The revamped Kitana might not be an S-Tier Kombatant in Mortal Kombat 1’s new roster. However, she’s still a dominant mid-ranger who shines in ground-to-airborne combos and zoning with projectiles. This character guide explains all her moves, gives the best strategies for winning with her, and offers a list of the most effective Kombos for her. Here’s how to play Kitana in the all-new Mortal Kombat 1.
This guide uses Universal Input Code to explain combos and moves.
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Strategy: How to Play Kitana
Since Kitana is a mid-range Kombatant, the primary strategy while playing her should be zoning. Kitana mains should prioritize executing ground-to-air combos that make effective use of Kounters and Punishments. Here are a few strategic tips for winning with Kitana:
- Capitalize on Sweeps: Kitana lacks effective overheads. To compensate for this weakness, use her "D4" move (Down B on Xbox, Down Circle on PS).
- Zone with Projectiles: Players should use Kitana's projectile attacks at different ranges (close, medium, and far) to their advantage when zoning.
- Get Kombo Loops with Wind Bombs: Kitana’s explosive projectile sends the enemy flying, creating a perfect chain combo loop. The key is to plant a bomb beneath the airborne opponent.
Best Combos for Kitana
Kitana excels in ground-to-air combos starting with B24 (Back, Y, B on Xbox, Back Triangle, Circle on PS). However, when she locks the opponent in a corner, she also benefits from Fan Slam combos involving her signature move, UF21 (Up-Forward, Y, X on Xbox, Up-Forward, Triangle, Square on PlayStation).
Kombo Starter
In Mortal Kombat 1, the ideal combo starters for Kitana are B24 and B34, which are Back, Y, B (Back, Triangle, Circle on PS) and Back, A, B (Back, X, Circle on PS.) Both these moves shoot the enemy in the air, creating an airborne Kombo opportunity.
Korner Kombo
When the enemy is trapped in the corner, Kitana can smash them with the following combination: B2, 4, DB1, BDF4 (close), J, 2, 1, F1, 2.
- On Xbox, this translates to: Back Y, B, Down-Back X, Back Down Forward B, Jump, Y, X, Forward X, Y.
- On PlayStation, the combo would be Back Triangle, Circle, Down-Back Square, Back Down Forward Circle, Jump, Triangle, Square, Forward Square, Triangle.
Advanced Kombo
For a deadly combination, go with B3, 4, DB1, J, 3, 4.
- On Xbox: Back A, B, Down-Back X, Jump, A, B
- On PlayStation: Back X, Circle, Down-Back Square, Jump, X, Circle
Fatality
Kitana’s unique Fatality is Royal Blender. To perform it, players must do a combo of DFD3, Down-Forward-Down-A, or Down-Forward-Down-X. However, she also has two other Fatalities: A + RT (X + R2) and Down + Y (Down + Triangle).
Kitana’s Best Moves
Based on effectiveness, Kitana’s most effective moves are D4, B24, B34, DB2, and UF21—also known as Fan Slam. Here’s the breakdown of these attacks:
Move | Input Code | Xbox Controls | PlayStation Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
Kounter | D4 | Down B | Down Circle |
Kombo Starter | B24 & B34 | Back Y B & Back A B | Back Triangle Circle & Back X Circle |
Get-up | DB2 | Down-Back Y | Down-Back Triangle |
Slam | UF21 | Up-Forward Y, X | Up-Forward Triangle, Square |
Best Kameo for Kitana
Considering her reliance on launchers as Kombo starters, the best Kameos for Kitana are Frost and Sektor. The former can freeze the opponent so that Kitana can airborne them with Wind Bombs, while the latter launches them in the air with his projectiles.
Is Kitana Good in Mortal Kombat 1?
Due to her predictable moveset, Kitana is not a top-tier Kombatant in Mortal Kombat 1. However, she excels as an all-around mid-range fighter, making her particularly effective against zoners and close-range attackers.
The ideal counter for Kitana is Sub-Zero.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.