The Beginners Guide to Mortal Kombat 1

[@rooflemonger]

Here we are with the Beginners Guide to Mortal Kombat 1! This video covers a lot of the aspects of the game and in part is designed for True Beginners, so if you are a bit more advanced or come from other fighting games feel free to use the time stamps to skip around to whatever makes sense for you! Make sure to check out the "Choose a Main" and "Choose a Kameo" Videos linked in the video description as well for complete coverage of the cast. Hope this video can help you out!

[@nitr097]

The vid looks great, but i wouldn’t call it a “true beginners” guide anyone who hasnt played a fighting game doesnt know what “back 2” means, you should explain that thats when you press the left arrow to go left on the screen and press triangle or Y, ik that might seem obvious if youve played before but for absolute beginners things like that arent, i remember it was so hard to find tutorials at first because no one talked about the terms they were using to refer to a lot of things and i had no idea what they were talking about.

[@dklien6443]

​@@nitr097I agree with you

[@RobertSmith-tu7rl]

are u playing on pad or hitbox?

[@ramboonacid8366]

@@nitr097 I always thought the number reference was 1 = X on PS, but your response seems like 1 is Square? Is that correct?

[@PedroARCruz]

@@ramboonacid8366 1 is square, 2 is triangle, 3 is x, 4 is circle. It’s better to use these as once you understand them you can use them for any platform rather then having to say triangle or Y

[@jasonsmith530]

it seems MK1 assumes the fans have gotten older and want a deeper, more nuanced, fighting game so these beginner guides are very helpful

[@FreeStyle888.]

Yeah I’m not sure if my brain is going to be able to handle kameos as well.

[@Paledog1966]

​@@FreeStyle888.Kameos arw basically just a button in your combo its pretty simple

[@Codename_aether]

I don’t think they assumed. the community was very vocal for the last 3 years at least. coming from mkx to 11 was such a downgrade in depth, execution, and skill expression. It has nothing to do with age or maturity, rather the community’s taste.

[@AyyoNevNev]

⁠this is how fighting games use to be, deep, complex, scary, but very rewarding. Welcome 🎉

[@stryfetc1471]

​@@Paledog1966 A button plus a direction press, it does different moves, plus you need to get the timing of when and where to do it.

[@bunduu]

The fact this is re-recorded with the same positive and enthusiastic voice as usual even though you’re probably crazy tired is beyond impressive. You’re a legend, @rooflemonger

[@rooflemonger]

I worked midnights for 10 years before I did youtube. Thats my secret on being able to operate on nothing in the tank lol

[@bobbuilder1531]

​@rooflemonger Noice, I've worked overnights for 13 years and I only sleep 2 hours a day, eventuality the body just accepts that you don't have time for sleep haha.

[@hurt_town7121]

When you do what you love

[@Crimson_Downpour]

Brown nose

[@bobbuilder1531]

@Crimson_Downpour Not even necessary, he is giving a creator he enjoys props on a well done video. Which it is. Why spread negativity, there is plenty In the world going around sometimes its just simply not necessary.

[@Germinator08]

Your recent mk1 videos are the only thing keeping me alive while waiting for the standard edition to release, so thank you.

[@rooflemonger]

tomorrow friend

[@boneman524]

@@rooflemongerthis video help me out a lot, thank you!

[@miightyalpha6245]

What time today?? Can’t wait any longer!

[@supervialentrandomaudio1007]

@@miightyalpha6245should be out my boy

[@boneman524]

@@miightyalpha6245 same

[@calmdown5944]

Years ago, rooflemonger taught me frame data and how to play a fighting game since mk11 was my first one. I’ve been following him since,great content as always 🤙🏽

[@MostWoap]

I love your format of videos to the point where im watching them for games I don’t even own nor am I planning to own. That “Hello & Welcome” is just so calming.

[@austinfinch3668]

Thank you for a video for a guy who has no idea what he is doing in this game

[@Samurai78420]

This is so helpful for a player like myself, that's just getting back into MK after 20 years. Got a PS5 a few weeks ago, and loving it. Definitely a learning curve and this video is awesome.

[@ItsNay04]

Hey buddy, I don't normally interact on your content and I likely wont play MK1 but saw that you had to re-record all of this due to it being corrupt via your twitter, thanks for grinding it out and keeping it high quality as always. Just had to give you an appreciation post for what you do. Hopefully you get some time to rest up.

