Few things are as iconic in the fighting game world as the Fatality in Mortal Kombat. These brutal finishing moves have been a staple of the franchise since its inception, giving players a dramatic and often gruesome way to end a match. While flashy and satisfying, pulling off a Fatality can be tricky if you don’t understand the mechanics, inputs, and positioning required. Whether you’re playing on console or PC, learning how to Fatality in Mortal Kombat can dramatically improve your post-match flair and show off your mastery of the game. This guide covers the core techniques, character-specific moves, and helpful tips for consistently executing Fatalities.
Understanding What a Fatality Is
Definition and Purpose
A Fatality is a special finishing move that can be performed at the end of a match in Mortal Kombat, typically after you’ve defeated your opponent in the final round. It’s a cinematic and often violent way to conclude the fight, varying depending on the character used. Each fighter has multiple Fatalities, usually involving unique animations that reflect their personality and combat style.
Timing and Conditions
You can only perform a Fatality when your opponent’s health has been completely depleted and the announcer says Finish Him! or Finish Her! This is your cue to input the correct sequence of commands before the short timer runs out. If done correctly, your character will unleash their Fatality.
Basic Steps to Perform a Fatality
Step 1: Know the Correct Inputs
Each character has one or more Fatalities, each with a specific button combination. These inputs generally consist of a series of directional commands followed by an attack button (usually Front Punch, Back Punch, Front Kick, or Back Kick).
For example, Scorpion’s classic Fatality might require you to input: Down, Forward, Back, Punch (from a certain distance).
Step 2: Get the Right Position
Fatalities require precise positioning. There are three standard ranges from which a Fatality can be executed:
- Close: Right next to your opponent
- Mid: About one character space away
- Far: About two character spaces or more
If you are not in the correct range, your Fatality input will not work even if the button sequence is correct. Make sure to check the specific distance required in your character’s move list.
Step 3: Practice the Input Timing
Fatalities must be entered quickly and cleanly. Button mashing or slow inputting usually results in failure. You don’t need to be lightning fast, but your timing should be steady and accurate. Enter the sequence immediately when Finish Him! appears.
Using the Move List Menu
Accessing Fatality Lists
In modern Mortal Kombat games like MK11 and MK1, you can open the move list by pausing the game. Navigate to the Finishers tab, and you’ll see the inputs for your character’s available Fatalities, including hidden or unlockable ones if you’ve gained access to them.
Practice Mode
Use Practice Mode to rehearse Fatalities without the pressure of a live match. You can toggle the Finish Him! state to appear instantly and try various inputs at your own pace. This is the best way to master tricky Fatalities before taking them into real fights.
Unlocking Additional Fatalities
How to Unlock More Finishers
Most characters start with one visible Fatality, but many have a second or even third that must be unlocked. These extra finishers are often discovered by playing Towers of Time, completing story modes, or spending Koins in the Krypt (in games like MK11).
Once unlocked, they appear in your move list and can be practiced freely. However, if you know the inputs ahead of time, you can often perform them without officially unlocking them.
Input Shortcuts and Easy Fatalities
Easy Fatality Tokens
In some versions of Mortal Kombat, especially MKX and MK11, you can use Easy Fatality tokens. These let you perform a Fatality with a simplified input, such as just pressing two buttons instead of a full sequence. You can earn or purchase these tokens, although using them is more about convenience than skill.
Toggle Input Shortcuts
There’s an option in the settings menu called Input Shortcuts that allows you to buffer commands more easily. Turning this on can make certain inputs easier to execute, especially diagonal or back-to-back directional inputs.
Fatality Examples by Popular Characters
Scorpion
- Fatality 1 (Close): Down, Forward, Back, Front Punch
- Fatality 2 (Mid): Back, Down, Back, Back Kick
Sub-Zero
- Fatality 1 (Mid): Forward, Down, Forward, Back Punch
- Fatality 2 (Far): Down, Back, Down, Front Kick
Kitana
- Fatality 1 (Close): Down, Down, Down, Back Kick
- Fatality 2 (Mid): Back, Down, Forward, Front Kick
Liu Kang
- Fatality 1 (Mid): Back, Down, Down, Front Punch
- Fatality 2 (Far): Forward, Back, Down, Back Kick
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Not Being at the Right Distance
Make sure to read the Fatality description carefully. Executing a close-range Fatality from mid-range will not trigger the animation, even if the input is correct. Use Practice Mode to learn what each distance looks like.
Incorrect Input Sequence
If you press the wrong direction or attack button during the input, your Fatality won’t work. Be deliberate with your button presses. Avoid pressing extra buttons or directional inputs.
Waiting Too Long
You only have a short window after Finish Him! to execute a Fatality. Hesitation or slow inputs will cause the timer to run out, leading to a simple punch instead of a spectacular finish. React quickly and input the commands as soon as the prompt appears.
Fatalities in Different Mortal Kombat Titles
Classic Games
Older Mortal Kombat games like MK1 to MK3 have strict inputs and no practice mode. Fatalities here are more difficult to master but offer nostalgic satisfaction for longtime players.
Modern Games
Newer games provide practice tools, move lists, and easier inputs. MK11 and MK1 include additional content such as Brutalities, Friendships, and Fatal Blows, which add variety to endgame finishers beyond the classic Fatality.
Closing Tips
Executing a Fatality in Mortal Kombat is a satisfying conclusion to a well-fought battle. It adds flair, shows mastery of your character, and often stuns your opponent with cinematic flair. Start by learning one Fatality per character, then expand your repertoire as you grow more comfortable with the mechanics. Use practice mode to drill your inputs, stay aware of range, and act quickly once the finishing prompt appears. Whether you’re playing for fun or competitive glory, mastering the art of the Fatality is a must for any true Mortal Kombat fan.