MK9: Unofficial Tier List Speculation, and/or Character Shenanigans Discussion!

[oZii]

My estimation of the current tier list:

S
Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Raiden

A+
Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, Cyrax, Kitana, Reptile, Ermac, Smoke, Kabal, Noob Saibot

A
Scorpion, Nightwolf, Sektor, Jade, Kano, Shang Tsung, Sindel, Cyber Sub-Zero, Sonya, Mileena

B
Jax, Sheeva, Stryker, Quan Chi

C
Baraka

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I don't see Nightwolf as high as some you are placing him. The only good thing he has going for him is his Shoulder Charge and Lightning Bolt. His Shoulder Charge is punishable, by everyone. He has no low starting combos, and his damage output is below average. His sweep is really bad, and his projectile is slow.

Noob at A+? If you could explain reasoning behind that interested to hear why you have him so high.

 

[TowelWarrior]

Don't know if my opinion really matters but I'm seeing the top four currently as Sub, Nightwolf, Cyrax and Raiden as I'm thinking that they are potentially the only chars that have any 5/5 against each other but, I could be wrong and you guys are definitely a better perspective on such things

 

[9.95]

With regards to Nightwolf:

1. You simply can't stop moving against him or you'll eat a lightning or EX Lightning.

2. You cant zone him with projectiles b/c of reflect.

3. If you jump away, depending on range, shoulder for AA or EX shoulder for AA.

4. If you jump toward, again depending on range, hatchet or shoulder.

5. The shoulder is safe on block, and can only be countered by neutral ducking... and if you get trained into neutral ducking against Nightwolf... See #1.

6. Once you realize you have to keep moving against NW or be prepared to neutral duck against him, he has 2 starters that include overheads... so you can't really duck against him or you'll eat the starters... and if you stand you'll take a shoulder or lighting(if you block).

7. Because of the nature of the way he attacks, he gains meter very quickly.

 

[Lady Death]

Here's my tier list in no particular order since I haven't seen any of these guys played against each other but rather off of their moves and properties and how easy they were in arcade mode (sans Shang Tsung, because I haven't seen anyone play effectively as him in videos nor had seen one online prior to PSN going down)

Top
Kung Lao
Sub-Zero
Raiden
Cage
Smoke
Kabal
Ermac
Reptile

Mid tier
Everyone else

Bottom
Quan Chi
Baraka
Sheeva

??? Tier-Shang Tsung

LolSony. I didn't browse through the whole thread but this one is my fav.

However, this subject is going to be controversial as fuck until people have more time to discover shit, but that goes without saying.

In any case, I've seen nasty ass Scorpions. Sub has top tier, I totally agree, but as they said on the Spooky Powerup stream: you gotta read people to be good. Btw, it isn't easy. Lol Reptile is sicker than I thought.

 

[Gaiden]

Tier S: Scorpion - Kung Lao - Sub-Zero - Sindel - NW - Robot Cyrax - Noob - Smoke - Shang - Raiden - Cyber Sub-Zero
Tier A: Liu Kang - Ermac - Reptile - Kitana - Cage - Mileena - Sektor - Sonya - Kano - Kabal
Tier B: Jade - Human Cyrax - Jax - Stryker - Kratos
Tier C: Baraka - Sheeva - Quan-Chi

This is what I think is about right. This is not in order (Meaning Liu is not perse higher A than Ermac, since Ermac is A+).
What do u guys think about this list?

 

[Vega]

I don't know, as much as I hate saying it, I think Scorpion is going to end up being higher than people are saying right now.

 

[Gaiden]

I don't know, as much as I hate saying it, I think Scorpion is going to end up being higher than people are saying right now.

Are you not reading my list? It says "Tier S: Scorpion".

 

[TowelWarrior]

In my opinion as much as I'm a fan of the ole hellspawn scorp is prob #6-8, because of a cruddy range game which I feel can be abused... but this is just my opinion

So long story short scorp is A tier imo

 

[Gaiden]

In my opinion as much as I'm a fan of the ole hellspawn scorp is prob #6-8, because of a cruddy range game which I feel can be abused... but this is just my opinion

So long story short scorp is A tier imo

He probably is 6-8 Ranked like u said, but that's still S Tier i believe. I'm thinking there are more S tier characters than most people think.

 

[Sully]

In addition to tier list speculation, how much is the spread between S and C Tier. With S being best, C is TERRIBLE? Or is it they have more than x bad matchups? I'm actually genuinely curious. Are we going to somebody pull some crazy wins with C tier characters or are they laughably bad? I'm imagining that S-A are going to be used a lot. Or hell the spread between the highest S tier and the lowest one. What are the specifics that put a given character in a bracket.

