Marinjuana
Up rock incoming, ETA 5 minutes
Here is a full list of all tournament legal variations along with the names of their unique moves and a short description of what you get. You can quickly make your variation a tournament variation by selecting "use a preset" in the character kustomization menu in the "Abilities" section. You can also select a tourney variation in practice mode menu options. When playing in ranked modes or "kompetitive" mode, the game defaults to tournament variations and your costume/gear will be whichever stuff you had equipped in the first slot or your default variation.
I'll try to make notes that give a nice little description of what the moves do and if there are any conflicts or the like. I will update the thread as DLC is released along with any extra variations or adjustments they may add. Feel free to use this thread as a place to discuss general tourney variation stuff.
Baraka:
Cassie Cage:
Cetrion:
D'Vorah:
Frost:
Geras:
Jacqui Briggs:
Jade:
Johnny Cage:
Kabal:
Kitana:
Kollector:
Kung Lao:
Liu Kang:
Noob Saibot:
Scorpion:
Skarlet:
Sub Zero:
Sonya:
I'll try to make notes that give a nice little description of what the moves do and if there are any conflicts or the like. I will update the thread as DLC is released along with any extra variations or adjustments they may add. Feel free to use this thread as a place to discuss general tourney variation stuff.
Baraka:
A: Marauder
Slot 1: Gutted
Slot 2: Gutted
Slot 3: Baraka Barrage
Notes: Gutted is a big damage combo extender, Baraka Barrage gives him two extra pokes and a jump in that uses his arm blades. This is a very fundamental and honest variation but you are heavily rewarded for converting hits.
B: Bone Picker
Slot 1: Blood Lunge
Slot 2: Blood Lunge
Slot 3: Spine Burst
Notes: Blood Lunge is a command grab with great range, though it is a high and is susceptible to D2 krushing blows. Spine Burst is a fantastic anti air special that gives meterless combo potential in the corner and gives Baraka some more access to safety or to mixup block string options.
C: Berserker
Slot 1: Blade Charge
Slot 2: Baraka-Serker
Slot 3: Leg Kabob
Notes: Blade Charge is a nice mid charge attack that is decently fast and unsafe, and it can side switch when you hold back. If the opponent blocks Blade Charge late, a damage KB will occur. Baraka-Serker is a unsafe 10 frame mid that comes out in an advancing barrage of attacks, and on amplify it will turn into a safe version of Blade Charge, albeit with a gap. The Blade Charge KB can activate from the Baraka-Serker version. Leg Kabob is a low hitting move that restands the opponent and is safe on block. On amplify, Baraka throws the opponent away for more damage, a possible side switch and will grant a DOT KB if the opponent was stand blocking.
Cassie Cage:
A: Digital Soldier
Slot 1: (Air) Bullet Barrage
Slot 2: Kneecappin'
Slot 3: Flippin' Out
Notes: (Air) Bullet Barrage is Cassie's air gunshots that have a third grounded hit from amplify. Kneecappin' is a mid hitting "low gun shot" that can be used as a combo extender for a big launch. Flippin' Out is this special move with three ranges where she jumps into the air and shoots a couple shots down. Flippin' Out hits mid and is unsafe, but perhaps you would use it as an approaching "fuck neutral" tool.
B: Yaas Queen
Slot 1: BLB-118 Energy Burst
Slot 2: BLB-118 Energy Burst
Slot 3: Shoulder Charge
Notes: Glad this move made it in, BLB-118 Energy Burst is this special where she sends her drone forward to do a very large proximity burst. It's unsafe but with decent startup and 6 active frames. It doesn't knockdown and can be amplified for a grounded combo extension. Shoulder Charge is what is sounds like, a nice fast charge that is unsafe. Charge can be amplified to do considerable damage, but not on block. If the opponent is late to block Shoulder Charge it can trigger a KB on amplify.
C: Sups OD
Slot 1: BLB-Energy Bounce
Slot 2: BLB Escape/Advance
Slot 3: Flying Glow Kick
Notes: BLB-Enery Bounce is a slow low projectile bomb that cassie shoots by reflecting a bullet off of her drone. This has three ranges, covering most ground space and its dramatically plus on block with the longer version being even more plus. The move has poor air priority. BLB Escape/Advance is a sort of command jump that Cassie can do at the cost of a defensive bar, launching her in an angle either forward or backwards, and this move can be special cancelled. I assume this can be used for safety, general mobility and oki setups. Flying Glow Kick is a safish high charge attack from half screen that grants a KB on kounter/punish. This move does not work in the air.
