The iconic cryomancer Sub-Zero has entered the Injustice universe, bringing with him a toolkit that balances offense, control, and combo potential. While he’s instantly recognizable to Mortal Kombat fans, adapting his style to Injustice 2requires a clear understanding of his strengths, weaknesses, and how to optimize his unique mechanics in the DC arena.

Whether you’re looking to main him or just want to understand how to counter him, this strategy guide will give you a solid foundation to play Sub-Zero effectively.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Excellent close to mid-range pressure, especially in the corner
• Powerful corner setups using his clone mechanic
• Strong combo extensions using meter burn tools
• Good damage output with relatively simple execution

Weaknesses:

• Lack of overhead starters, which makes his mix-up game more predictable
• Struggles against heavy zoning due to slow projectile speed
• Ice clone can’t stop every projectile — it’s useful but not foolproof
• Limited long-range tools without gear-enabled teleportation

To succeed with Sub-Zero, you’ll need to play aggressively and close the gap, while using smart meter management and environmental awareness to get in and stay in.

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Character Trait – Cryomancer: The Ice Clone

Sub-Zero’s character trait is called Cryomancer, and it allows him to summon an ice clone. If your opponent touches this clone, they’re frozen and vulnerable to any follow-up. It’s versatile and essential to mastering his playstyle.

Here are five effective ways to use the Ice Clone:

1. Projectile Shield – It absorbs one projectile, allowing you to use Ice Ball safely in zoning battles.
2. Throw the Clone – Toss it at the opponent to interrupt or zone.
3. Detonate the Clone – Stand next to it and blow it up using Iceberg to catch the opponent.
4. Slide Into the Clone – Slide opponents into it for a freeze setup (but beware — this setup is predictable).
5. Meter Burn Clone – Summon two clones: one to throw, one to cover yourself.

The clone recharges fast, so don’t be shy — use it frequently. Against aggressive rushdown characters like Flash, Bane, Atrocitus, or Black Canary, it becomes an incredible tool for defense and control.

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Special Moves Breakdown

1. Ice Burst (↓←1)
Sub-Zero punches the ground, sending out a blast of ice around him.

• Meter Burn: Adds a dashing elbow that knocks back — great for creating corner pressure.

2. Polar Puncture (↓→1)
A command grab that stabs the opponent with an icicle.

• Meter Burn: Freezes the opponent post-grab for combo follow-ups.
• Usage: Primary combo ender and extender for damage.

3. Ice Ball (↓→2)
Classic Sub-Zero projectile — hits and freezes.

• Meter Burn: Freezes opponent instantly on hit, and can pass through high projectiles.
• Tip: Use mid-range. Too far away gives your opponent time to dodge.

4. Air Frost Hammer (Air ↓←2)
Mid-air hammer smash that slams down onto the opponent.

• Meter Burn: Adds a second hit that presses forward — good for pressure.

5. Slide (←→3)
Quick low attack that knocks down and changes sides.

• Meter Burn: Adds extra damage.

These tools form the core of his gameplan. Ice Ball for setups, Polar Puncture for combo extensions, and Slide for space control and pressure shifts.

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Bread-and-Butter Combos

Sub-Zero’s BnBs are all about freezing, repositioning, and cornering. Here’s the core idea:

• Start with a safe string (e.g., b2,1 or 112)
• Cancel into Ice Ball (MB) or Polar Puncture (MB)
• Follow up with juggle + Ice Burst or Slide
• End with clone setups or corner push

These combos don’t just deal good damage — they also reposition your opponent into a corner, where Sub-Zero becomes an absolute menace.

Ice Clone Combos

The clone isn’t just for defense — it’s also a combo engine. Examples include:

• Clone setup → Slide → Freeze → Polar Puncture (MB)
• Throw clone → Dash in → Frozen opponent → Full combo
• Clone + Slide cross-under setups to mess with opponent expectations

These sequences are especially effective when you’ve conditioned your opponent to respect the clone’s space.

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General Strategy & Tips

Sub-Zero is a close-range brawler with setplay tools. Your core mission is to get close and control the pace.

• Use Ice Clone + Slide to break zoning walls.
• Meter burn Ice Ball at mid-range to trade against projectiles.
• Don’t waste meter trying to zone back. Save it for combo extensions or clone setups.

Corner Control:

• Once your opponent is in the corner, keep them there.
• Use MB Ice Burst to set up knockdowns.
• Keep a clone active and be ready with Slide or Polar Puncture.

Vs. Zoners:

• Ice Clone absorbs hits, but only one.
• Slide helps you cover ground quickly.
• Enhanced Ice Ball is your best projectile trade tool — use it wisely.

Sub-Zero isn’t about rushing blindly — he’s about smart aggression. Mix your tools, maintain pressure, and punish mistakes with hard freezes.

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Final Thoughts

Sub-Zero brings classic MK flavor into Injustice 2 but requires adaptation to thrive in this universe. By understanding his toolset — especially the Ice Clone and meter burns — and building a strategy around pressure and positioning, you can become a nightmare for anyone caught in your frozen grip.

Stick close, keep your opponent in the corner, and let the chill of your combos do the talking.

Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your cryomancer journey!