I mean I don't care in the sense that I'm going to play what I like. It IS useful to know the TOOLS that make a character in a given bracket, and to be aware of them. That allows one to learn the matchup better, so these kind of things are important in that sense. I'd imagine the S-Tier types have better matchups, and better tools with more options. These are things to know

 

[Gaiden]

In addition to tier list speculation, how much is the spread between S and C Tier. With S being best, C is TERRIBLE? Or is it they have more than x bad matchups? I'm actually genuinely curious. Are we going to somebody pull some crazy wins with C tier characters or are they laughably bad? I'm imagining that S-A are going to be used a lot. Or hell the spread between the highest S tier and the lowest one. What are the specifics that put a given character in a bracket.

I mean I don't care in the sense that I'm going to play what I like. It IS useful to know the TOOLS that make a character in a given bracket, and to be aware of them. That allows one to learn the matchup better, so these kind of things are important in that sense. I'd imagine the S-Tier types have better matchups, and better tools with more options. These are things to know

I believe that S tier means u can handle anything if u are skilled enough with your character, same for A tier (almost ). B tier, even if u are an extremely skilled player, u will have more issues when u face equally skilled players. C is just shit, u will most likely loose even to players below your skill level just because u do not have enough safety moves, wake up attacks, overheads etc compared to characters like Raiden and Kung Lao. Thats my take on it tbh.

 

[Lady Death]

He probably is 6-8 Ranked like u said, but that's still S Tier i believe. I'm thinking there are more S tier characters than most people think.

Yeah, because the game has only been out a couple of weeks. Any tier list should only be taken so seriously. Ima take Everything with a grain of salt until TYM makes one. And even then it's character/player based.

However, seeing what other people think is pretty fun.

 

[Gaiden]

Yeah, because the game has only been out a couple of weeks. Any tier list should only be taken so seriously. Ima take Everything with a grain of salt until TYM makes one. And even then it's character/player based.

However, seeing what other people think is pretty fun.

You should indeed not relie on them too much, but speculation is a good thing. Some characters like KL, Raiden etc being S, or baraka being C is just common sense. So for the people that do not want to get they're ass kicked on pro level, it might come in handy.

 

[Lady Death]

Eh, that's true. I just keep seeing contradictions.

 

[Gaiden]

My estimation of the current tier list:

S
Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Raiden

A+
Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, Cyrax, Kitana, Reptile, Ermac, Smoke, Kabal, Noob Saibot

A
Scorpion, Nightwolf, Sektor, Jade, Kano, Shang Tsung, Sindel, Cyber Sub-Zero, Sonya, Mileena

B
Jax, Sheeva, Stryker, Quan Chi

C
Baraka

----------

I don't see Nightwolf as high as some you are placing him. The only good thing he has going for him is his Shoulder Charge and Lightning Bolt. His Shoulder Charge is punishable, by everyone. He has no low starting combos, and his damage output is below average. His sweep is really bad, and his projectile is slow.

U have to be kidding xD. NW has a low combo that's safe PLUS u can hit confirm it into hatchet for an easy 35% combo no meter. He has constant meter by using specials in almost every combo-single attack, leading to easy 50% 1bar combo's (or more). He is by far the best rushdown character in the game.

 

[Juggs]

+ isn't low? It looks really low, are you sure?

Nope, you can block it standing.

U have to be kidding xD. NW has a low combo that's safe PLUS u can hit confirm it into hatchet for an easy 35% combo no meter.

See above.

 

[Gaiden]

Nope, you can block it standing.



See above.

Wauw, i spoke to fast i guess. I had no idea... Still, it does not make me think less of him, u can string it into sweep, + his highs make up for it, and people will be forced to crouch eventhough u have no good lows, or they will eat shoulder all day.

 

[cyke_out]

I really wish both Kano's and Nightwolf f+3 were low. both lead into a combo starter on hit and and both hit high and both are characters I use! This game has such an arbitrary reasoning on what hit's high, mid, or low.

 

[Error Macro]

My estimation of the current tier list:

S
Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, Raiden

A+
Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, Cyrax, Kitana, Reptile, Ermac, Smoke, Kabal, Noob Saibot

A
Scorpion, Nightwolf, Sektor, Jade, Kano, Shang Tsung, Sindel, Cyber Sub-Zero, Sonya, Mileena

B
Jax, Sheeva, Stryker, Quan Chi

C
Baraka

----------

I don't see Nightwolf as high as some you are placing him. The only good thing he has going for him is his Shoulder Charge and Lightning Bolt. His Shoulder Charge is punishable, by everyone. He has no low starting combos, and his damage output is below average. His sweep is really bad, and his projectile is slow.