[@csmash342]

Hey dude. I’ve been watching your stuff for years. Since mkx when I was in college. Now I’m a grown as man still watching you. Thanks for the content

[@rooflemonger]

thank you for watching 🙏

[@sebadrum16]

This game is so different from MK11. It has made it challenging but rewarding to learn!

[@ireaperslegend7426]

I’ve been playing mortal kombat since I was 6 and I still watch beginner guides 😂 you can’t study too much you know. Also I’m really looking forward to a special Shao character breakdown! I’m trying to main him but I’m having trouble deciding on a kameo lol

[@rooflemonger]

there will be a shao guide in time im sure. Right now I will just say for shao I only believe in Kung Lao as the kameo, and nobody else. It gives him everything he wants

[@Johnnybsknees]

​@@rooflemongerplus Shao with a teleport is just hilarious

[@firebeatle6394]

I’m kinda sad to see krushing blows go, I really loved how brutal and powerful it made certain moves feel

[@j0eyhz620]

I loved krushing blows

[@luiscosta6610]

26:43 So THAT is why I feel like I can't ever attempt to break a throw!!! I had no idea... 😩 Thank you for the video. I knew that (even though I am not a beginner,) I would learn something from it. Keep up the good work!

[@Riz_]

This is an exemplary video on how to show the fundamentals of how a fighting game works. I watched the whole video to support your work and even though I know most of it already I learned some things as well. Keep up the good work Roof.

[@Szymon-uc3hh]

I have already played few online games and it's crazy that no one uses upblock. Punish after jump 3 is insane

[@minjo_game]

"Since Mortal Kombat hasn't been released in Japan, there are no videos at all. So, your videos have been very helpful. Thank you!"

[@ownagemester]

I love Cyrax's kombo Breaker. Its so funny watching him go flying backwards.

[@BurningSands_FGC]

This is my first MK game and I can’t beat my friend, I need this video 🤣🤣

[@earthquakenate]

Hey Rooflemonger. I think it's important to let the devs know that training mode and invasion need quality-of-life changes 1. Saving Combos and moves with a star ( like other NRS games) so you can see and memorize the inputs while you train 2. Returning to the same point in the command list so you don't need to scroll back down 3. possibly adding videos of the combo and moves with a brief explanation of utility ( sf6/ GGS style) 4. Changing costumes and gear in Invasion mode so you do not need to exit back out 5. Free Camera for Invasion mode Little things like this would go a long way

[@rooflemonger]

they are good ideas but I have no sway or influence on the developers, in any game. Lots of people think I have some inside line and I really, really don't lol

[@kanethewrestler3418]

I have to give you some serious praise for all this amazing MK KONTENT you’ve been putting out lately. MK is my favorite fighter as I’ve been playing for 30 years now cause I’m old! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@prestige_123]

I'm a true Novice so this is just what I needed! Your awesome

[@thato8000]

And I complained about the SF6 mental stack 😂. Love this, let the mastery begin

[@phdbot4483]

I may have to send this to some friends of mind who also got this game. Some of the new mechanics and changes with old ones interest me. Now I know we usually don't like variable health, but I do find it interesting how some Kameos will add/subtract your character's max health depending on whom you pick.

[@arrownoir]

I’m a meter hoarder. My meter will remain at 3 the entire match. I can’t afford to spare even a single bar.

[@kevinmanchester944]

As someone who has never fully gotten into the MK games this helps a lot thanks. I thought it was a good time to give it a try with the soft reboot of the story as so far I am loving it. Sub-Zero guide?

[@FreeStyle888.]

Perfect timing on the video! I got so mad that MK1 didn’t release in the morning.

[@pandabearmadness6263]

Wow this year is so good for fighting games

[@rooflemonger]

So like, ive been up for 30 some hours now, the original capture of this video was all corrupted with no saving it so I had to basically remake this video right after I made it. Like and Subscribe please lol im so tired. Anyways hope this helps, game is cool yall

[@albertoramirez4414]

hey rooflemonger, love your content and all the good stuff on MK1. But I just wanted to know when you're gonna give your mini review. Are you having fun?

[@OtherL]

Dude take a day and rest pls. Lol I work from 4pm to 1230 and I still be up til 5, 6 am. It's not fun even if I'm just gaming. GO lay down lol

[@rooflemonger]

@@albertoramirez4414 game good is really all I can say. Brings back the strengths of MK that haven't seen seen since MKX. The Kameo system is great and adds a fantastic layer to the game. I've already spent nights obsessing over figuring out options in training mode which to me is the sign that there is fun stuff

[@battlericky17]

Ended up loving this game in a way entirely different from SF6. Sf6 was easier to jump into but this mk 1 has a really good amount of single player content

[@worldeater2414]

I am trying this in game with Shao and it isn't working, the superior uppercut you mentioned. Please get back to me at your earliest convenience to hopefully explain what you mean when talking about this superior uppercut

[@theherooflfr9869]

i consider pressing 3x X a Combo. God..iam old. Thank you young man.

