Welcome to the ultimate Scorpion guide for Mortal Kombat 11, whether you’re just picking up the character or looking to optimize your gameplay, this guide has you covered.

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Core Normals and Best Strings

Scorpion’s best buttons are centered around safety, pressure, and hit confirms:

• Back 1, 4, 3 – Scorpion’s best mid hit-confirmable string. It’s safe on block and leads into combos on hit.
• Back 2 – Excellent range. Can be used from a surprising distance. However, it is unsafe on block and should only be used if you can single-button hit confirm.
• Forward 3, 4 – His fastest mid and an essential pressure tool. It also has a crushing blow.

Key pressure strings:

• 2, 1, 2 / 1, 2 / 4, 3 – These strings are +2 to +7 on block, making them amazing for pressure and stagger setups.

Avoid using:

• 1, 2, 4 string – Often misused by beginner Scorpion players. It’s inconsistent and not worth the risk unless chipping for the final hit.
• 4, 4, 3 – Very situational. Has a flawless block gap and is punishable on block. Only use this string for staggers or false block baits when your opponent has no defensive meter.

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Anti-Airs and Defensive Options

Scorpion’s anti-airs are inconsistent but still usable when timed well:

• Standing 1 – Solid for shallow jump-ins.
• Standing 4 – Best for deep jump-ins; leads to significant damage.
• Down 2 (Uppercut) – Most effective against cross-ups.
• Teleport (in corner) – Use as a trip guard against jump-ins for high corner damage (30%+).

Overall, Scorpion’s anti-air game is inconsistent, so flawless blocking jump-ins is often your safest option.

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Optimal Variations and Special Moves

Mandatory Move:

• Hell Port (Teleport) – Essential for neutral resets and escaping pressure. Keeps you safe whether you hit or get blocked.

Optional Choices:

• Spear Buff – Adds bonus damage to throws.
• Air Grab – Strong vs. jump-heavy characters (e.g., Jackie, Cabal).
• NJP Extension – Increases combo damage if you prioritize damage over throw pressure.

Pick your second slot based on playstyle and matchup needs.

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BnBs and Combos

Standard Combos (1 Bar):

• Any hit confirm → Forward 3 → 1, 1, 2 or Forward 3 → Spear

Two-Bar Combos:

• Down 2 (Krushing Blow) → 4, 3 → Spear → Follow-up (~38%)
• Standing 4 → 4, 3 → Spear

With NJP Extension:

• Add NJP into the combo before the final juggle sequence for more damage.

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Single Button Hit Confirms & Mind Games

One of the highest skill-ceiling techniques with Scorpion is the single-button hit confirm off of Back 2:

• Back 2 → If blocked, teleport away. If hit, confirm into combo.
• Works exceptionally well from long range and builds into a powerful neutral control game.

This also works with Forward 3, which has a flawless block gap. Opponents may try to mash here, allowing you to:

• Teleport away on block.
• Punish mash attempts on hit.
• Set up micro-duck baits and full combos.

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Pressure Tools and Plus Frame Abuse

Scorpion’s 2, 1, 2 / 1, 2 / 4, 3 strings are plus on block:

• Use 2, 1, 2 to apply pressure.
• If the opponent expects a follow-up and tries to mash, bait them with staggers or throws.
• Use Plus 7 advantage to dash up and throw or continue pressure with mids.
• Start mixing in Back 1 or throws for additional mind games.

Proper use of these strings creates a powerful loop of safe, threatening offense that many Scorpion players overlook.

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Corner Setups and Guaranteed Damage

• In the corner, use teleport as an anti-air trip guard.
• Off a launch where you expect a breakaway, mash Fatal Blow during the juggle for guaranteed 39%.
• Use 2, 1, 2 pressure to lock down your opponent in the corner and create throw/strike mix-ups.

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Matchup Notes and Weaknesses

Scorpion’s Strengths:

• Can’t be zoned easily due to teleport.
• Constantly safe due to teleport cancel.
• Excellent pressure tools with plus frames.

Weaknesses:

• Struggles against high-pressure characters (e.g., Jackie, Liu Kang).
• Slow mids, making it hard to take back turns against characters with 9-frame mids.

Scorpion is all about reading the opponent, enforcing fear through pressure, and maintaining momentum. With the right execution, he becomes a threat even in higher levels of play.

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Final Verdict

Scorpion is a solid mid-tier character with high pressure potential, a safe teleport that dominates neutral, and a versatile set of tools that reward both fundamentals and deep technical mastery.

You’ll need to work harder in high-level play, especially due to slower mids and defensive gaps, but if you commit to learning his kit—including single-button hit confirms and corner anti-air setups—Scorpion becomes a very dangerous pick.

Don’t let anyone tell you he’s bad—play him right, and he’s a menace.

Thanks for checking out this Scorpion guide! More character breakdowns (including Spawn and Raiden) coming soon.