If you’re new to Mortal Kombat 1 and picked Liu Kang because he looks cool or feels familiar, you’re not alone. But knowing how to string together even a few basic hits can turn you from someone who just presses buttons into someone who actually controls the fight. That’s what this list is for simple combos that work, explained without fluff.

What even is a “combo starter” for Liu Kang?

A combo starter is the first move you press that lets you chain more attacks after it. Think of it like opening a door if you pick the right key (the right starter), you can walk right in and keep hitting. For beginners, you want starters that are easy to land, safe if blocked, and lead into damage without needing perfect timing.

Which Liu Kang combos should I learn first?

Start with these three. They use common buttons, don’t require meter, and teach you rhythm:

• 1,1, b+2 Two quick jabs into a lunging punch. Safe on block, good for poking.
• f+2,1, d+4 A mid kick into a low sweep. Mixes up high and low, keeps opponents guessing.
• d+1, d+1, f+3 Two low punches into a rising uppercut. Great for punishing crouchers.

Practice each one slowly. Don’t rush. Get comfortable seeing how the moves connect before trying to speed them up.

Why do my combos keep dropping?

Most beginners mess up timing or spacing. Liu Kang’s moves need you to be at the right distance too far and the second hit whiffs, too close and some starters won’t combo. Also, don’t mash. Each input needs a tiny pause. If your combo fails, check:

1. Are you standing at medium range? Not toe-to-toe, not across the screen.
2. Did you wait a split second between inputs? Rushing breaks chains.
3. Is the opponent blocking? Some starters only combo on hit, not block.

When should I use these beginner combos?

Use them anytime you land a hit after a blocked move, during pressure, or when your opponent hesitates. Don’t save them for “perfect moments.” The point is to build confidence. Once you nail these, you can start adding specials or extending damage. If you want to see how to build off these basics, check out the moves that naturally follow up without complicating things.

What’s next after I learn these?

Once you’re comfortable, try adding one special move at the end like ending with Fireball (b,f+2) or Bicycle Kick (f,f+4). That teaches you cancel timing. After that, look at quicker openers for faster pressure, or advanced starters when you’re ready to spend meter and take risks.

And if you’re customizing your HUD or menus while practicing, maybe grab a clean KombatFont to make training mode feel more personal.

Quick checklist before your next match:

• Practice one combo until you can do it five times in a row without failing.
• Try it in an actual match even if you lose, you’re learning.
• Watch what happens when it’s blocked. Is it safe? Do you get punished?
• Pick one new combo each week. Small steps beat trying to learn everything at once.