Welcome to another episode of the Step-by-Step Mortal Kombat 11 series. This time, we’re diving deep into a practical and efficient combo for Sub-Zero. This guide is designed to break down the process into digestible steps while also offering essential tips, combo strategies, and advanced corner techniques.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your Avalanche Sub-Zero, this guide has you covered.

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ROUND 1: Main Mid-Screen Combo (1 Bar)

Variation Required: Avalanche

Combo Overview: This combo uses one bar of offensive meter and operates mid-screen. Follow each step to perform it reliably:

Step-by-Step Combo:

1. Permafrost → Input: Back 3, 2
2. Ice Ball → Input: Down Forward 1
3. Walk Forward + Cross-Up Kick → Input: Walk → Jump Forward → 3 or 4
4. Frozen Over String → Input: Back 1, 4, 3
5. Amplified Slide to Finish → Input: Back Forward 3 (then amplify)

This combo delivers solid damage, good execution flow, and gives you a reliable mid-screen tool with Sub-Zero.

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ROUND 2: Bonus Tips, Mistakes & Alternate Routes

Common Mistakes

• Missing the Cross-Up Kick: This is a frequent struggle. Walk slightly forward first, then jump and hit your kick just before crossing the opponent’s head.
• Overusing the Starter: Don’t rely too much on Back 3, 2. It becomes predictable. Keep your opponent guessing.

Sub-Zero’s Game Plan

Sub-Zero thrives in mid to close range and must mix up approaches:

• Zone with Ice Ball
• Throw when opponents block
• Use pokes, setups, and punishes to layer pressure

Mixing playstyles will keep your opponent off balance and let Sub-Zero’s core strengths shine.

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Alternative Combos

Here are a few alternate options if the main combo proves tricky:

• Easier Combos: Focus on simplified starters and tighter enders for practice
• Wake-Up Combos: Practice capitalizing on wake-up pressure opportunities
• Other Variation-Based Combos: Utilize traps, resets, and sliding corner pressure

[Visuals of these combos were presented in the original guide for reference.]

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Combo Strategy and Traps

Sub-Zero’s mix-up strength lies in 50/50s, traps, and resets. Try this:

• Jump 2 → Back 1, 4 → Mix into either:
  • Low Combo Starter
  • Overhead Follow-up

This keeps your opponent guessing. They get one chance to block correctly—or they eat a combo.

Avalanche Variation Strategy:

• Use Back 2 → Down Back 4 to place a trap
• You’re left with plus frames if they block
• If they roll forward, let Standing 1 whiff so they get pushed back into the trap
• If they roll backward, punish with Slide

These subtle setups reward players who understand how to manipulate spacing and opponent reactions.

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Corner Combos

Maximizing corner pressure is crucial for Sub-Zero. These corner combos are recommended for better control and finishing power:

• Freeze setups → Jump-ins → Amplified Slide
• Anti-roll traps → Follow-up hits

Corner pressure gives you more combo extensions and options, so always adjust your route to push the opponent toward the wall when possible.

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ROUND 3: Finish Them – Crushing Blows, Fatal Blows & Overview

Key Crushing Blow Setups:

1. Uppercut (Down 2) – Punish or counter for the launch
2. Third Amplified Slide – Activates after the third successful amplified slide
3. Cold Encounter Ender (8+ hit combo) – Ends combo with style and significant damage

Fatal Blow Combo

• Use when below 30% health
• Can be woven into a combo for comeback potential

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Sub-Zero

Pros:

• Top-tier 50/50 mix-up game
• Effective projectile zoning via Ice Ball
• Comfortable at any range: zoning, mid-range pokes, close-range pressure
• Beginner-friendly execution
• Multiple easy-to-trigger Krushing Blows

Cons:

• Without KBs, damage output is lower
• Some moves are high-risk and easily punishable if misused
• Vulnerable to fast characters who can out-speed Sub-Zero in close combat
• Tournament Variations are limited compared to Custom setups

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Final Thoughts

Sub-Zero is a powerful character who thrives on confusing his opponent through relentless mix-ups, sneaky traps, and tight pressure strings. With just a few strong combos and some well-timed Ice Balls, you can control pace and position.

For players looking to master mix-ups and apply constant pressure while keeping a few zoning options available, Sub-Zero is a top-tier learning pick.

Practice the cross-up timing, learn the trap setups, and don’t become predictable.

Thanks for supporting the guide! If you want more character-specific combo breakdowns, check out the full playlist or suggest which fighter should be next.

Until next time—stay frosty.