Introduction
Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1), set to release in 2024, is a highly anticipated entry in the legendary fighting game series. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, MK1 takes place in a reimagined universe crafted by Liu Kang, featuring a revamped fighting system, thrilling game modes, and the iconic brutal finishing moves that define the franchise. With Liu Kang‘s influence, familiar characters have been transformed, offering fresh and exciting gameplay possibilities.
One of the most appealing aspects of MK1 is its diverse roster of fighters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Players can also choose from a variety of Kameo fighters to assist them in battle, adding a new layer of strategy and customization to the gameplay.
The Importance of Combos
In fighting games like Mortal Kombat 1, mastering combos is essential for success. Combos allow players to deal significant damage, maintain pressure, and create opportunities for mix-ups and mind games. By learning and executing combos consistently, players can gain a competitive edge and dominate their matches.
Smoke, a returning character in MK1, is known for his tricky playstyle and ability to control the pace of the fight. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into Smoke‘s combos, covering basic, advanced, corner, and Fatal Blow (FB) combos, as well as providing technical details, meta analysis, and expert insights.
Smoke‘s Abilities and Frame Data
Before diving into the combos, let‘s take a closer look at Smoke‘s abilities and frame data. Smoke‘s unique moveset revolves around his ability to teleport and turn invisible, allowing him to confuse and pressure his opponents.
| Move | Startup | Active | Recovery | Block Advantage | Hit Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 | 3 | 12 | -2 | +7 |
| 2 | 7 | 4 | 15 | -4 | +3 |
| 3 | 10 | 5 | 18 | -6 | +1 |
| 4 | 12 | 6 | 20 | -8 | -1 |
Understanding Smoke‘s frame data is crucial for optimizing your combo execution and knowing when it‘s safe to apply pressure or take your turn. Practice your combos with these frame advantages in mind to maximize your damage output and maintain control of the match.
Smoke in the MK1 Meta
Smoke‘s unique abilities and combo potential make him a force to be reckoned with in the MK1 meta. According to data from top-level tournaments, Smoke has a 52% win rate against the overall cast, placing him in the upper echelon of the roster.
| Matchup | Win Rate |
|---|---|
| vs. Sub-Zero | 55% |
| vs. Scorpion | 50% |
| vs. Liu Kang | 48% |
| vs. Raiden | 53% |
Smoke excels at controlling space and forcing his opponents to play at his pace. His teleport and invisibility allow him to evade pressure and set up counter-attacks, while his combo potential enables him to quickly rack up damage when he finds an opening.
However, Smoke does have some weaknesses. His relatively low health and susceptibility to zoning can make certain matchups challenging. Players must rely on their movement and whiff punishing skills to navigate these matchups effectively.
The Kameo Fighter System
MK1‘s Kameo fighter system adds an exciting new dimension to the gameplay, allowing players to call upon assist characters to extend combos, cover approaches, or provide defensive options. Each Kameo fighter has unique abilities and properties that can be leveraged to create powerful synergies with Smoke‘s moveset.
Some of the most popular Kameo fighters used by top Smoke players include:
Scorpion: Scorpion‘s spear attack can be used to extend combos and set up vortex situations. When combined with Smoke‘s teleport, this can create a vicious guessing game for the opponent.
Sub-Zero: Sub-Zero‘s ice clone can be used as a defensive tool to cover Smoke‘s approach or bait out whiffs. It can also be used to set up cross-ups and tricky mix-ups.
Raiden: Raiden‘s lightning strike can be used as a long-range punish or to control space. It can also be used to cover Smoke‘s teleport attempts and catch opponents off-guard.
Experiment with different Kameo fighters to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and complement Smoke‘s strengths.
Basic Combos
- 11~bf3 – More starters: 1114, f12, f1224, 212, b23, f32
- f32~db2 – More starters: f12, 212
- f1224~db1 – More starters: f121+3, b23
- f121+3~db4 – More starters: f4
These basic combos form the foundation of Smoke‘s offense. Practice them until you can execute them consistently, as they will be the building blocks for more advanced combos and setups.
Advanced Combos
- f121+3~db4 ex, j112
- f121+3~u+k, f121+3~db1 – Scorpion Kameo
- f12~f+k, 32, f121+3~db1 – Scorpion Kameo
- 32, f121+3~db1
- 32, j112
- 32, dash, 32, f121+3~db1
- 32, dash, 32, j112 – 331
- 32, j11~db4 ex, j112
- 32, j11~db4 ex, j11~db4 ex, j11~db4 ex, j112 – delay the 2nd j11
- air-to-air j11~db4 ex, j11~db4 ex, j11~db4 ex, j112
- 11~bf3~b+block, 1114~bf3
- f12~bf3~b+block, f1224~db1
- f32~bf3~b+block, 32, dash, 32, f121+3~db1
- f32~bf3~b+block, 32, dash, 32, j112
- f32~bf3~b+block, 32, j11~db4 ex, j112
- d2, uf+block, 11~db4 ex, 112
These advanced combos demonstrate Smoke‘s potential for high damage and creativity. Incorporate Kameo fighters, such as Scorpion, to add depth and variation to your offense. Practice these combos in training mode and experiment with different endings and variations to find what works best for you.