[@DaPhenomAce]

Learning that crouch block get hit by hi attacks is the craziest thing I've ever heard.

[@thekidnextdoor5350]

First guide video I fully watched and was able to understand this makes me hopeful, thank you for your time can’t wait to play tomorrow.

[@Bigbulbous]

Rooflemonger the goat for redoing this video, thank you!

[@yu_uhglee]

been waiting on this one! appreciate all the effort you put into these 🙏

[@viktore.degray3259]

honestly the best video made for any one wanting to get into fighting games thank you so much

[@lobster6736]

dude it came out 40 minutes ago and you typed it 10 minutes after it released you couldve barely watched a 4th of it before typing this

[@SofaKingA]

​@@lobster6736🤣🤣🤣

[@viktore.degray3259]

@@lobster6736 two times speed also, just the beginning half helped me so much understand ^^

[@PferschawProductions]

Was here as soon as it showed up. Been waiting for this one!

[@zephpanyanouvong7071]

"Rain is prominently the fireball character" *throws ball of water* love the vids man, keep it up!

[@tonydragon784]

So excited for the Reiko video. You're telling me the grappler has a projectile, fullscreen slide with a mix-up cancel, low hit-grab that actually extends combos and gets ARMOR??? With kicks that would make Eddie Gordo blush? Sign me up

[@rooflemonger]

well, except for the fact he isn't a grappler. He has a command grab, but that does not make him a grappler. He doesn't win off the grab, nor is it particularly threatening

[@tonydragon784]

​@@rooflemongerdamn my b, excited to see what he can do

[@MikooChannx]

The only mortal Kombat game I’ve played was Shaolin Monks on Ps2. But other than that I haven’t touched any other game so coming back into this game is gonna be challenging a bit

[@digitdude1375]

Just got the game 45 minutes ago. This is my first mortal kombat game ever and I’m so lost but SO intrigued.

[@jiris5709]

Hey man, in a debate with myself regarding buying this game or not..first fighting game in general for me, how does it look so far? Would you recommend it for an amateur like me?

[@digitdude1375]

@@jiris5709 Personally, I’ve been loving it so far. I still get absolutely destroyed when playing against real people but that’s not something you should even worry about. The story mode is short but entertaining, for someone that hasn’t played any of the previous games it really sets the story straight. Although I definitely recommend this game overall, I don’t know if this is a good starter game. I say this because this game requires lots of memory (kombos) and fast fingers.

[@jiris5709]

@@digitdude1375 Thank you for the quick response! So you’re saying it gets a bit overwhelming trying to learn kombos etc. huh? Yeah, thats like one of my main concerns because im sure at the start i’ll get destroyed as well but i guess eventually you get better while practicing etc.? Do you play multiplayer on it or not so much?

[@digitdude1375]

@@jiris5709 the community advised that I play offline for now until I can get comfortable with a character. I suggest the same. There’s still a lot of things you can do offline that prepare you for online. Although I’m new to the game I already see myself using kombos without having to open up the menu every 5 seconds. If you’re worried that it could be hard to learn then I promise you that story mode alone has what you need to get comfortable.

[@digitdude1375]

@@jiris5709 have you considered buying the game or not?

[@Guy-9]

The attack height stuff is extremely important since many people love to stick to a "default" defensive postion (usually crouch block), that they almost always go to when they want to play defensive so if you can figure this out and get around it, even if you can't get huge combos out of it, you will win. I had an opponent get salty at me because he was crouch blocking the whole time and so I just spammed overheads and grabs. As Reptile, you can't get a lot of big combos off his few overhead options, but damage is damage, so I won.

[@JuThronee]

You are truly the best fighting game channel on KZbin! Thank you for keeping it fun and informative at the same time

[@HexCuntress]

Just Bought MK1 Can’t Wait ❤

[@Mesakezuit]

How is it 8 months since

[@SxmuraiJxck]

Havnt played a MK since x in like 2016-2017, decided why not to get it and so far I’m addicted I’ve been playing invasions with kenshi and I’m invasion lvl 30😅

[@kj_usa2987]

thank you this my first time ever buying a mk1 game playing it

[@DonPasquale_]

Still can't believe they removed tagging moves, such a helpful feature for beginners

[@ThePhysicalReaction]

also when playing while slightly intoxicated, enough where you can read, but have poor short term memory.

