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Image via Mortal Kombat YouTube

Mortal Kombat 1 Li Mei Guide: Moves List and How to Play

After a 17-year absence, Li Mei returns in Mortal Kombat 1. Here's what you need to know.

Li Mei will likely feel like a brand-new character to many of those playing Mortal Kombat 1, but the truth is she’s just been missing in action since the PS2 era of the series. Her return brings along a fresh moveset and plenty of flashy attacks that help her stand out among the roster. From her moves list to some general pointers, this guide will go over how to play Li Mei in MK1.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Li Mei Guide

MK 1 Li Mei Moves List

Before we map out the move list, let’s break down the general notations. We’ll be using the number system that members of the community have long used for Mortal Kombat games. It’s important to learn these as any combos you find on the internet will be using these numbers as shorthand.

NotationCommandPlayStation InputsXbox InputsNintendo Switch Inputs
1Front PunchSquareXY
2Back PunchTriangleYX
3Front KickCrossAB
4Back KickCircleBA

Li Mei Basic Attacks

Move NameInputs
Warrior’s Strike1
Forces of Light1, 2
Seeking Sanctuary1, 2, 4
Low JabDown+1
Light Hook2
Seasoned Warrior2, 1
Against The Rope2, 1, 4
Double PalmBack+2
Nova BurstBack+2, 1
Hammering UppercutDown+2
Flick Kick3
High HeelBack+3
No Holds BarredBack+3, 4
Low SpinForward+3
Low Spin (Cancel)Forward+3 (Hold 3)
Stiletto StabDown+3
Broken Pedicure4
Rough Zuffa4, 3
Pankration Champion4, 3, 1, 2
Calculated4, 3, 4
Clean SweepBack+4
Sliding InForward+4
Kick PrecisionForward+4, 3
Lion TailForward+4, 4
Shin BreakerDown+4

Li Mei Aerial Attacks

Move NameInputs
Palm PushForwardUp+1
RebelForwardUp+1, 3
For FreedomFowardUp+1, 3, 4
Straight PunchFowardUp+2
Fierce FistFowardUp+2, 1
DeterminationFowardUp+2, 1, 2
Flying FuryFowardUp+2, 1, 2, 1
Side KickFowardUp+3 or FowardUp+4

Li Mei Throws

Move NameInputs
ShoveForward+L1/LB or Forward+1+3
The Lion’s AppetizerL1/LB or 1+3

Li Mei Special Moves

Move NameInputs
Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1
Enhanced Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1+R2/RT
(Air) Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1
(Air) Enhanced Nova BlastBack, Forward, 1+R2/RT
Sky LanternDown, Back, 2
Foo TangDown, Back, 3
Enhanced Foo TangDown, Back, 3+R2/RT
Chain ReactionBack, Forward, 4
Enhanced Chain ReactionBack, Forward, 4+R2/RT
(Air) Flipping Heel KickDown, Back, 4
(Air) Enhanced Flipping Heel KickDown, Back, 4+R2/RT

Li Mei Fatal Blow

Move NameInputs
The Lion’s FeastL2+R2/LT+RT

Li Mei Fatalities

Move NameInputs
Roman CandleForward, Back, Forward, 3

Li Mei Brutalities

Move NameInputs
The KlassicDown+2

Related: Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities: The Complete List

How to Play Li Mei in Mortal Kombat 1

Image via Mortal Kombat YouTube

This is a character with a ton of great tools to keep your opponents on their toes. These are some things to keep in mind when learning how to play Li Mei in Mortal Kombat 1.

  • Kick Precision is a wonderful launcher that gives you plenty of time to start some air combos.
  • Catch your opponent off-guard by mixing up the above with the overhead-hitting Lion Tail, which starts from the same buttons.
  • Low Spin is a flashy combo ender, and if the inputs are held down, the hit can be delayed or canceled into a different aerial attack altogether.
  • Chain Reaction is a literal firework-popping combo ender, but with the right Kameo assist it can be used in the middle of a combo too.
  • Nova Blast is a reliable projectile, and its enhanced version can be used to extend or start combos as it’ll bounce the opponent back in your direction.
  • Sky Lantern doesn’t look like much, but it’s her most unique tool – throw it out to deter jumping and to extend combos.

Feel free to return to our Mortal Kombat 1 Li Mei guide whenever you need a refresher on her moves list and how to play her. And check out our collection of MK1 guides encompassing unlocks, movelists, and more.


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Author
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Samuel Moreno
Samuel is a freelance writer who has had work published with Hard Drive, GameSkinny, Otaquest, and PhenixxGaming. He's a big fan of the Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil series, but truth be told he'd sell his soul simply for a new Ape Escape game.