Mastering Krushing Blows: Unlocking Advanced Combat Techniques in Mortal Kombat 11

Mastering Krushing Blows in Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11) is a key aspect of elevating your combat technique, offering opportunities to maximize damage and open up advanced combos. Krushing Blows are powerful cinematic strikes that deal massive damage, but they require specific conditions to activate. Here's a breakdown on how to unlock their potential:

1. Understand Krushing Blow Conditions

Krushing Blows aren't triggered randomly; each character's moveset includes a set of specific conditions that must be met. For instance:

Uppercut (Down + 2): Triggers a Krushing Blow when it counters or punishes a high attack.
Throw Moves: Many characters' forward or backward throws have a Krushing Blow that activates if the throw is the first one you land during a match.

Every character in MK11 has different Krushing Blows assigned to their attacks, and understanding these conditions is the first step. You can find them in the move list for each character under the “Krushing Blow” section.

2. Plan Your Combos

Krushing Blows can significantly extend and enhance your combos. For example, after triggering a Krushing Blow with an uppercut, you can often follow up with additional juggling hits. The key is to recognize when you've activated one and react accordingly.

Tips:

Save Krushing Blows: You can only trigger each Krushing Blow once per match, so timing them strategically—like saving them for late in a round—can turn the tide of battle.
Combo Enders: Some players use Krushing Blows as combo finishers to maximize damage or to push for a positional advantage.

3. Meter Management

Krushing Blows can be used without spending any defensive or offensive meter, making them incredibly valuable for conserving resources. However, combining them with meter burn attacks can create devastating combinations.

Example:

Johnny Cage's Nut Punch: Johnny Cage has a Krushing Blow tied to his Nut Punch move when it's used in a combo of 7 hits or more. Using it as a combo extender after building a chain of attacks allows you to dish out significant damage without spending resources.

4. Breakthrough Defensive Play

Krushing Blows are great for breaking through your opponent's defenses. If you know your opponent tends to block low, utilizing overhead attacks with a Krushing Blow requirement for punishment can punish them heavily. Likewise, Krushing Blow counters on punishes will stop reckless attacks from aggressive opponents.

5. Practice Timing and Setup

Since Krushing Blows require specific setups, the best way to master them is by practicing in the training mode. Here, you can experiment with different character moves, learn optimal setups, and figure out the best ways to integrate Krushing Blows into your general gameplay.

Advanced Strategy:

Mind Games: Use Krushing Blows as psychological tools. If your opponent knows you have a Krushing Blow ready, it can affect their decision-making, making them play more cautiously or defensively, opening up other options for you.

Conclusion

Mastering Krushing Blows in MK11 is about knowledge, timing, and planning. Learn the conditions for each of your character's Krushing Blows, practice integrating them into combos, and use them wisely to turn battles in your favor. This will not only increase your damage potential but also give you a psychological edge over your opponents.

Would you like some specific examples of character Krushing Blow setups or tips on a particular character?