Mortal Kombat 1/General Shao/Combos

Universal Kombos

~ means cancel (including a dash cancel), > means no cancel and simply follow up with the correct timing, + means simultaneous press.

Axe Stance

22, B3, and B1

All combos from 22 can be done with B3 and B1 as well.
22 is listed because it is Shao's most important confirm.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

The most important and common combo by a mile.
Turns the crucial 22 confirm into solid damage, corner carry, and Unarmed stance offense.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Alternate version. Slightly more damage and frame advantage, but more stringent timing and more distance created on knockdown.
Unless the 224 is done at the earliest possible time, the Klassic Kahn will whiff and you will be full combo punished.
Don't buffer the whole thing at once, do the 224 and then judge if the enemy is high enough before inputting the Klassic Kahn.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Difficult midscreen optimal.
Generally not worth it unless you're absolutely certain that you can land it.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Axe Quake (DB4)

The Unarmed 224 has enough corner carry to put the axe offscreen, but not far enough to disallow Axe Quake (DB4).
As such, cancelling into Axe Quake instead of Klassic Kahn can be used to surprise the enemy with an offscreen low.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)(

Use B1 to side switch.
The enemy is still too far to snag with a Reverse Treechopper, so just finish the combo with Klassic Kahn or Axe Quake.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

Sacrifices corner carry for less break points.
Best against enemies who are nearly at breaker, as Reverse Treechopper deals tremendous damage by itself and cannot be broken after the initial grab.

(corner) 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 4 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > D1 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

Corner optimal from 22.
Reverse Treechopper will keep the enemy pinned long enough for any ambush kameo setup.

(corner) 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

Easier corner combo from 22 that still gives the Reverse Treechopper.

12

12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2) or Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Useful combo for when 12 is used as a confirm.
Reverse Treechopper will give better damage (much more than the non-12 starter), while Klassic Kahn will sacrifice damage to give similar corner carry to the 224 ~ Klassic Kahn combo.

12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Meterless combo from 12 with excellent damage and corner carry.
Takes advantage of the height from the 12 ~ Power Strike cancel to continue with Unarmed B32.

12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Sacrifices damage for a side switch.

12 ~ Power Strike (DB4) > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Axe Quake (DB4)

22 will put Shao too far away to cancel into Axe Quake.
In the corner, the Axe Quake will armor break and allow Shao to follow up with D1 ~ Klassic Kahn.

(corner) 12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 4 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

In the corner, replacing 2 with 4 will squeeze out a bit more damage.

F122

F122 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
(corner) F122 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 4 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)
(corner) F122 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Axe Quake (DB4)

Basically the same as the meterless 12 combos, if a little more difficult midscreen due to the extra space.
F122 creates too much corner carry for even a 2 ~ Axe Quake cancel to work midscreen, so don't attempt it.

B2

B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Reverse Treechopper

Basic but high damage combo from B2.
Air string gives it excellent corner carry.
If done from the edge of B2 range, Shao can insert another B2 before the J12, but under most midscreen circumstances he will simply walk underneath them.

B2 > Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Meterless combo with less damage, but roughly the same corner carry.

(corner) B2 > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 4 ~ Reverse Treechopper

The double B2 combos are much easier to connect in the corner, and the 2 can be replaced with 4 for slightly more damage.

(corner) B2 > B2 > B2 > B2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 4 ~ Reverse Treechopper

Alternate combo from B2 in the corner.
Humorous, but unoptimal.

D2

EX D2 > J12 > 22 ~ Devastator (DB3)

Basic EX D2 combo.
Shao could EX the Devastator to continue the combo, but the meter expenditure from EX D2 is already very high.

D2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Shao's D2 is a solid antiair, and the long vertical reach allows it to catch the enemy high up for a lengthy suspend.
The speed and reach of 22 is uniquely suited to catching D2 antiairs, and will allow for continuation into Devastator.

Axe Quake (DB4)

EX Axe Quake (DB4+Block) > 22 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Basic pickup from an EX Axe Quake.

EX Axe Quake (DB4 + Block) > 2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

If you have the meter to spare, an EX Devastator will add a bit more damage.

Antiairs

2 > forward dash ~ 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Basic pickup from a single S2.
Don't input 22 when trying to antiair - the second hit will whiff. Catch them with the first hit, and then dash up to continue.

2 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Meterless pickup from an antiair 2.
Similar damage and corner carry to the EX Devastator combo, though it requires more immediate commitment.

1 > forward dash ~ 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
1 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

S1 can be used in place of S2, dealing slightly less damage but having a more favorable hitbox for close range antiairs.

EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Devastator has a highly favorable angle for antiairs, and can be armored to barrel through particularly troublesome jump-in attacks.
Though the combo cannot be continued on armor, always input the Power Strike just in case it didn't catch anything.

JK

JK > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

22 is excellent for pickups from a jump kick, and will easily combo into Devastator.

JK > forward dash ~ 22 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Meterless pickup from a jump kick.
Significantly less damage and corner carry than the Devastator route, but useful for entering Unarmed without spending meter.

(corner) JK ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Power Strike will pick up in the corner, giving highly damaging meterless routes.

Fatal Blow

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ War God

Most important route for a Fatal Blow.
Input the 2 as early as possible to avoid punishment on drop.

22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 1 ~ War God

A touch less damage, in exchange for more input leniency.

12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ War God

Meterless route with less damage.

F122 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > forward dash ~ 2 ~ War God

F122 will necessitate a forward dash before the 2.

Unarmed Stance

224

224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Exceptionally damaging route - if you can land it.
Pickup is more strict than the Axe 12 and F122 pickups, but nets enormous reward.
May side switch if done into the corner.

224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Slightly easier route than the above, though with its own timing difficulties.
Input the second 224 too early and the second hit will whiff, input it too late and the end Klassic Kahn will whiff and you'll eat a full combo punish.

224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > B2 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

The easiest route by far.
Significantly compromised reward in comparison to its peers, especially the B32 combo, but much easier to land.

12

12 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Without Power Strike in Unarmed stance, 12 must be cancelled into Klassic Kahn for substantial combos.

12 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Unarmed 22 is a much harder pickup than Axe 22, and the combo that follows is much less substantial.

F2

F2 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Basic midscreen confirm combo from F2.

(corner) F2 > B32 > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

In the corner, F2 becomes much deadlier.
The B32 after the F2 can be difficult to confirm on hit.

F2 > B2 > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Much easier confirm with comparable damage.

B2

B2 > B32 > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Midscreen combo from B2.
B2 causes a unique suspension state that is easy to follow up with B32.

(corner) B2 > B32 > B32 > B32 > 4 ~ Reverse Treecopper (DF2)

In the corner, finish with 4 ~ command grab for more damage.

B1

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
Axe 12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Use a B1 after the Power Strike to side switch.
Roughly maintains the screen position from the combo start.

B1 > B32 > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

The best damage from a raw B1, usually through a frametrap or a spacing trap.
Will take the enemy far out of the corner depending on the initial side.

B1 > B1 > 224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Do another B1 to maintain the side.

B1 > B1 > B1 > B1

Humorous, but largely useless.
Used for BM.

Death Quake (DB4)

(corner) Death Quake (DB4) > D1 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Death Quake can be followed with a D1 in the corner, giving Shao armor break reset combos.

(corner) Death Quake (DB4) > D1 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > 1 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

22 is very difficult to land after the Klassic Kahn, so use 1 instead for an easier pickup.

EX Death Quake (DB4+Block) > B32 > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Pickup from EX Death Quake.
May need to backdash for the first B32 to land - Shao has plenty of time to do so.

Kameo Kombos

Darrius

Tornado Kick (K) > Axe B3 > Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
Tornado Kick (K) > Unarmed B3 > J2 > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Plus low starter with Darrius.
B3 does not inflict enough hitstun on its own to combo into Tornado Kick if done first. Call Darrius before the B3.

Axe F2 > Tornado Kick (K) > Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Plus overhead starter.
F2 has enough hitstun to be used before the Tornado Kick.

Tornado Kick (K) > Axe B3 > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
Axe F2 > Tornado Kick (K) > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

One-meter versions of the above combos.
Gives a bit more damage and Unarmed stance time, and keeps the enemy slightly closer to the axe.

Axe Back Throw (1+3) > Tornado Kick (K) > 2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
Unarmed Back Throw (1+3) > Tornado Kick (K) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

When midscreen, do the Tornado Kick moments before the second punch to achieve the desired drop where the enemy is immediately behind you. Darrius has to land as Shao hoists the enemy above his head.
In the corner, do the Tornado Kick as Shao rears his fist for the second punch.

Reverse Treechopper (DF2) > Tornado Kick (K) > 2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)
Reverse Treechopper (DF2) > Tornado Kick (K) > 2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1

Command grab combo.
Input the Tornado Kick one beat after Shao pushes his foot into the enemy's back, not simultaneously. Darrius has to kick the enemy as Shao lifts them behind him.

Unarmed B3 ~ Treechopper (DF1) > Tornado Kick (K) > B2 > B2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Treechopper allows Shao to do B3 before calling Tornado Kick.

