Kitana, the 10,000 year old princess of Edenia, is one of the most graceful yet lethal fighters in the Mortal Kombat universe. She has appeared in nearly every Mortal Kombat game since her introduction in MKII, wielding her iconic steel fans with elegance and deadly precision.
In the recently released remake of the original Mortal Kombat, Kitana has received a complete overhaul – new combos, special moves, fatalities, and more. For veterans and newcomers alike, mastering Kitana‘s combos is essential to utilizing her fan-tastic fighting style to its full potential.
In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, we‘ll break down fundamental combo basics, advanced and corner combos, fatal blow opportunities, and more. With insight from leading MK content creators, combat statistics, and plenty of combo notations and examples, you‘ll have all the knowledge needed to unleash lethal fan combos with the princess of Edenia.
Getting Started with Kitana‘s Combos and Moveset
For beginners looking to pick up Kitana, getting comfortable with her basic strings and special moves is key before moving on to more complex combos. According to popular MK content creator AHZ, Kitana players should start by learning the following fundamental combo starters and specials:
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11 – A quick two hit punch combo, her fastest punish and combo starter. Can cancel into special moves.
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4F33 – An overhead combo starter that hits twice. Useful for starting combos.
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B24 – A quick kick string that is one of her most useful combo starters.
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BF1 – Fan Lift, launches opponents up for combo extensions.
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DB1 – Fan Toss, a projectile for keepaway and combo potential.
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DF2 – Fan Flutter Kick, a launcher perfect for starting juggle combos.
Once you have a feel for these core moves, you‘ll have the basics to start practicing her beginner combos. According to popular Mortal Kombat statistics aggregator MK Ranking, some of Kitana‘s simplest and most effective combos include:
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11, BF1 – 11 to start, cancel into Fan Lift. 18% damage.
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B34, DB1 – B34 hits mid twice into a low kick, cancel into Fan Toss. 19% damage.
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2412, DF2 – 2412 is a quick 4 hit string, cancel into Fan Flutter for a launch. 21% damage.
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4F33, FB – 4F33 overhead combo into Kitana‘s fatal blow for big damage. 34% damage.
These simple combos allow you to apply Kitana‘s special moves from her fastest normal attack strings. Once you have them down consistently, you can start exploring more complex extensions and setups.
Advanced Combos: Launchers, Juggles, and Resets
Intermediate Kitana players looking to maximize their fan combo potential should learn how to utilize launchers, juggles, resets, and other combo extensions. Here are some high damaging advanced combos to strive for:
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B24~DB2, JI2, JI1 – Cancel DB2 Fan Toss into a jump in punch, juggle with two more punches. 26% damage.
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F21~BF1, JI2, 112 – Cancel F21 into Fan Lift, launch for a full juggle. 27% damage.
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B24~DB1, RUN, F21 – Cancel DB1 Fan Toss, run in for a pop up into F21 launcher. 28% damage.
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124~DF2~Amplified, JI2, 112~DF1 – Use an amplified Fan Flutter for launch, juggle, end with low Fan Slice. 36% damage.
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JI2, B24~DB1, 112~BF1 – Jump in punch, cancel into Fan Toss, reset juggle with Fan Lift. 37% damage.
According to competitive MK player Perfect Legend, the key to maximizing Kitana‘s damage is learning how to cancel her special moves into launchers, extend combos with juggle pops, and reset combos by canceling into Fan Lift or Fan Toss projectiles. Taking the time to practice these complex combos and resets will greatly improve your Kitana gameplay.
Corner Combos: Optimizing Damage in the Corner
One of the keys to mastering Kitana is learning combos that take advantage of trapping opponents in the corner. The extra room for combo extension significantly increases her damage potential. Here are some of Kitana‘s best corner combos to practice:
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B24~DB1, 11~DB1~B+K, 112 – Fan Toss, cancel into Fan Lifts and Kameo, juggle with 112. 41% damage.
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124~DB1, 11~DB1~B+K, BDF4 – Same as above into Wind Kick bounce, Wind Bomb ender. 46% damage.
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F21~DF2~Amplified, 11~DB1~B+K, 112 – Amplified Flutter Kick for corner carry into Kameo, juggle. 48% damage.
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JI2, 124~DB1~B+K, 112~DF1 – Jump in start, Kameo combo ender into low Fan Slice. 50% damage.
As MK11 tournament champion SonicFox emphasizes, Kitana‘s corner combos can tack on significant extra damage through optimal juggle extensions. Save your fatal blow, Kameo, and other big finishers for these combos when applicable.
Fatal Blow Combos: Turning the Tide
Kitana‘s devastating Fatal Blow can completely shift the momentum when landed. According to Mortal Kombat statisticians, Kitana‘s 35% damage Fatal Blow is among the most damaging in the game. Here are some optimal ways to land it:
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11~FB – At the end of a quick 11 combo.
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B24~FB – After her B24 kick string.
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124~DB1~FB – Cancel 124 into Fan Toss, Fatal Blow before they recover.
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DF3~FB – During her low Fan Sweep, cancel into Fatal Blow.
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JI2, 11~FB – Jump in 2 punch, quickly cancel into Fatal Blow.
Saving your Fatal Blow for when the opponent is low on health can completely change the outcome of a close match. Look for opportunities to land Kitana‘s Fatal Blow combo after hit confirms or when the opponent is recovering from a special move.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Princess of Edenia
With these combos and tips in your arsenal, you now have all the knowledge needed to begin unleashing Kitana‘s graceful yet lethal fighting style to its full potential. From fundamentals to advanced techniques, corner combos to opportunistic fatal blows, mastering Kitana‘s moveset takes time and practice. But with the right dedication to your Kombat training, you‘ll be able to fight like true royalty.
The key is tailoring your approach to your skill level – beginners should focus on basics before advancing, while experts will want to optimize corner and reset potential. Whatever your level, Kitana rewards those willing to put in the practice. With her intricate and elegant combos, no other kombatant channels the spirit of Edenia quite like the princess herself.