[@DATskorge]

​@@ThePhysicalReactionok boomer

[@MrAjking808]

@@DATskorgeonly cringe , lames say boomer

[@5u54]

Just purchased...cant wait to play 💯

[@ChrisB-n2j]

Just got this game on sale! Haven't played a fighter in years and have always loved the old MK's. Thanks for the video!

[@jarynlandrum7474]

Your guides are the best I’ve learned so much about Mk and Street fighter from you

[@ramboonacid8366]

I feel like MK1 is for more advanced MK players or players that can pick up random character and start doing combos without looking at the move list. I’ve seen so many people do this during story play throughs and other videos that make MK1 look easy to play, but my attempts to do combos just don’t work for me. My biggest problem is jumping believe it or not. Jumping to fallow a launch attack on the opponent. When I launch the opponent I always jump to late or I jump over the opponent as they fall back to ground. The timing must be very precise with this game or you’re going to miss a lot of combos.

[@iBloodxHunter]

That's the nature of the dial-a-combo and why I like mk and tekken so much. Hold up during your combo strings and your character will jump at the first available frame. You can make directional inputs and even completely wrong button presses as long as you do the proper string quickly enough.

[@reanukeeves1164]

Playing MK for a long time and I had no clue you could flawless block mid combos. Still learning new stuff. Thanks rooflemonger.

[@MainCharacter730]

Get you % from mk1 because you sold me this game with your tut

[@Bman6464]

My dude always comes through when i get a new fighting game. Absolute legend

[@TOKYO_SLIME]

"Have you heard of up-block?" "Whats up-block?" "Nothing much :)"

[@BCDC123]

ROOF! This is why you’re the BEST 💯

[@DaPhenomAce]

Last time I played MK and knew what I was doing was MK9. Ready to get back in to the fold of things with MK1!

[@KingMatthewx]

This game feels like MK11 x DBFZ , and they’re my two favorite fighting games in recent years. Can’t wait to play mk1 !!

[@adrianfyi]

Never clicked on a notification so fast

[@christianromero3988]

Haven't played since the PS2 days so thxs everything heps

[@rodrigomedina98]

Every time I’m gonna pick a game for the first time I come to this channel to learn about it. Such great explanation, feels like it’s not a new game for me when I take the controller. Love the content!

[@themancalledben2731]

The section on reversals is a GAMECHANGER for me, the Roofleman has done it again!!!!!

[@crimsoncomet2209]

I’m so glad you’re making these vids. I’m thinking of maining Li Mei, Geras, and General Shao

[@snoogcity]

Thanks for helping a 45 years old get some wins 😂

[@rooflemonger]

big 4-0 staring me down in a few days from now. Oldies gotta stick together

[@foreignhorrorandmore-uf2zl]

Thanks rooflemonger for all of your great videos!

[@luburnias9820]

I love MK games this is my first one I truly play all the time and it was a great help hearing this I don’t know how to play well but these tips helped me

[@woszkar]

Great tutorials! Thank you!

[@Reaper-J129]

I've been playing since mk9 and haven't missed a release yet, Yet I always come back to get a refereer to your videos lol

[@kazeshini7286]

The release check gem 💎 I didn’t realize what it was but after I turned it off everything felt so much lighter

[@Keemy28]

Don’t even got this game yet. Just like watchin your videos

[@Ultrared1901]

Great video , i'm a returning player , havent played fighters in ages but MK1's looks and feel dragged me back . But its so overwhelming to start over basicaly . Thank you

[@XmortoxX1990]

Great guide as always. Can't wait for tomorrow

[@carterlazenby7429]

This is the best beginner friendly video I’ve seen of any fighting game. Great job. Instant sub from me

[@Holyrelic1279]

this was very imformative. This will be my first Mortal Kombat game ever.

[@TEHNOOB916]

Holy crap you make this game look easy. Can combo with like every character.

[@rooflemonger]

ive sorta been at this fighting game thing for over 30 years, benefit of being an old timer lol

[@TEHNOOB916]

I love fighting games, but super suck at them. So I just play to get my ass kick, but I'm super good at blocking because I lose so much. Lol. Keep up the uploads. Gonna sub to ya for sure tho.

