Mortal Kombat 1 Guide – All Characters and Kameos Brutalities Button Inputs

A list of all brutalities you can perform in Mortal Kombat 1.

Mortal Kombat 1 returns with a vast roster of characters and supporting Kameos to aid you with their varied abilities. Among these are Brutalities, of which there are a minimum of five to be unlocked at Mastery Ranks 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15, for playable characters. A select few characters have a sixth initial Brutality dubbed ‘The Klassic’. Kameos only have two Brutalities to unlock, at Mastery Ranks 2 and 11. This Mortal Kombat 1 guide will list every single Brutality and the button presses required on your platform of choice.

Note that simply knowing the button combination will not suffice to use it in-game. You will have to actually achieve the Mastery Rank at which it is formally unlocked.

CommandInput Button
UpUp on D-Pad/Left Analog Stick
DownDown on D-Pad/Left Analog Stick
LeftLeft on D-Pad/Left Analog Stick
RightRight on D-Pad/Left Analog Stick
Front PunchSquare (PS5), X (Xbox Series X/S), Y (Switch)
Back PunchTriangle (PS5), Y (Xbox Series X/S), X (Switch)
Front KickX (PS5), A (Xbox Series X/S), B (Switch)
Back KickCircle (PS5), B (Xbox Series X/S), A (Switch)
Block or GuardR2 (PS5), Right Trigger (Xbox Series X/S), ZR (Switch)
KameoR1 (PS5), Right Bumper (Xbox Series X/S), R (Switch)

