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Image via Mortal Kombat YouTube

Mortal Kombat 1 Sub-Zero Guide: Moves List and How to Play

Sub-Zero is just one of the returning ninjas in MK1. Stay cool under pressure with this guide.

The original Sub-Zero is back in Mortal Kombat 1. He brings back some classic moves and some new ones, so even veteran players will have things to learn. From his moves list to some general pointers, this guide will go over how to play Sub-Zero in MK1.

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Mortal Kombat 1 Sub-Zero Guide

MK1 Sub-Zero 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.

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

Sub-Zero Basic Attacks

Move NameInputs
Clammy Palm1
Lin Kuei Storm1, 2
Arctic Hammer1, 2, 2
Advancing FrostForward+1
Frozen OverForward+1, 2
Freezing PointForward+1, 2, 3
Cold FrontDown+1
Quick Chill2
Blistering Blizzard2, 1
Whiteout2, 1, 2
Spinal TapBack+2
Brain FreezeDown+2
Heavy Toe3
Slip Slide3, 4
Shin ShatterBack+3
PermafrostBack+3, 4
Low StepDown+3
Harmful Heel4
Hail Damage4, 4
Chilled SweepBack+4
Swing KickDown+4

Sub-Zero Aerial Attacks

Move NameInputs
Icy KnucklesForwardUp+1
Slick StrikeForwardUp+1, 1
Polar PlungeForwardUp+1, 1, 2
Menacing MaceForwardUp+1, 2
Air Lin KueiForwardUp+1, 3
Frosted FrenzyForwardUp+1, 3, 4
Ice MakerForwardUp+2
FrostbiteForwardUp+2, 1
Freezer BurnForwardUp+2, 2
Arctic BlastForwardUp+2, 2, 2
Balanced BootForwardUp+3 or ForwardUp+4

Sub-Zero Throws

Move NameInputs
Toward ThrowForward+L1/LB or Forward+1+3
Negative ZeroL1/LB or 1+3

Sub-Zero Special Moves

Move NameInputs
Ice BallDown, Forward, 1
Enhanced Ice BallDown, Forward, 1+R2/RT
Ice KloneDown, Back, 1
Enhanced Ice KloneDown, Back, 1+R2/RT
(Air) Ice KloneDown, Back, 1
(Air) Enhanced Ice KloneDown, Back, 1+R2/RT
Ice Klone ChargeBack, Forward, 2
Enhanced Ice Klone ChargeBack, Forward, 2+R2/RT
Ice SlideBack, Forward, 3
Enhanced Ice SlideBack, Forward, 3+R2/RT
(Air) Diving GlacierDown, Back, 4
(Air) Enhanced Diving GlacierDown, Back, 4+R2/RT
Deadly VaporsDown, Forward, 4
Enhanced Deadly VaporsDown, Forward, 4+R2/RT

Sub-Zero Fatal Blow

Move NameInputs
Chill OutL2+R2/LT+RT

Sub-Zero Fatalities

Move NameInputs
Hairline FractureForward, Down, Down, 2

Sub-Zero Brutalities

Move NameInputs
The KlassicDown+2

Related: All Mortal Kombat 1 Brutalities Revealed So Far

How to Play Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 1

Screenshot by GameSkinny

The ice ninja returns with both memorable and new techniques in tow. Those familiar with the character should have plenty of fun with the moves they know as well as the new ones to learn. These are some things to keep in mind when learning how to play Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat 1.

  • Frozen Over is a great normal that can be used for starting combos or extending them.
  • His Ice Slide has similar utility and comes out fast, too.
  • His iconic Ice Ball is still here, although with the slower start-up we wouldn’t recommend using it as your primary method of freezing the opponent.
  • Much more reliable in that regard is the enhanced version of the new move called Deadly Vapors.
  • Quite surprising (and appreciated) is the return of his Ice Klone move, which is great for creating some space as well as a combo extender in the corner.

There’s plenty to learn with the character, so we hope this Mortal Kombat 1 Sub-Zero guide has helped out. Check out our MK1 guide library encompassing movelists, unlocks, 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.