of combo-oriented tools to the fight.
The Fundamentals of Fighting Games
Before delving into the intricacies of General Shao‘s combo potential, it‘s important to understand the significance of combos in fighting games as a whole. Combos, short for combinations, refer to stringing together a sequence of attacks to deal more damage than each move would individually. Combos are a cornerstone mechanic in the genre, serving both practical and expressive purposes.
On a gameplay level, combos are essential for optimizing damage output and maintaining offensive pressure. By chaining together moves that are guaranteed to hit, players can inflict devastating punishment and rapidly drain the opponent‘s life bar. Combos also create openings for mix-ups and setups, allowing players to keep foes guessing and exploit their defensive vulnerabilities. When you factor in resources like meter, stage positioning, and assist characters, constructing and executing effective combos becomes a deep strategic consideration.
From a technical perspective, combos are a way for players to showcase their skills and push the boundaries of creativity. Fighting games are known for their steep learning curves and high skill ceilings, with precise timing and intricate executions serving as badges of honor. Landing a tricky just-frame link or perfectly positioning a juggle combo is immensely satisfying, reflecting the time and effort invested in training mode. Combos are also a platform for individual expression, as players can develop their own unique routes or flair that sets them apart from the competition.
In the context of Mortal Kombat 1, mastering character-specific combo mechanics is crucial for reaching your full potential. Each fighter brings their own distinct combo flow and potential routes to the table. For General Shao, his combo game revolves around heavy-hitting normals, special move cancels, and strategic use of Kameo assists. By drilling down his combo structure and internalizing the optimal sequences, you can turn the Outworld warlord into a truly oppressive force.
Breaking Down General Shao‘s Moveset
General Shao‘s combo potential stems from his versatile normal attacks and special moves. His standard buttons offer a mix of quick jabs, advancing mids, and long-reaching lows that control space and apply pressure. Signature attacks like his standing 1 jab and back 1 knee serve as fast combo starters, while down 1 and down 3 pokes work well as hit confirms or whiff punishers.
| Move | Input | Startup | Active | Recovery | Block Adv. | Hit Adv. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 10 | -2 | +6 | Fast combo starter |
| Back 1 | B1 | 8 | 2 | 16 | -7 | 0 | Advancing combo starter |
| Standing 2 | 2 | 10 | 3 | 15 | -4 | +2 | Good mid poke |
| Down 1 | D1 | 6 | 2 | 11 | -2 | +6 | Quick low poke |
| Down 3 | D3 | 9 | 3 | 18 | -10 | -2 | Long-range low poke |
General Shao‘s bread and butter combo starters are his 12 jab string and f122 axe swing. These fast, advancing attacks allow him to close the gap and begin his offense. From there, he can utilize a variety of cancel routes to extend damage and keep foes guessing. One of his most important special moves is down back 3 (db3), a shoulder charge that wallops the opponent across the screen. This move has strong combo utility, serving as both a combo extender and repositioning tool to set up additional follow-ups.
Another key special move is down forward 4 (df4), a vicious battle axe slam that bounces the opponent off the ground. This move opens up advanced combo routes by allowing General Shao to juggle the foe with additional attacks before they land. By incorporating enhanced (EX) versions of these specials, which cost offensive meter but have added damage or properties, General Shao can access even more damaging combos.
To fuel this offensive onslaught, General Shao can use his back forward 1 (BF1) Emperor‘s Shield to absorb attacks and build meter. This move also powers up his axe specials, increasing their damage for a short period. Leveraging this buff is key to maximizing General Shao‘s damage output, particularly in the corner where his combo options become downright vicious.
Combo Notations and Nomenclature
Before showcasing specific combos, it‘s helpful to clarify the notation and terminology used in this guide. Mortal Kombat 1 uses a universal button layout across all platforms:
- 1 = Light Punch (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox)
- 2 = Mid Punch (Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox)
- 3 = Light Kick (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox)
- 4 = Mid Kick (Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox)
Directional inputs are written as follows:
- F = Forward
- B = Back
- D = Down
- U = Up
Combining these abbreviations represents distinct attacks. For example, F2 means pressing forward and mid punch, while DB3 indicates pressing down-back and light kick. Special moves and combos are written out as a sequence of inputs, such as:
F122 DB3 DASH 12 DF4 BF3 AMP
In this notation, spaces separate each input, ~ symbolizes a cancel (immediately performing the next move), and AMP refers to spending a bar of offensive meter to enhance a special move. Lastly, combos are denoted with commas separating each "link" or sequence within the greater combo route.
Bread and Butter Combos
With the fundamentals established, let‘s explore some of General Shao‘s most effective and practical combo routes. These bread and butter (BnB) combos are designed to be reliable, damaging, and relatively easy to execute. They form the foundation of General Shao‘s offensive game plan and are essential to master.
Meterless Combo
F122 ~ DB3 ~ DASH 12 ~ DB3
- Damage: 246
- Executes a basic combo by canceling normals into General Shao‘s shoulder charge special.
One Bar Combo
F122 ~ DF4 AMP ~ DB3 ~ DASH 12 ~ DB3
- Damage: 319
- Extends combo damage by using an enhanced version of General Shao‘s axe slam to juggle.
Two Bar Combo with Fatal Blow
F122 ~ DF4 AMP ~ DB3 ~ DASH F2 ~ FATAL BLOW
- Damage: 498
- Burns offensive meter and cashes out with General Shao‘s Fatal Blow attack while under 30% health.