How to Perform Brutalities for All Playable Characters

CharacterBrutalityInputsNotes
AshrahThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
AshrahSave me a SliceThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
AshrahNail In The CoffinForward + Back Kick, Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 5
AshrahHalf Day?Front Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch, And Hold UpMastery Rank 7
AshrahKutting KornerBack, Forward + Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
AshrahLight You UpBack + Back Punch, Front Punch, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 15
BarakaThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
BarakaNom NomThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
BarakaChop ShopBack, Forward + Front Kick, Rapidly And Tap Any Attack Button During HitMastery Rank 5
BarakaEmpty InsideDown, Back, Front Punch, And Tap Up, Up, UpMastery Rank 7Must Be On An Airborne Opponent
BarakaOld SchoolBack Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 10
BarakaThis Is A Flesh WoundForward + Front Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15
General ShaoThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
General ShaoIs That Your Best?Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
General ShaoFeel My PowerThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Up, Up, UpMastery Rank 5Must Be Done When Not Wielding Axe
General ShaoN/AN/ANo Brutality Is Unlocked At Mastery Rank 7
General ShaoDon’t Make Me LaughForward + Back Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
General ShaoIt’s Official… You Suck!Down, Back + Back Kick, And Hold BackMastery Rank 15Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
GerasThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
GerasFrom Another TimeThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
GerasTime Will TellDown, Back + Back Punch or Down, Forward + Back Punch, And Hold Back KickMastery Rank 5Opponent Must Be In The CornerThe Grab Being Used Must Throw The Opponent Away From The Corner
GerasSand Of TimeFront Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Forward, Forward, ForwardMastery Rank 7
GerasJust Rip It OffDown, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
GerasUnstoppable ForceForward + Front Punch, Back Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 15
HavikThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
HavikGood To Be Back!Back Punch, Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 3
HavikNeed A Hand?Back + Back Punch, Back Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 5
HavikIt’s A Twist OffThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Forward, Down, Back, UpMastery Rank 7
HavikKnocking AroundDown, Back + Front Punch, And Hold UpMastery Rank 10
HavikKablooeyBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 15Must Be Near The Opponent
Johnny CageThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Johnny CageHere’s JohnnyThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap DownMastery Rank 3
Johnny CageGame Over ManTap Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick)Mastery Rank 5Successfully Escape A Throw First
Johnny CageYou Got CagedForward, Down, Back + Back Punch, And Hold Back PunchMastery Rank 7
Johnny CageWelcome To The PartyBack, Down + Front Punch, And Hold Back PunchMastery Rank 10
Johnny CageHope You’re InsuredBack, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold Back KickMastery Rank 15
KenshiThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
KenshiWhere You Going?Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
KenshiOut Of SightThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Front PunchMastery Rank 5Must Be In Soul Separate (Down, Back + Front Punch)
KenshiDid You See That?Down, Back + Back Kick + Block or Guard, And Tap Front Punch And Back Punch Six Times.Mastery Rank 7Must Be In Soul Separate (Down, Back + Front Punch)
KenshiSee Ya LaterBack, Forward + Back Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 10
KenshiNothing To See HereDown, Back + Back Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15Must Be In Soul Separate (Down, Back + Front Punch)
KitanaThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
KitanaSome Off The TopThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
KitanaHit The FanBack, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 5Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
KitanaWhere’d You Go?Down, Back + Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 7Must Be On An Airborne Opponent
KitanaEasy PeasyFront Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 10
KitanaKiss ItForward + Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15
Kung LaoThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Kung LaoSpin CycleThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Forward, Down, Back, UpMastery Rank 3
Kung LaoGrind AwayBack, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 5Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Kung LaoGrind AwayDown, Back + Back Punch + Block or Guard, Repeatedly Tap Any Attack ButtonMastery Rank 7
Kung LaoMagic HatDown, Back + Back Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 10
Kung LaoNot Holding BackBack Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch, Front Punch, And Hold UpMastery Rank 15
Li MeiThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Li MeiFast Enough For YaBack, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold BackMastery Rank 3
Li MeiHead Over HeelsForward + Back Kick, Back Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 5
Li MeiOne Way TicketDown, Back + Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 7Final Hit Must Come From Sky Lantern
Li MeiLight The WayBack, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold Back PunchMastery Rank 10Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Li MeiHead Of TrailsForward + Back Kick, Front Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 15
Liu KangThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Liu KangBleeding HeartThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Forward, Forward, ForwardMastery Rank 3
Liu KangDancing AroundBack, Forward + Back Kick, Rapidly Tap Front Kick or Back Kick Six TimesMastery Rank 5
Liu KangPop Goes The…Front Kick, Front Kick, Front Kick, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 7
Liu KangJust A NibbleBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
Liu KangLet’s Go For A RideBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 15
MileenaThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
MileenaDid That Hurt?Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
MileenaMaybe Next TimeBack Punch, Front Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold DownMastery Rank 5
MileenaThe Best PartDown, Back + Back Punch + Block or Guard, Rapidly Tap Front Punch or Back Punch Six TimesMastery Rank 7
MileenaEarly LunchBack, Down + Back Kick + Block or Guard, And Hold Back KickMastery Rank 10
MileenaHigh RollerBack, Down + Back Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 15
NitaraThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
NitaraEmbrace The PainBack, Forward + Back Punch, Repeatedly Tap Any Attack ButtonMastery Rank 3
NitaraCome Here OftenThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Up, Up, UpMastery Rank 5
NitaraTaste Of BloodBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold Front KickMastery Rank 7Blood Sacrifice Must Be Active (Down, Forward + Front Kick)Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
NitaraThey Come Right OffForward + Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold UpMastery Rank 10
NitaraSomething You Are?Back, Forward + Front Punch + Block or Guard, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15
RaidenThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
RaidenThat’s A ShockerThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), Rapidly Tap Front Punch or Back Punch Six Times During HitMastery Rank 3
RaidenOverloadDown, Back + Front Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 5
RaidenInside OutBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 7
RaidenHeaded NowhereFront Punch, Back Punch, Front Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 10
RaidenExcess EnergyDown, Forward + Front PunchMastery Rank 15Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
RainThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
RainJust A Little DipThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), Repeatedly Tap Any Attack ButtonMastery Rank 3
RainDown The DrainBack, Forward + Back KickMastery Rank 5
RainAqua FinishedForward + Back Punch, Front Punch, Front Kick, And Hold BackMastery Rank 7
RainBubble HeadFront Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
RainRainy DayDown, Down, Up, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
ReikoThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
ReikoNo Turning BackThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), Rapidly Tap Back Kick Four TimesMastery Rank 3
ReikoYou Had Enough?Down, Back + Front Kick, And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 5
ReikoDoes It StingDown, Back + Front Punch, And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 7
ReikoNot Even CloseForward, Down, Back + Front Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
ReikoThere And Back AgainFront Punch, Back Punch, Front Kick, And Hold BackMastery Rank 15
ReptileThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
ReptileDamn TastyThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
ReptileKrocodile Done RightBack, Forward + Back Kick, And Tap Up, Up, UpMastery Rank 5
ReptileBehind YouBack, Forward + Back Punch, And Hold Back PunchMastery Rank 7
ReptilePop BellyForward + Front Kick, Back Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 10
ReptileReady To PounceBack + Back PunchMastery Rank 15Must Be Fully Charged
ScorpionThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
ScorpionChoke on ItThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Forward, Down, Back, UpMastery Rank 3
ScorpionBurn For MeBack, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 5
ScorpionAny Way You Slice ItBack, Forward + Back Punch, And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 7
ScorpionStop AheadBack, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 10Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
ScorpionHot HeadDown, Back + Front Kick, And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 15
Shang TsungThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Shang TsungBed Of SpikesThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold UpMastery Rank 3
Shang TsungStick AroundDown, Back + Front KickMastery Rank 5Must Be On An Airborne Opponent
Shang TsungChomp! Chomp!Down, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold BackMastery Rank 7Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Shang TsungFire It UpDown, Forward + Front Punch (AIR), And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 10Must Be In OLD Form
Shang TsungIt has EndedDown, Back + Front Kick, And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 15Must Be In OLD Form
SindelThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
SindelScream QueenThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
SindelSplit EndsForward + Front Punch, Front Kick, And Hold BackMastery Rank 5
SindelThat Was Fun!Down, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold UpMastery Rank 7
SindelOff With Your HeadBack Punch, Back Kick, Back Kick, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 10
SindelLose Something?Down, Back + Front Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 15Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
SmokeThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
SmokeAn Eye for an EyeThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold DownMastery Rank 3
SmokeIf It BleedsBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Hold Block or GuardMastery Rank 5
SmokeDon’t BlinkDown, Back + Back Punch, And Hold UpMastery Rank 7
SmokeSlice And DiceForward + Front Punch, Back Punch, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold UpMastery Rank 10
SmokeBreak A LegForward + Front Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch, Back Kick, And Hold Back KickMastery Rank 15
Sub-ZeroThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
Sub-ZeroAbsolute ZeroBack, Forward + Front Kick, And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 3
Sub-ZeroSnowballDown, Forward + Front PunchMastery Rank 5Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Sub-ZeroKarbon KopyBack, Forward + Back Punch, And Hold Front PunchMastery Rank 7
Sub-ZeroKrushed IceBack Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10
Sub-ZeroAbility to FreezeDown, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold Back KickMastery Rank 15
TanyaThe KlassicDown + Back Punch, Hold Back Punch During HitAvailable At The StartFinal Hit Must Be From ‘Uppercut’ Down + Back Punch
TanyaRest in PiecesThrow (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold UpMastery Rank 3
TanyaHot HeadFront Kick, Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, Down, DownMastery Rank 5
TanyaHead KaseDown, Forward + Front Punch, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 7Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
TanyaKore SampleBack, Forward + Back Kick, And Hold DownMastery Rank 10Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
TanyaWatch This!Forward + Back Punch, Front Punch, Front Punch, And Hold ForwardMastery Rank 15