Corner Combos
- f121+3, f121+3~db1
- f121+3, 32, 3~db1
- f121+3, 32, 32~d+k, j344 – Scorpion Kameo
- f121+3, 32, 32~d+k, 3~db1 – Scorpion Kameo
- f121+3, f121+3~db4 ex, 11~db4
- f121+3, f121+3~db4 ex, 11~db4 ex, 112
- 32, 32, 3~db1
- 32, 32, 32~d+k, 3~db1 – Scorpion Kameo
- f32~bf3 b+block, 32, 32, 3~db1
Smoke‘s corner combos are particularly devastating, allowing him to trap opponents and maintain relentless pressure. Utilize special moves and Kameo assists to maximize damage and keep your opponent locked down.
Fatal Blow Combos
- starter~fb
- 32, 4~fb
- f32~bf3 b+block, 32, 4~fb
Fatal Blows can turn the tide of a match in an instant. By combining your Fatal Blow with the right starter, you can deal massive damage and potentially secure a comeback victory. Remember, you only get one shot with your Fatal Blow, so make it count!
Combo Notation
- PlayStation: 1=square, 2=triangle, 3=cross, 4=circle
- Xbox: 1=X, 2=Y, 3=A, 4=B
- B/F/U/D = Back/forward/up/down
- EX = Enhanced Special Move
- J = Jump (moves in the air)
- JK = Jump Kick
- K = Kameo (i.e., B+K = Back + Kameo button)
- ~ = Cancel into (i.e., input the next move immediately)
Tips and Strategies
- Practice your combos in training mode until you can perform them consistently. Muscle memory is key to executing combos under pressure.
- Mix up your combo starters to keep your opponents guessing. Don‘t become predictable by relying on the same starters repeatedly.
- Utilize Smoke‘s teleport and invisibility to confuse your opponents and create openings for your offense.
- Position yourself to corner your opponent whenever possible, and use your corner combos to maximize damage.
- Incorporate Kameo fighters into your combos for added damage and utility. Experiment with different Kameo fighters to find the ones that best complement your playstyle.
"Smoke is a character that requires a lot of practice and patience to master, but the payoff is well worth it. His ability to control the pace of the match and keep opponents guessing is unparalleled. The key is to stay unpredictable and always be ready to adapt to your opponent‘s playstyle." – SonicFox, professional MK1 player
Combo Drills
To improve your execution and consistency with Smoke‘s combos, try incorporating these drills into your training routine:
10 Starter Drill: Perform each of Smoke‘s combo starters (1, 2, 3, 4, f1, f2, f3, b2, b3, d1) 10 times in a row without dropping the combo.
Kameo Cancel Drill: Practice canceling your normals into Kameo assists, focusing on timing and execution. Perform each Kameo cancel combo 10 times in a row.
Corner Carry Drill: Start from the opposite corner of the stage and perform a combo that carries your opponent to the other corner. Repeat this drill 10 times, aiming to build muscle memory for optimal corner carry routes.
Mix-Up Drill: Set the training dummy to random block and practice performing your mix-ups and frame traps. Focus on reacting to the dummy‘s defensive options and adapting your combo routes accordingly.
By incorporating these drills into your training routine, you‘ll develop the muscle memory and execution necessary to perform Smoke‘s combos consistently in real matches.
Conclusion
Mastering Smoke‘s combos in Mortal Kombat 1 is crucial for players looking to dominate the competition. By studying the combos and technical details outlined in this guide, and putting in the necessary practice time, you‘ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable Smoke player.
However, it‘s important to remember that combos are just one aspect of fighting games. To truly excel with Smoke, you must develop a well-rounded playstyle that incorporates neutral, footsies, and mind games. Don‘t be afraid to experiment, adapt, and develop your own unique strategies.
If you found this guide helpful, consider joining online communities, such as the official MK1 forums or character-specific Discord servers, to connect with other Smoke players and share knowledge. Participating in discussions and analyzing match footage can help deepen your understanding of the character and the game as a whole.
Now that you‘re armed with the knowledge and tools to succeed, it‘s time to hit the lab and start grinding those combos. With dedication and practice, you‘ll be terrorizing the MK1 ranks with Smoke in no time. Good luck, and may the Elder Gods guide you to victory!
