Against Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 11, focus on blocking and punishing his high string attacks. Keep a good distance to avoid his close-range attacks and utilize zoning tools to control the pace of the match. Use characters with good spacing tools to keep him at bay and capitalize on his weaknesses.
Understanding Liu Kang
Before going into strategies to counter Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 11, it's important to understand his strengths and weaknesses as a character. Liu Kang is a strong and versatile character in the game, known for his quick strikes, powerful combos, and great range. He excels at both close and mid-range combat, making him a formidable opponent in the hands of a skilled player.
Counterpick Characters
One strategy to effectively counter Liu Kang is to use a counterpick character - a character that has moves or abilities that can exploit Liu Kang's weaknesses. Characters like Kabal, Jade, or Sub-Zero can be effective against Liu Kang due to their zoning abilities, quick projectiles, and ability to control space on the battlefield. These characters can force Liu Kang to play at a distance where he is less comfortable and limit his options for close-range combat.
Exploit Gaps in Liu Kang's Pressure
Liu Kang players often rely on their fast and relentless pressure to overwhelm opponents. To counter this, it's essential to recognize the gaps in Liu Kang's pressure strings and punish accordingly. Blocking and waiting for an opening to counter-attack can be an effective strategy against Liu Kang's offense. Being patient and not panicking under pressure is key to turning the tide against a Liu Kang player.
Adapt Your Defense
Another important aspect of countering Liu Kang is to adapt your defense based on his playstyle. Liu Kang players may mix up their attacks and combos to keep you guessing. By staying unpredictable in your defensive actions, such as mixing up blocking, using flawless blocks, or performing well-timed reversals, you can keep Liu Kang on his toes and disrupt his flow of offense.
Practice Punishing Liu Kang's Special Moves
One effective way to counter Liu Kang is to practice punishing his special moves. Moves like Dragon's Roar, Bicycle Kick, and Flying Dragon Kick are essential parts of Liu Kang's toolkit, but they also have specific vulnerabilities that you can exploit. By familiarizing yourself with the startup frames, recovery times, and punishable gaps in these moves, you can punish Liu Kang when he overcommits or becomes predictable in his usage of special moves.
Utilize Crushing Blows and Fatal Blows Strategically
To gain an advantage against Liu Kang, it's crucial to utilize your character's Crushing Blows and Fatal Blows strategically. These powerful moves can turn the tide of a match in your favor if used at the right moment. Saving your Crushing Blows for optimal punishes or using your Fatal Blow to secure a round can keep Liu Kang on the defensive and force him to adapt to your playstyle.
Study Matchup Knowledge and Frame Data
Lastly, to counter Liu Kang effectively, it's important to study matchup knowledge and frame data. Understanding the specific interactions between your character and Liu Kang, knowing which moves are safe or punishable, and recognizing when it's your turn to attack can give you a significant advantage in the matchup. By investing time in learning the intricacies of the matchup, you can make informed decisions and outsmart your opponent in combat.