Part 3

Learn the fundamentals of Mortal Kombat 11 in Part 3. Understand character selection, the battle plan, and match mechanics to dominate your opponents and perform finishing moves.

This section of the Mortal Kombat 11 guide covers the core mechanics of a match, including how to win rounds, the significance of finishing moves, and the types of characters available. It also details the initial steps of starting a game, from character selection to understanding the battle plan.

Match Basics: A match is a one-on-one fight to the death, won by securing two rounds first. A round is won by defeating your opponent or by having more life remaining when time runs out. A tie results in a "GAME OVER." Upon winning two rounds without letting the time expire, "FINISH [HIM/HER]" is displayed, allowing for a finishing move.

Character Types: Characters are divided into regular and boss types. Regular characters include Kano, Rayden, Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Sonya. Boss characters are Shang Tsung and Goro. Regular characters are available from the start, while boss characters require codes or cheats.

Getting Started

Character Selection

After the initial screens, you'll reach the MORTAL KOMBAT Title screen. Press "Start" to access the Character Selection screen. Use the D-Pad to move the flashing square over your desired fighter and press "Start" to confirm. You have unlimited time for this selection.

The six selectable character slots are arranged as follows:

• A: Kano
• B: Rayden
• C: Liu Kang
• D: Scorpion
• E: Sub-Zero
• F: Sonya

For information on unlocking other characters, refer to chapter "IV. CHARACTERS" or chapter "V. SECRETS/CODES."

Battle Plan

Following character selection, the Battle Plan screen displays your opponents and their fighting order. It also tracks your progress, showing you moving up the list as you win matches.

The Battle Plan has a fixed sequence of opponents:

1. Random 1 (a regular character, not yourself)
2. Random 1
3. Random 1
4. Random 1
5. Random 1
6. Mirror Match (against your selected character)
7. Random 2 (Endurance Match/Pairs - two random regular characters, not yourself)
8. Random 2
9. Random 2
10. Shang Tsung
11. Goro

Note: "Random 1" matches are against one random regular character, excluding the one you are playing. "Random 2" matches, also known as "Endurance Matches" and "Pairs," pit you against two random regular characters, excluding your own.

Match Aspects

Once you proceed past the Battle Plan, the match begins. The screen displays health meters for both players and a timer.