How to Perform Brutalities for All Kameo Fighters

Kameo FighterKameo BrutalityInputsNotes
CyraxNet GrossForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘I Choose You To Die!’
CyraxTarget DestroyedForward + Kameo, And Hold LeftKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Self Destruct’
DarriusHere, CatchForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Dreamwork Teamwork, Baby!’
DarriusN/AN/ANo Brutality Is Unlocked At Kameo Mastery Rank 11
FrostPin KushionForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Glacier Goring’
FrostIce’d OutForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Snow Flakes’
GoroMake Up Your MindForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Rearranger’
GoroGoro SmashForward + Kameo, Kameo Button, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Shokan Stomp’
JaxAwww, Damn!Forward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Multi Slam’
JaxNo Pain, No GainForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Back Breaker’Must Be On An Airborne Opponent
KanoYou Alright, Mate?Forward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Using Your Noggin’
KanoKnife To Meet YouBack + Kameo, And Hold DownKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Knife Toss’Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Kung LaoGot Head?Forward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Rapid-Fire Blows’
Kung LaoRazor BurnBack + Kameo, And Hold BackKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Buzz Saw’Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
MotaroWhat You Get!Down + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Tail Turret’
MotaroHoofing ItForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Tail Shot’
SareenaTo A CrispForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Dark Harvest’
SareenaRelease DemonForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Old Moon’Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
ScorpionWell DoneForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Dynamic Entrance’
ScorpionSlice AboveForward + Kameo, And Hold DownKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Hell Blades’
SektorFire And ForgetForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Fourth Of Ju-Die’
SektorLow Level ThreatForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Flame Thrower’Must Be At Sweep Distance Or Farther
ShujinkoN/AN/ANo Brutalities Are Unlocked At Kameo Mastery Ranks 2 And 11
SonyaPopping HeadsForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Blade Kutter’
SonyaForget Something?Back + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Leg Grab’
StrykerBustedForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2Final Hit Must Be From ‘Flashed And Banged’
StrykerIt Goes BoomForward + Kameo, And Hold Kameo ButtonKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘High Grenade Toss’Must Be At Jump Distance Or Farther
Sub-ZeroBig LegForward + Throw (Front Punch + Front Kick), And Tap Down, DownKameo Mastery Rank 2
Sub-ZeroFrost BiteForward + Kameo, And Hold ForwardKameo Mastery Rank 11Final Hit Must Be From ‘Iced Out’

And those are all the Brutalities that Characters and Kameos can perform in Mortal Kombat 1 along with their respective button inputs.

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