I agree with this for the most part, though I am starting to have more respect for Mileena's game....

 

[R.E.L.]

No one has played Sub-Zero properly. If you're hiding behind his Ice Clone you're doing it wrong.

Well I guess Tom Brady's been playing Sub wrong this whole time. Every match he's played Saturday he's been hiding behind the clone.

Last night I played against Chago/Shoryuken's sub. I can see where Raiden has some trouble, but I was able to figure out ways to bait and counter. Sub is top 4/5, but not top on the tier list.

Tom - if you have time later, PM me. I'd love to discuss with you. Great playing and reads also at PU and your commentary is solid.

 

[Lady Death]

Well I guess Tom Brady's been playing Sub wrong this whole time. Every match he's played Saturday he's been hiding behind the clone.

Last night I played against Chago/Shoryuken's sub. I can see where Raiden has some trouble, but I was able to figure out ways to bait and counter. Sub is top 4/5, but not top on the tier list.

Tom - if you have time later, PM me. I'd love to discuss with you. Great playing and reads also at PU and your commentary is solid.

Quoted for truth. Sub's not easy to play. And Brady has a sick Sub, hiding or not. It's a strategy, and certainly not a wrong one.

 

[oZii]

Tier S: Scorpion - Kung Lao - Sub-Zero - Sindel - NW - Robot Cyrax - Noob - Smoke - Shang - Raiden - Cyber Sub-Zero
Tier A: Liu Kang - Ermac - Reptile - Kitana - Cage - Mileena - Sektor - Sonya - Kano - Kabal
Tier B: Jade - Human Cyrax - Jax - Stryker - Kratos
Tier C: Baraka - Sheeva - Quan-Chi

This is what I think is about right. This is not in order (Meaning Liu is not perse higher A than Ermac, since Ermac is A+).
What do u guys think about this list?

I cant give Sindel that High. She is really dependent on here ability to Zone out. If she is fighting teleports that punish that she here game is totally thrown off. I would put shang at Tier A I cant see how he can compete with the top characters. I cant see how noob is top tier he can't manufacture enough damage unless in the corner. Its hard for him to force you in the corner. Other than that I can see that. I would go with what brady said about Scorpion even if he is my main. He would be A+ Tier. He is still somewhat risky.

For the

 

[MKF30]

Ermac is definitely not 11, that's far too low lol Ermac is a higher tier, he's one of the best if not the best zoner and turtler in the game. If you can turtle well with him and zone especially against a non-teleporter he can't lose, you jump you get forced pushed or TKS, you block you eat chip damage off fireball spams, you jump Ermac well as I've said has tons of tools but can also zone and keep you at bay with the air blast making you think twice. He really has a ton of weapons in his arsenal....He's top 5 IMO, especially when used right.

I've found Scorpion is a great match up for NW players, why? Well, aside from the teleport advantage, NW may have the lighting so you have to keep moving but the same is for Scorpion with his hellfire hehe, and I must say it's also easily spammable to keep up with NW's lightning. Another edge with Scorp in that match up is you don't have to worry about your spear being bounced back at you(like other characters projectiles) Not many NW players though.

NW I've noticed is really good up close, the lightning can be escaped by moving/jumping.

 

[Gaiden]

Ermac is definitely not 11, that's far too low lol Ermac is a higher tier, he's one of the best if not the best zoner and turtler in the game. If you can turtle well with him and zone especially against a non-teleporter he can't lose, you jump you get forced pushed or TKS, you block you eat chip damage off fireball spams, you jump Ermac well as I've said has tons of tools but can also zone and keep you at bay with the air blast making you think twice. He really has a ton of weapons in his arsenal....He's top 5 IMO, especially when used right.

I've found Scorpion is a great match up for NW players, why? Well, aside from the teleport advantage, NW may have the lighting so you have to keep moving but the same is for Scorpion with his hellfire hehe, and I must say it's also easily spammable to keep up with NW's lightning. Another edge with Scorp in that match up is you don't have to worry about your spear being bounced back at you(like other characters projectiles) Not many NW players though.

NW I've noticed is really good up close, the lightning can be escaped by moving/jumping.

I never said Ermac was 11 (if u are referring to my post). The tiers i posted aren't in order as i said aswell, ermac is def A+ / S, but i gotte give the Top 5 to: Kung Lao - Raiden - Sub zero - Nightwolf - Smoke (Again, NOT in that order, just top 5 overall). Maybe i should've put Ermac in S instead of Sindel though...

 

[Eazail]

What does the S in S tier stand for?