Scorpion needs no introduction. The popular anti-hero has appeared in every Mortal Kombat game since 1992 and is integral to the overall aesthetic of the series. If you’re a new player just stepping into his legacy with Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, the Competition Center has you covered with a comprehensive beginner’s guide. Learn how to play Scorpion with this overview of the ninja’s character design, special moves, and moveset variation options before taking him into combat yourself.
Who is Scorpion?
Scorpion debuted in the first Mortal Kombat as one of the seven starting characters. He is an undead ninja hell-bent on revenge after his family and clan were killed. Scorpion’s story initially portrays him in a villainous light, Throughout the series Scorpion faces an internal struggle over killing the original Sub-Zero (just blame Quang Chi for everything) and develops into more of a vigilante as he strives to resurrect his clan. If playing a tortured soul character seems like a good fit for you, Scorpion is the classic choice.
Basic Build
Scorpion is best-known for a projectile chained spear with a kunai at the end. Of course, there’s much more to his build, including a range of fire-based moves (Flame Aura, Demon Breath), summoning (Minion Grab, Minion Drop), and even a handy teleport (Hellfire Punch). These impressive options can make him an obvious read to a skilled opponent, but a great start for beginners who can excel with simple combos.
Scorpion provides a jack of all trades skill set that can be used at close or long range. Need to get in close? Use a teleport. Prefer to keep an opponent farther away? Use a fireball or spear to zone. Scorpion is the best starting point for new Mortal Kombat players to learn series staples like the neutral, footsies, and mix-ups.
Special Moves
| Spear | ← →◻ | Famous chain mid attack projectile that brings opponents in close |
| Hell Port / (Air) Hell Port | ↓ ← x | Strong counter to zoning players, can be used as an air variant to keep opponents guessing |
| Get Over Here | L2 + R2 | Fatal Blow |
Custom Moves and Abilities
Prior to the release of Ultimate, players had three tournament variations to choose from when playing Scorpion. With Kustom Variations, you can choose from a variety of moves to amend these options or create your own build. Here are a few abilities that stand out.
| Hell Flame | ↓ → + ◻ | Scorpion throws a fireball at three different lengths, and can be amplified for multiple explosions. |
| Demon Breath | ↓ → + x | Scorpion walks towards and spits fire at the opponent, can be amplified for longer duration |
| Demon Dash | ← → + △ | Dash through opponent with a fiery bust, with increased damage on amplify |
| Death Spin | ↓ → + o | Spinning spear for multi-hit attack, with increased damage on amplify; can be combined with Death Spear Kombo for extension |
| (Air) Sin Blade | ↓ + △ | Additional Air attack option |
| Burning Spear | ↓ ← o | Add ignite, increasing damage to all spear attacks. Amplify for an aura of Nether Flame around Scorpion. |
| Demon Slam | ↓ + LB (low block) | Air grab move that proves even deadlier with amplified damage (Krushing Blow potential) |
| Hell Port Cancel | Hold down or foward | Cancel out of Hell Port to move Scorpion away from opponent |
Scorpion Fatalities
Here’s a quick note on how to perform Scorpion’s iconic fatalities in MK11.
| You’re Next | ← ↓ ↓ ◻ | Launch Scorpion at the opponent from a long range to knock them out |
| Chain Reaction | ↓ → ← △ | Mid-range fatality that cuts your opponent in half with a blade |
Scorpion Combos
If you’re ready to move on from this beginners guide and into Scorpion’s combos, check out this advanced guide by MadDoggGames.
Scorpion is a classic pick for any Mortal Kombat 11 player. Once you’ve perfected the art of the spear, sign up for one of the Competition Center’s Open Series weekly tournaments to hit the opposition with a Krushing Blow of your own.