Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the franchise timeline with Liu Kang as the new keeper of time, reimagining classic characters in a new era. The defining new mechanic is the Kameo Fighter system — you select both a main fighter and a Kameo assist character who can be called in during combos, for defense, or to extend pressure. This creates a tag-team dynamic layered on top of MK's signature brutal combat. The roster features redesigned versions of classic fighters with new move sets, and the Invasion mode offers a board-game-style single-player experience.
Your choice of weapons defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Weapons Rankings
| Weapon | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liu Kang (Main) | S | Footsies Player, Rushdown Player | The most well-rounded character with fast pokes, a solid projectile (fireball), and easy combo routes. |
| Sub-Zero (Main) | A | Mix-Up Artist, Zoner | Ice-based zoner with the ability to create frozen ground for mix-ups. |
| Scorpion (Main) | A | Rushdown Player | Aggressive teleport character with the iconic Spear (back+1) for full-screen combo starters. |
| Jax (Kameo) | B | All playstyles | The most versatile Kameo in the game. |
| Cyrax (Kameo) | B | Mix-Up Artist, Rushdown Player | Kameo whose net projectile captures opponents for a guaranteed mix-up situation. |
S-Tier: Liu Kang (Main)
The most well-rounded character with fast pokes, a solid projectile (fireball), and easy combo routes. His Dragon Kick is a versatile combo ender and his F3,3 string is plus on block. The best starting character for learning fundamentals.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Footsies Player, Rushdown Player |
| Key Mechanic | Kameo fighter system |
| Recommended Role | Rushdown Player |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Liu Kang (Main): Pairs naturally with Rushdown Player thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Sub-Zero (Main)
Ice-based zoner with the ability to create frozen ground for mix-ups. His Ice Ball is a full-combo starter on hit. The Slide (back+3,4) is a fast low that catches players blocking high. Strong mix-up game between overhead axe and low slide.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mix-Up Artist, Zoner |
| Key Mechanic | kombo breakers |
| Recommended Role | Zoner |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Sub-Zero (Main): Pairs naturally with Zoner thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: Scorpion (Main)
Aggressive teleport character with the iconic Spear (back+1) for full-screen combo starters. Teleport punch crosses up blocking opponents. Flame-based specials add zoning capability. Fast walk speed and good pokes make his neutral strong.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Rushdown Player |
| Key Mechanic | fatal blow mechanics |
| Recommended Role | Grappler |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Scorpion (Main): Pairs naturally with Grappler thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Jax (Kameo)
The most versatile Kameo in the game. His ground pound relaunches opponents mid-combo for extensions that add 8-12% extra damage. His grab assist adds mix-up potential. Works with virtually every main character.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | All playstyles |
| Key Mechanic | meter management |
| Recommended Role | Mix-Up Artist |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Jax (Kameo): Pairs naturally with Mix-Up Artist thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: Cyrax (Kameo)
Kameo whose net projectile captures opponents for a guaranteed mix-up situation. The net's slow travel time means you can set up ambiguous left/right mix-ups while the net travels. Essential for mix-up heavy playstyles.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Mix-Up Artist, Rushdown Player |
| Key Mechanic | flawless block |
| Recommended Role | Footsies Player |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Cyrax (Kameo): Pairs naturally with Footsies Player thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Weapons Progression Path
The order you should acquire weapons as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Living Forest
- Sub-Zero (Main) → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Scorpion (Main) → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Liu Kang (Main) → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Weapons Tips
- Always upgrade your primary weapon before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your weapons to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Down+2 (uppercut) is a universal anti-air. If an opponent jumps at you, crouch and Down+2 for a full combo starter. Practice the timing in Training mode.
- Check our tier list for how weapons rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
More Mortal Kombat 1 Guides
- Mortal Kombat 1 Mortal Kombat 1 Overview
- Mortal Kombat 1 Best Builds
- Mortal Kombat 1 Tier List
- Mortal Kombat 1 Walkthrough
- Mortal Kombat 1 Beginner's Guide
- Mortal Kombat 1 Tips & Tricks
- Mortal Kombat 1 Combat Guide
- Mortal Kombat 1 Boss Guide
- Mortal Kombat 1 Maps & Locations
- Mortal Kombat 1 Crafting Guide
- Mortal Kombat 1 Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Mortal Kombat 1, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Weapons Guide — action game with similar mechanics
