To perform a special move in Mortal Kombat 11, pause the match, open your selected fighter’s Move List, and enter the directional and attack-button sequence shown for that move. There is no universal command list: inputs vary by character, and forward and back are relative to the fighter’s current facing direction.
Find the exact command for your fighter
- Pause the match and open Move List. Menu labels and controls can vary by platform or control configuration, so use the on-screen prompts rather than assuming one button opens it.
- Locate the special move you want in the list. Read the full entry, including any conditions or amplify instruction.
- Enter the displayed directions and attack buttons in order. Check the game’s current list for your selected fighter, platform, and variation; it is the best authority for the command you need.
For examples of special moves, the official PlayStation page for Mortal Kombat 11 mentions Scorpion’s spear and Raiden’s flying attack. Use examples only as orientation; consult the in-game list for exact inputs.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (PS4) | $22.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Mortal Kombat 11 (Nintendo Switch) | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate - PlayStation 4 | $20.80 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read forward and back from the fighter’s position
Directional notation follows the character’s orientation, not a fixed side of the screen. If your fighter faces right, forward points right and back points left; after the fighters cross sides, those screen directions reverse. A command that worked before a side switch may therefore require the opposite screen direction for its forward or back input.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A third-party notation reference explains this convention and includes platform-specific button legends: MKKomplete’s move list. Treat it as a notation aid, not a substitute for the current command shown in your game.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1, mk11: Aftermath & Kombat Pack 2.
- the definitive mk11 experience! Take control of earthrealm's protectors in the game's two critically acclaimed, time-bending story campaigns as they race to stop kronika from rewinding time and rebooting history.
- friendships are tested, and new alliances forged, in the battle to save all of existence. mk11 ultimate features the complete character roster, including new additions rain, mileena & Rambo.
- Mortal Kombat 11 showcases every amusing friendship, gory fatality and soul-crushing Fatal blow like never before. You'll be so close to the fight, you can feel it!
Use the game’s help for timing and execution
If the move is not coming out consistently, the game offers input accommodations and places to practise. WB Games says tutorials demonstrate inputs and timing, and can be revisited. Practice Mode lets you rehearse commands; WB’s 2020 update notes also documented a full button-log option in Practice and Replay, though current menus may differ.
- Input Shortcuts: reduce the directional precision needed for special moves.
- Input Window Timing: choose short, medium, or long timing, then test which setting suits your inputs.
- Tutorial demonstrations: watch the shown inputs and timing, then repeat the sequence.
- Practice Mode: rehearse the move until the directional sequence and button timing feel consistent.
WB describes access to these options through the Options, Character Select, or Pause Menu, depending on the mode. Local-mode menus exclude the Krypt; online access is through Character Select. See WB Games’ accessibility information and the documented update notes for details.
Rank #2
- Mortal Kombat is back and better than ever in the next evolution of the iconic franchise
- The all new Custom Character Variations give you unprecedented control to customize the fighters and make them your own
- The new graphics engine showcasing every skull-shattering, eye-popping moment, brings you so close to the fight you can feel it
- Featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best in class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making
- Pre-order now to get Shao Khan
Check the amplify instruction instead of guessing
Amplification is not safely reduced to one universal button. Read the individual move entry and use the control mapping for your platform and current bindings. Button names can differ across PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC configurations, and the game allows controls to be reconfigured.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose controls that fit your setup
You do not need a particular controller to learn a special move. WB says the game supports alternative input devices, including arcade-style fight sticks and the Xbox Adaptive Controller, for gameplay. However, fight sticks are not supported in every mode, including the Krypt and Towers of Time. Check the game’s control configuration and mode support before troubleshooting a command as an input error.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Pre-order to get the Time Warriors Skin Pack: Get a glimpse of the future with three new character skins. The Time Warriors Skin Pack includes Dark Web Noob Saibot, HCF Liu Kang and Blood Moon Skarlet.
- Experience 2 robust and critically acclaimed story campaigns from Mk11 and Mk11: aftermath
- Play as the complete 37-character roster including newly added fighters mileena, RaiN and rambo
- Thousands of Skins and weapons and Gear for an unprecedented level of Fighter customization
- Includes all previous guest fighters such as Terminator Joker spawn and robocop
Fix common special-move problems
- It stopped working after the fighters switched sides: reinterpret forward and back from your fighter’s current facing direction.
- The directional sequence is difficult: try Input Shortcuts and practise the command in a tutorial or Practice Mode.
- The timing seems too strict or too loose: adjust Input Window Timing among short, medium, and long, then test again.
- The button names do not match your controller: check the current control configuration and any custom bindings.
- You are unsure how to amplify the move: check that move’s entry and the button mapping for your platform.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
