Sub-Zero’s 50/50 mix-ups make the iconic Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate character threatening in almost every matchup. There’s a good chance you’ll run into the popular fighter in the Open Series, so learn how to beat his standard tournament and custom variations.

Tips to beat Sub-Zero

The first thing to know is Sub-Zero is a rushdown character. He attacks fast and frequently until you’re trapped in the corner and knocked out.

Sub-Zero is one of the easier characters to play in Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate. The ninja has a projectile, tools to counter a variety of options, and some of the best mix-ups in the game. His low and overhead combo starters give players a lot of flexibility to open up opponents, making him one of the better fighters in the game.

For reference, Sub-Zero often places high on community tier lists.

Like most rushdown characters, the key to counter Sub-Zero is to win neutral. Fortunately his neutral is weak. Avoid the ninja’s optimal spacing up close and zone him out to maintain the advantage.

How to win against Sub-Zero custom variations

Here are tips to counter Sub-Zero and win the matchup.

The Axe Bash

Sub-Zero will use the Axe Bash to start a string, but because the first hit is high you can duck and sweep from neutral. You can also try to jab but it’s slower.

What to do against pokes

Sub-Zero has a really fast poke (Down, Square), but it lacks range. Step back and whiff punish to get something started. You can also use moves faster than 11 frames to stop him from using it repeatedly.

How to fight Sub-Zero’s 50/50 mix-up

One of the best defenses against mix-ups is to fuzzy guard. That means alternating blocks based to cover both low and high attacks.

Sub-Zero’s main mix-ups are Forward, X, Triangle, and Back, Triangle. Block low first and then high. Another tactic to vary your defense is to block low and only block high on reaction to the overhead. This is trickier online, but still manageable, especially with practice.

Keep an eye on his offensive meter. Almost always block low if Sub-Zero runs either Deep Freeze or Rising Ice because he will likely amplify Ice Ball for a free combo.

Slide

If Sub-Zero hits you with an Amplified Slide three times, the third will trigger a Krushing Blow. Watch for patterns in your opponents playstyle. Block low and punish when you anticipate a Slide.

Brutal Kick

Two Brutal Kicks in a row will trigger a Krushing Blow. Either Flawless Block or jab to interrupt it.

Arctic Trap

If you think Sub-Zero is going for the Arctic Trap, throw out a swift attack. Stay away from the trap and look out for Slide.

Don’t let him back you into a corner with Arctic Trap. Roll escape or delayed getup to get to safety. If you can’t, a Flawless Block will also destroy an Arctic Trap. Another tip is to use an interactable to escape or armor through.

How to win the Sub-Zero matchup

Zone when possible and always try to keep your distance since Sub-Zero will constantly strive to close the gap and connect in your face punishes.

Pay attention to your opponent’s projectile patterns with Ice Ball specifically because you don’t want to give Sub-Zero easy combos.

Keep in mind most combos will end with either a Slide or Cold Shoulder. Get ready to make the most of your turn.

Play against him as much as possible to get a feel for the matchup with your main. Even if you lose, you're still gaining valuable experience.