[@dustin-ni5gh]

The way you snuck up on my feed like 3 years ago was good. Had me interested in your content. Keep it up bro

[@bigedds11]

Just got this game after playing SF6 for a few months as modern control Zangief... its like a different world. Great vid. always helpful!

[@Goodheartless]

Congrats on re-recording this! Can’t wait to watch and enjoy

[@vividpsychosis8222]

Please do a combo execution/cadence video… straight dial in isn’t work lol a focus on longer combo execution tips and also any tricks on getting the final combo ender to come out? Struggling

[@Sicknificant1]

So happy we have a more nuanced game now. This same guide for MK11 eould be 2 minutes long. "Hey guys here is how to get to at least demi god every season. Use these 3 inputs: LB, LT+RT, and d2. There you go. Now you can win 50% of your online matches and grind to demigod."

[@TheBlurReturns16]

This is my very first MK game and it seems like alot of the combos are started with a hit then launcher and can be extended with either jumping up and punching the opp in the air or waiting till they come back down and finishing with a combo or sending them in the air a second time and then finishing with a combo, can combine that with a special move ender too. Its going to take me some getting used to for sure its kinda weird and the timing has to be on point or they just slip out of the, combo. I practiced a bit with Lui Kang last night and he is sick. I have no idea how I really wanna main though lol. Ofcourse its time to watch Rooflemongers guide as I do with all my fighting games! SF 6 was my first SF and Im also making Tekken 8 my first Tekkem game. Super excited with how amazing this new generation of fighting games look! Ive mainly been playing DBFZ the last few years lol.

[@ugpc1234]

You were there when fighterz first started, and I learned a lot from your videos, sir. Can't wait to learn mortal kombat from you next. 🎉🎉

[@maximus440]

I need to ask you if anyone has ever told you that you sound EXACTLY like the Food Wishes chef. Has anyone ever said that before? I recently found you and absolutely love your content

[@rooflemonger]

people have said that roughly every day for the last 6 years yeah

[@LoganSMO]

I’m not a complete beginner but this game is so crazy this is needed for pretty much every type of fan

[@rod6below]

Been watching you for 2 days I’m subbing 🔥 this video was very useful

[@Ohthehorror87]

This is an amazing guide I've been away from New age Fighting games for a long time I think I picked up mortal Kombat x when it came out and haven't played it since I saw a commercial for this mortal Kombat game and I said You know what it's time to get back into it it's my childhood and I need to play it so I just downloaded it and I can't wait to get started I'm going to watch this guide first thank you so much

[@tyrishasmith-grady703]

I’ve been playing MK since 93 so I still need this guide

[@out__sider]

Thank you for your PATIENT approach to something seemingly overwhelming!

[@illusion2693]

Love ur channel, it helps me understand the game and what I need to do!!

[@zakotheklown3506]

I like rooflemongers guides the most because he’s the most friendly/loving sounding KZbinr , makes me feel like he really cares so much about us learning the game

[@m0002856]

I think the most interesting part of Mortal Kombat 1 to me is just seeing the evolutionary aspects of fighting games from the early 90s through till now. It’s like a greatest hits of fighting game mechanics and things that the creative teams behind the various Mortal Kombat games came up with throughout time.

[@steveo0127]

Appreciate the video I played for years but a reference is always good to have ❤

[@kingstaze9696]

Sweet! I've been waiting for one of these to see how the game plays!

[@c4nn0n88]

I wish I could double like this after hearing the backstory of what happened to the original version. Fantastic guide as usual.

[@jamz1237]

as for someone who is new to the game and looking to learn this really helps.. hope there are more vids to come

[@BeecherGatewood]

Great video, so informative to the ones of us who just don't know mk like that! Thanks so much! Love how u go over really everything and make it make sense!

[@IC2I]

14:04 I was expecting"If you dont watch your toes your gonna get blown up by lows"😂

[@maxxxpower3782]

Great video. Have a great day💯👍👍

[@seleckt6600]

This being the first fighting game I am picking up (Coming from souls games, which are kind of sort of a little bit if you squint your eyes similar), it seems this game is incredibly offense favored. With blocks, sans flawless blocks, seeming to always put you at a disadvantage. Seems to me this game agrees with the notion that the best defense is a good offense.

[@Yoimommy]

Just finished watching this before the final countdown of the release thank you bro gonna rewatch later too

[@Johncafard]

Thank you so much, it's the first MK I want to invest time and play seriously online and your video is the best introduction for a new player. Thanks again, looking forward to the next videos. Cheers