Welcome to the definitive guide for Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat 11, brought to you by Ryon – a top-tier U.S. professional MK11 player recognized globally for his elite gameplay. This guide provides an in-depth analysis of Kung Lao’s toolkit, variations, best buttons, optimal strings, and core strategies. Whether you’re new to Kung Lao or looking to level up your gameplay, this is the breakdown you need.
Understanding Kung Lao’s Best Buttons
Starting with the fundamentals, Kung Lao’s strength lies in a combination of speed, stagger potential, and reliable mids. His Forward 1 stands out as arguably his best mid. With a 10-frame startup and solid stagger capability, it allows for powerful hit confirms into full strings that lead to significant damage. Unlike many mids in the game, Forward 1 offers versatility both on hit and block.
Down 1 comes next with a 7-frame startup. It functions exceptionally as a pressure tool or as a defensive interrupt to escape enemy strings. It’s the gateway to initiating offense or regaining control.
His Stand 2 is another key button — an 8-frame startup that serves as a reliable punish tool. While the follow-up string isn’t ideal for continued pressure, the initial hit alone is excellent for quick punishes and fast-paced exchanges.
Complementing Stand 2, Stand 1 is similarly quick at 8 frames and works well in stagger pressure. While it may recover slightly slower than Stand 2, it still provides a strong offensive option with solid combo potential.
Now, Kung Lao’s Forward 2 doesn’t shine in pressure, but what makes it useful is its extended reach. It’s the go-to button for punishing opponents who whiff or throw unsafe specials from a distance.
As for Down 2, its primary role is anti-air. While it lacks versatility elsewhere, it reliably shuts down aerial approaches. The rest of his toolkit can handle grounded threats, but Down 2 dominates the skies.
Down 3 deserves recognition as one of his best pokes. At 7 frames and with impressive range and fast recovery, it’s perfect for catching opponents off guard, then quickly transitioning into a throw or pressure reset.
Forward 4 serves as a great mid, only slightly edged out by Forward 1 due to turn loss on block. Still, it’s safe, and that alone makes it a valuable addition to Kung Lao’s offense.
Lastly, Down 4 has superior reach compared to Down 3. If Down 3 falls short, Down 4 picks up the slack. This makes it an essential tool in footsie battles and defensive poking.
The Optimal Variation – Z Hat + Spiritual Guidance
Ryon doesn’t hold back here: his top-tier variation recommendation combines Z Hat with Spiritual Guidance. This loadout isn’t just preference — it fundamentally transforms Kung Lao’s matchup dynamics.
Z Hat is incredible on block, giving +20 to +26 frame advantage depending on the range. That’s massive. After an EX Z Hat, you can confidently go for a throw, or mix in Forward 1, 3 for a combo confirm. If it hits? You’re rewarded with a full combo — 20%+ damage with just one bar, a knockdown, and the chance to set up more pressure.
Now, Spiritual Guidance opens up a world of meterless damage. Where other variations like Lotus Fist drain meter on each confirm, this combo path preserves resources while still dealing heavy damage. This efficiency is why Ryon places it above more common picks — it’s simply more rewarding with less risk.
In terms of core strategy, the goal is simple: make opponents terrified to press buttons. Kung Lao’s damage is intimidating, and once that fear sets in, grabs become lethal. Your mixup revolves around conditioning your enemy to block and then exploiting them with throws and stagger pressure.
The Core Game Plan: Jumps, Grabs, and Chaos
A central part of Kung Lao’s identity is his Jump 3. According to Ryon, it might be the most ridiculous jump kick in the game. It’s hard to anti-air and leads to full combos. Whether you’re close or spaced out, landing Jump 3 gives you access to Forward 1, spin, knockdowns, Z Hat setups, and meterless conversions. This makes Jump 3 not just viable, but essential.
And then there’s the mindlessness. Ryon puts it bluntly — don’t hesitate to “turn off your brain and jump kick people to death.” It’s that good. Combined with the safe Z Hat setups and the psychological edge of being constantly plus, Kung Lao can feel oppressive in the right hands.
Zoning Limitations
But Kung Lao isn’t without flaws. His zoning is lackluster. His standard projectile is a high and easily ducked. While Spiritual Guidance offers a second low-hitting projectile, it’s also predictable and jumpable from full screen. Against strong zoners, Kung Lao struggles to return fire effectively and can be shut out in ranged duels.
That’s where his mobility, jump-ins, and aggressive setups need to compensate. He’s not a zoning character — he’s a close-range monster. Accept that, and focus on closing gaps quickly.
Kung Lao’s Best Strings
Here are the strings you should master:
- 1, 2, 1: Easy to hit-confirm since the third hit only comes out on hit. Spin confirms are a breeze.
- Forward 1, 2: Doesn’t lead to huge combos, but it ends safely and gives good knockdown.
- Forward 1, 3: Hit-confirmable into spin for solid combos. On block, it becomes a risk-reward guess — hat toss to stay somewhat safe, or leave it and risk punishment.
- 2, 1, 2: Risky on block since it whiffs on crouchers, but high reward. One of his most damaging starters — over 16% before even launching.
- Forward 2, 1: Great for punishing from long distances. Hit-confirmable into launchers.
- Forward 2, 1, 4: This version has a built-in crushing blow, making it even more deadly as a long-range punish.
Bread and Butter Combos (BnBs)
While specific notations weren’t detailed in the dialogue, Ryon shows off a mix of mid-screen and corner combos with one or two bars and meterless setups. Expect the usual combo routes like:
- Jump 3 → Forward 1 → Spin → Z Hat setup → Grab
- 2, 1, 2 → Spin → Ender or setup
- EX Z Hat → Forward 1, 3 → Spin → Knockdown + Pressure
Efficiency and control are key — whether you spend meter or not, the variation allows reliable, damaging follow-ups that are adaptable to any situation.
Final Thoughts
Ryon wraps this up by emphasizing the pure power and versatility of this variation. If you want to play Kung Lao at a high level, his advice is simple: pick Z Hat + Spiritual Guidance, control the space with Jump 3 and Z Hat, scare your opponent into blocking, and then throw them until they break. Exploit your frame advantage, preserve your meter, and always capitalize on openings with max damage.
For anyone serious about mastering Kung Lao, this guide isn’t just a how-to — it’s a mindset shift. Play aggressive, play smart, and never let your opponent breathe.
Be sure to check out Ryon’s other guides on Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, and Kano for even more high-level breakdowns. Thanks for reading — now go spin to win.
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