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn > FF ~ 12 > Heel Turn (DK)
Axe 12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > FF ~ 12 > Heel Turn (DK)
Unarmed B2 > B32 > B32 > B32 > FF ~ 12 > Heel Turn (DK)

Ending a combo in 12 gives a close, lengthy knockdown to set up a guaranteed Heel Turn.

Jax

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) + Close Backbreaker (BK) > B32 > B32 > B1 + Ground Pound (K), Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Route from Axe 22 that lets Shao attack with Unarmed B32, and then ends with a guaranteed damage armor break unblockable.
Klassic Kahn will avoid the ground pound, but will not give a pickup.
Can be avoided with delayed getup.

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) + Close Backbreaker (BK) > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Enormous damage from a corner 22 pickup.
Unarmed stance timer will then run out mid-combo after the ender, letting Shao access some of his best damage.
Call the Backbreaker right as the third hit of 224 lands (input the Klassic Kahn before it).

(corner) Axe B3 ~ Energy Wave (DK) > D1 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

Safe B3 pickup from Jax's Energy Wave.

Kung Lao

Motaro

Axe F2 ~ Centaurian Warp (K) > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

The big combo that Centaurian Warp allows.
Crucial for maximizing the reward (and thus threat) from Axe B2.

Axe F2 ~ Centaurian Warp (K) > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B1

Lowers the damage, but mitigates the side switch.

Axe F2 ~ Centaurian Warp (K) > forward dash ~ F122 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Uses no meter, but gives slightly less Unarmed time.

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Charge! (Block+Stance Switch + K)

Motaro's alternate Fatal Blow starter is far faster than Shao's, giving him far more ways to combo into it.
In most situations where Klassic Kahn would land, Shao can instead use Charge.

Sareena

Scorpion

Axe 12 ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 22 ~ Treechopper (DF1) + Far Fire Breath (UK) > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Exceptionally rewarding midscreen route with tremendous corner carry.
Moves the EX Devastator to the end of the combo, maximizing Unarmed time and fully taking advantage of the move's gravity alleviating properties.

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 + Far Fire Breath (UK) ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3) > J122

Best damage and corner carry from Axe 22.
Keep the side to maintain the corner carry, but with a slightly earlier jump Shao can side switch and land next to the axe, immediately giving him a triple mixup situation.

Axe B1 / 2 / B3 ~ Hell Blades (FK) > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Use Hell Blades for buffer OS and single hit confirms.

Axe B1 / 2 / B3 ~ Hell Blades (FK) > Power Strike (DF4) > B32 > B32 > 22 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Meterless Hell Blades route.
Power Strike will cause the bounce reaction on enemies in crumple state.
Less damage, corner carry, and Unarmed time - use the B2 combo in most situations.

Unarmed F2 > 224 ~ Axe Recall (DF4) + Far Fire Breath (UK) > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Significantly improved combo from Unarmed F2.
Uses a late EX Devastator to reset Unarmed time.

Unarmed B3 ~ Treechopper (DF1) + Far Fire Breath (UK) > B2 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

With Treechopper, Shao can confirm from his B3.

EX Treechopper (DF1+Block) + Far Fire Breath (UK) > B2 > 22 ~ Devastator (DB3)

Armored launcher from EX Treechopper, usable on block and in gaps as long as the axe is close.
Do an EX Devastator at the end to transition back into Unarmed stance, though it adds very little damage and is not meter efficient.

Axe Quake (DB4) > Far Fire Breath (UK) > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Fire Breath allows Shao to combo from Axe Quake.
Normally Scorpion will be employed to cover the air space in front of Shao during Axe Quake - only use this combo if you are certain that it will hit.

Sektor

Stryker

Axe 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > Far Grenade Toss (FK) > B32 > B32 > 2 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

Adds grenades to the Axe 22 confirm, allowing Shao to continue with Unarmed B32.
Do the Power Strike right as Shao pulls the axe out of the enemy, and then call the Far Grenade Toss immediately afterwards.

(corner) Unarmed B3 ~ Treechopper (DF1) + Far Grenade Toss (FK) > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 4 ~ Reverse Treechopper (DF2)

Confirm from B3, his low combo starter.
Highly plus on block with significant chip, and gives superb damage on hit.
Do the Treechopper and the Far Grenade Toss as a single motion: DF, and then 1+Kameo simultaneously.

Sub-Zero

Axe 22 / B1 / B3 ~ Iced Out (FK) > Dark Energy (DF1) > B2 > J12 > 22 ~ EX Devastator (DB3+Block) ~ Power Strike (DF4) > 224 ~ Klassic Kahn (DB3)

The easiest and most important combo that Sub-Zero gives.
Massively improves the reward from 22, B1, and B3.