Homeβ€ΊGamesβ€ΊMortal Kombat 1β€ΊGeneral Shao
General Shao Mortal Kombat 1 fighter artwork
Mortal Kombat 1 Move & Ability Guide

General Shao moves, skills and special abilities

Move & Ability Guide

Playable Mortal Kombat 1 fighter.

35 ability entries1 Basic Attack10 Special Moves1 Equippable Move10 Kombos2 Aerial Kombos1 Fatal Blow2 Fatalities7 Brutalities1 Animality
Mortal Kombat inputs: Forward means toward the opponent; Back means away. Reverse horizontal directions when facing left. A comma or β†’ separates steps; + means press together. Use your assigned buttons if controls were remapped. 1 = Front Punch (PS Square / Xbox X / Switch Y); 2 = Back Punch (Triangle / Y / X); 3 = Front Kick (Cross / A / B); 4 = Back Kick (Circle / B / A). Kameo = R1 / RB / R; Block = R2 / RT / ZR; Throw = L1 / LB / L; Flip Stance = L2 / LT / ZL. During/Requires describes a prerequisite, not an extra direction. Finishers need the finishing prompt, distance and unlock conditions shown. Kameo copied moves depend on the opponent.

Basic Attacks

1
Make A Way
basic_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + Back Punch

Directional or character-specific normal attack.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Special Moves

10
Smoldering Wrath
special_move
Controls: Universal MK notation β€” default PS / Xbox / Switch bindings
How it is used
Down, Back, 1

A newer General Shao move added in an official Mortal Kombat 1 update.

Requirements / unlock: No Axe stance

Tip: Enter the sequence in order; buttons joined by + are simultaneous. Mirror Forward/Back when facing left.
Command details & verification
Input checked against MKKomplete and current MKWarehouse/Kage move references on October 9, 2026. Command reference: https://icemantraveler.github.io/mkksg/mk12/default.htm
Added in official WB March UpdateSource β†—
Axe Quake / Axe Recall
special_move
Controls: Universal MK notation β€” default PS / Xbox / Switch bindings
How it is used
Axe Quake: Down, Back, 4 | Axe Recall: Down, Forward, 4

General Shao's axe-state specials. WB has documented fixes involving the axe becoming inactive during Axe Quake or Axe Recall.

Requirements / unlock: No Axe stance

Tip: Enter the sequence in order; buttons joined by + are simultaneous. Mirror Forward/Back when facing left.
Command details & verification
Input checked against MKKomplete and current MKWarehouse/Kage move references on October 9, 2026. Command reference: https://icemantraveler.github.io/mkksg/mk12/default.htm
Verified through official WB October UpdateSource β†—
Dark Energy
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Forward, Front Punch

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Devastator
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Back, Front Kick

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Death Quake
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Back, Back Kick

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Power Strike
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Forward, Back Kick

General Shao's axe-related Power Strike, documented in official Mortal Kombat 1 parry and axe-state notes.

Tip: Use Power Strike as part of Shao's axe pressure and setup game. His axe state materially changes several options.
Verified through official WB October and June updatesSource β†—
Treechopper
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Forward, Front Punch (No Axe)

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Reverse Treechopper
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Forward, Back Punch (No Axe)

A General Shao command-grab-related attack whose damage-scaling behavior has been addressed in official updates.

Tip: Use it within Shao's command-grab and close-range mix. Confirm current damage scaling in Practice Mode.
Verified through official WB September UpdateSource β†—
Klassic Kahn
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Back, Front Kick (No Axe)

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Axe Quake
special_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Back, Back Kick (No Axe)

Character special move.

Tip: Use the listed universal notation. Enhanced versions use the game's Enhance/Block command where supported.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Equippable Moves

1
Shoulder Charge
equippable_move
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back, Forward, Front Kick

Equippable move.

Tip: This move must be available in the current character configuration before use.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Kombos

10
Fury Strikes
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Front Punch, Back Punch

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Axe Splitter
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + Front Punch, Back Punch

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Direct Orders
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Forward + Front Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Glory In Kombat
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
You're Weak
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Forward + Back Punch, Front Punch + Front Kick

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Divide And Konquer
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + Front Kick, Front Punch + Front Kick

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Widow Breaker
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + Front Kick, Back Kick

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Hammerfist
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Front Punch, Back Punch (No Axe)

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Run Over
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back Punch, Back Punch, Back Kick (No Axe)

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Haymaker
kombo_attack
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + Front Kick, Back Punch (No Axe)

Ground kombo string.

Tip: Enter the listed inputs as a ground string.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Aerial Kombos

2
Clamping Down
aerial_kombo
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Front Punch, Back Punch, Back Punch (Air)

Aerial kombo string.

Tip: Perform the listed sequence while airborne.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Timber
aerial_kombo
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back Punch, Back Punch (Air)

Aerial kombo string.

Tip: Perform the listed sequence while airborne.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Fatal Blow

1
War God
fatal_blow
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Flip Stance + Block

Fatal Blow.

Tip: Available when the game's Fatal Blow conditions are met.
Current movelist reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Fatalities

2
Spin Cycle
fatality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back, Forward, Down, 1

Fatality. Perform at mid distance.

Tip: Use the listed distance and command during the FINISH HIM/HER window.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Axe-ident
fatality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Forward, Back, 1

Fatality. Perform at mid distance.

Tip: Use the listed distance and command during the FINISH HIM/HER window.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Brutalities

7
Is That Your Best?
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Grab / 1+3

Press Down, Down, Down during the hit while wielding the axe. Final hit must come from Might Makes Right.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Feel My Power
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Grab / 1+3

Press Up, Up, Up during the hit while not wielding the axe. Final hit must come from Might Makes Right.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
All Too Easy
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back + 1, 2

Hold 1 during the hit while wielding the axe. Final hit must come from Axe Splitter.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Don't Make Me Laugh
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Forward + 2, 1+3

Hold Down during the hit. Final hit must come from You're Weak.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
It's Official...You Suck!
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Down, Back, 4

Hold Back during the hit. Final hit must come from Death Quake. Must be at jump distance.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Clean Cut
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
2, 2, 2

Hold Forward during the hit. Final hit must come from Glory In Kombat.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
Wait For It!
brutality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Forward + 1, 2, 2

Hold 1 during the hit. Final hit must come from Direct Orders.

Tip: The listed final-hit and hold/tap conditions must be satisfied for the Brutality to trigger.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—

Animality

1
Bear Necessities
animality
Controls: Universal notation
How it is used
Back, Down, Down, 4

Animality. Perform at mid distance.

Tip: Use the listed distance and command during the finisher window.
Current MK1 reference check β€” September 2026Source β†—
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