These sample combos illustrate the basic structure of General Shao‘s offense, combining normal and special moves to deal respectable damage. The one bar combo showcases how spending offensive meter can significantly amp up his damage by enabling juggle states for further follow-ups. Meanwhile, the Fatal Blow combo indicates the explosive power of this comeback mechanic, which can turn the tide when General Shao‘s health is low.
Kameo-Aided Kombos
One of the most unique mechanics in Mortal Kombat 1 is the Kameo system, which allows players to summon assist characters mid-match to extend combos or provide other utilities. Each Kameo fighter brings their own distinct attacks and properties, granting ample room for creativity in combo construction. General Shao can leverage Kameo assists to unlock additional damage and swag.
Sonya Kameo: B2 ~ DBF3 AMP ~ SONYA ASSIST ~ DF4 ~ DB3
- Damage: 361
- Summons Sonya to fire her Energy Rings, allowing General Shao to continue his combo with extra hits.
Sub-Zero Kameo: F122 ~ BF4 ~ SUB-ZERO ASSIST ~ F4 ~ DB3 ~ DASH F2 DF1 AMP
- Damage: 402
- Calls in Sub-Zero‘s Ice Ball to freeze the opponent in place, setting up a powerful juggle combo.
Jax Kameo: F122 ~ DF4 AMP ~ DB3 ~ JAX ASSIST ~ 12 ~ DF4 ~ DB1 ~ 2 AMP
- Damage: 440
- Utilizes Jax‘s Gotcha Grab to add extra hits and grant a damage buff to General Shao‘s follow-up attacks.
The potential combinations with Kameo assists are vast and highly situational. Skilled General Shao players will incorporate Kameos based on their team composition, meter usage, and preferred combo routes. Experimenting with different assists and routes is highly encouraged to find deadly pairings that suit your playstyle.
Corner Carnage
Like many fighting game characters, General Shao‘s combo damage skyrockets when he has the opponent pinned in the corner. With less room for the foe to escape, General Shao can unleash brutal wall bounces, lengthy juggles, and unblockable setups. These corner combos are where the General‘s might truly shines.
Corner Combo 1: B2 ~ DF4 ~ 12 ~ DB3 ~ DASH 12 ~ BF4
- Damage: 341
- A potent meterless combo that capitalizes on the extra hits from the corner to maximize damage.
Corner Combo 2: F122 ~ DB3 ~ DASH DF4 AMP ~ 12 ~ DB3 ~ 4 AMP
- Damage: 429
- Burns two bars of offensive meter to unleash a dizzying blender of juggles and pummels.
Corner Combo 3: F32 ~ DB1 EX ~ DF1 ~ DF4 AMP ~ 12 ~ DB3 ~ DASH 1+3 ~ DF1 AMP ~ FATAL BLOW
- Damage: 622
- An utterly devastating combo that empties General Shao‘s resources to secure the round.
Again, these corner routes are just a taste of General Shao‘s potential when he‘s got the opponent locked down. His pressure becomes downright suffocating, with limited options for the foe to counter or escape. The General‘s imposing moveset and beefy frame data make him a truly formidable force in the corner, capable of churning out eye-popping damage with the right reads and resources.
Kountering and Punishing
While General Shao excels at keeping the offense cranked to 11, he also has ample opportunities to punish the opponent‘s missteps and whiffed attacks. Knowing which moves to throw out in response to certain situations is crucial for rounding out the General‘s combo game.
Kounter and Punish Moves
- 1 or D1: Fast jabs that can interrupt gaps in enemy strings or pressure.
- D3: Solid whiff punisher that can low profile some attacks.
- B1: Advancing mid that can catch opponents trying to backdash or outspace General Shao.
- DB3: Armored shoulder charge that can tank through enemy attacks and launch a full combo.
- U3 or U4: Reliable anti-air options that stuff aerial approaches.
By integrating these counter pokes and punishers into his toolkit, General Shao can turn defense into offense and blow up overly aggressive foes. Recognizing when to take your turn or seize an opening is a vital skill, empowering General Shao to bully his way to victory.
Sample Kounter Kombo
U3 (anti-air) ~ DF4 AMP ~ DB3 ~ DASH F2 ~ DB1 AMP
- Damage: 403
- Cashes out big damage by combining a counter hit launch with General Shao‘s signature combo structure.
Putting It All Together
At the end of the day, raw combos are just one aspect of General Shao‘s devastating toolkit in Mortal Kombat 1. To truly excel with the Outworld warlord, you‘ll need to combine his oppressive offense with smart defense, calculated spacing, and mind games. Mixing up your attack patterns, baiting whiffs, and controlling the neutral are all essential components to General Shao‘s game plan.
This guide has hopefully provided a comprehensive foundation for understanding and executing General Shao‘s combos. Yet the true path to mastery lies in hours of practice, matchup experience, and pushing his potential to the limit. Training mode is your friend, allowing you to grind out the timing and hit confirms until the inputs become muscle memory.
As General Shao‘s meta evolves and top players continue to unearth new techniques, staying on the cutting edge is paramount. Watching footage of high-level players, dissecting their combos and setups, and incorporating their strategies into your own gameplay will elevate your combos to the next level. Remember, even the most airtight combo is meaningless if you can‘t land the hit, so developing a strong neutral and mix-up game is equally important.
With a formidable command of General Shao‘s combo paths, you can strike fear into the hearts of your opponents and slay all who dare challenge Outworld‘s champion. So get out there and start grinding those reps until you can style all over the competition. In the wise words of General Shao himself, "You are nothing before Outworld‘s might!"
