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With the completelyoverhauled universe ofMortal KombatinMortal Kombat 1come a variety of new takes on characters familiar and not-so-familiar. One of the most drastic character changes inMK1is surely Raiden, who is no longer a God, but a mere Shaolin warrior – one capable of winning Liu Kang and Sindel’s tournament with little additional training.
Raiden’s strengths and weaknesses remain from previous titles like his lightning powers, despite his overhauled character design, thanks in part to Liu Kang’s intervention. In general, Raiden is considered to be an easy character to learn, but becoming better and mastering Raiden is as tough as any character inMortal Kombat 1.
Raiden Overview
During the story ofMortal Kombat 1, Raiden fittingly replaces Liu Kang as the champion of the Mortal Kombat tournament. Though he has much more humble beginnings than in previous games, his skills in combat are anything but amateur-level. Thanks to Liu Kang, Raiden’s powers over lightning return to him inMK1, and so too do the abilities that the character is known for – withnew vocalizations.
When fighting Raiden, his elaborate movements and special abilities might make him out to be a complex character, but fear not. InMK1, Raiden’s moves are flashier than they are difficult to learn, and he benefits from having a lot of variety, and a few short, easy-to-memorize combos that do more attacks than inputs.
Raiden Special Moves & Basic Attacks
This guide uses a standard universal input translation for moves. Players won’t find familiar console buttons listed below – instead, a system created by the fighting game community over time converts each console’s controls to a simple formula. This allows all players to understand the inputs necessary for these moves and combos.
For more information on how this system works, refer to this guide onhow to understand theMortal Kombat 1universal input code.
Electric Orb
BF1
Raiden fires an orb of electricity directly forward, can be extended by holding down 1
Razzle Dazzle
DB2
Raiden grab his opponent with a close high attack (usually when they are in mid-air) and electrocutes them
Shocker
DF2
Raiden slams his fist in the air quickly, good option for ending a combo, can be extended by holding down 2
Electric Fly
BF3
Raiden flies towards his opponent and slams them to the ground
Electromagnetic Storm
DB3
Raiden blasts the nearby area with lightning for a few seconds, drawing in enemies, often mid-attack
3, 4
Primary launcher ability
Raiden rapidly swings his arms, dealing multiple High hits
Lightning Port
DU
Raiden teleports directly next to the opponent, on the opposite side of the playing field
Description
2, 4, 2, 1
5-hit combo that only requires 2 inputs – do a special after 2, 4, 2 for more combo potential
F4, 3, 4
“Super Bolt”, a series of Low sweeps that can close distance and knock enemies over
F2, 2, 4, DB2
“No Apprentice”, in which Raiden forces his opponent to the ground with an electric slam
“Double Strike”, followed by “Electric Charge” standard combos
2, 1, 2, BF3
“He Can Slap” standard air combo + Aerial Electric Fly
2, 2, 4
“Whirlwind” standard combo, in which Raiden kicks enemy directly downward
Raiden MK1 Fatalities & Brutalities
Raiden Brutalities in MK1
Brutalities can only be performed once unlocked via Character Mastery progression, but all Fatalities can be performed as long as the player is at the right distance and makes the correct inputs. This guide will be updated as we progress through each of the character’s Mastery tracks in Mortal Kombat 1.
D2, hold 2
Decapitates opponent where they stand
Overload
DB, 3, hold U
Raiden lifts the opponent above his head as he electrocutes them to dust
B, F, B, 2
Close
Raiden blasts a hole through the enemy’s chest after launching them into the air. He then jumps through them, and slams both halves together.
D, F, B, 3
Mid to Far
Raiden shocks the opponent’s flesh from their bones, then leaps through their skeleton
Mortal Kombat 1is available for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