Cetrion:
A: Force of Nature
Slot 1: Earthquake
Slot 2: Delay Boulder Rush
Slot 3: Shattering Boulder (Replaces Natural Barrier)
Notes: Earthquake is a double hitting, tracking low ground pound that works as a great zoning tool and grants Cetrion some overhead/low mixups, she can cancel the second hit for safety, or for mixups up close or at distance. Delay Boulder Rush allows Cetrion to hold the boulder where she can switch to the other version(the ground can be switched to air if you see them jump, etc.) and she can cancel it for a bar of defensive meter to bait the opponent. Shattering Boulder is a mid explosion that can be aimed at three ranges and has an amplify extension, the move is slow but has a good hitbox and is plus on block. Shattering Boulder replaces her projectile reflect move.
B: Spring Cleaning
Slot 1: Geyser
Slot 2: Geyser
Slot 3: H2 P0rt
Notes: Geyser is a range based puddle move that will grant combo extensions on amplify. A KB is attached if Cetrion whiffs is a few times before hitting. H2 P0rt is very similar to Raiden's Sparkport but can be used in the air. The teleport allows Cetrion to convert off of Geyser amplify at any range. Natural Barrier(Rock Wall) is a default move in this variation.
C: Born Again
Slot 1: Deadly Winds
Slot 2: Conflux of Elements
Slot 3: Conflux of Elements
Notes: Deadly Winds is a mid projectile that travels across the screen, the move has a lot of startup but is great on block. The amplified version sends a screen-high tornado. Conflux of Elements is a move that uses up all of Cetrion's defensive meter to summon one of 4 random area of effect spells. The tornado limits the opponent movement around it, the flames do damage over time, the water vapor lets Cetrion block after being hit(think Aquaman's trait) and the floating rocks will attempt to kounter an opponent with a high hitting rock if hit Cetrion inside the radius. Natural Barrier(Rock Wall) is a default move in this variation.
D'Vorah:
A: Buzzed
Slot 1: (Air) Ticking Time Bug
Slot 2: Strepsiptera
Slot 3: Parasite
Notes: (Air) Ticking Time Bug is a unique move that is similar to Shang Tsung's up skull from MK9, but activating from the air and being slower moving. D'vorah shoots a larva on the ground at one of three ranges, which hatches into a wasp which flies into the heavens, hitting the opponent if they get in the way. The amplified version shoots a was at all three ranges at once, creating an obstacle course for the opponent. Strepsiptera is this weird setup where D'vorah drops out a big larva which hatches a mid hitting wasp tracking projectile that travels half screen. The amplified version shoots three wasps and can grant combos and strong pressure when used correctly. Parasite gives D'vorah three new enders that cause Krushing Blows under different circumstance. The 121+3 ender will KB on punish which is particularly useful and the F22D1+3 ender gives D'vorah a nice safe overhead from F22.
B: Arachnophobia
Slot 1: Widow's Kiss
Slot 2: Widow's Kiss
Slot 3: Deadly Swarm
Notes: Widow's Kiss is a Bat-Girl style teleport that can be amplified for a combo extension. Deadly Swarm makes some of D'vorah's specials apply a wasp to the opponent. You can visually see the wasps and the Deadly Swarm attack allows D'vorah to use a bar of meter to have her wasps quickly do 30 damage to the opponent, up to 5 wasps can be on the opponent. Wasps reset whenever there is a cinematic animation. Her normal projectile Fireflies and her restand Swarm will apply one wasp each. Fireflies amplify will apply two and Swarm will apply five. Deadly Swarm is a good way to accumulate damage over the course of a round and to finish off the opponent in low health situations.
B: Kreepy Krawler
Slot 1: (Air) Fly By
Slot 2: Bombardier Beetle
Slot 3: Flipping Out
Notes: (Air) Fly By is a powerful air dash that grants D'vorah good mobility to go with her great jump normals and her Flipping Out special move. Bombardier Beetle is an interesting setup move that normally functions as a delayed mid attack that grants very good plus frames, but when placed right under the opponent, it becomes a low. On amplify, the beetle will charge forward and hit the opponent with a low attack, which can be combined with Fly By for mixups or just used as a zoning tool. Flipping Out is a crazy overhead attack with great range that hits twice and can be used in the air. When it hits twice in a row, this move will activate a KB.
Erron Black:A: 52 Kard Pickup
Slot 1: Enhanced Locked and Loaded
Slot 2: Outworld Gunslinger
Slot 3: Scud Shot
Notes: Enhanced Locked and Loaded adds several new options to his gun stance. He gets a new low shot where he lies prone on the ground, avoiding plenty of attacks, and the move has an amplified version that will quickly fire three shots if you should have that many. Most importantly, he gets access to his Rising Stock launcher which allows him to hit confirm many strings into combos and it has a KB if the rifle needs to be reloaded. Additionally, the stance is given a slower overhead launcher and the ability to continuously reload bullets rather than one at a time. Outworld Gunslinger grants Erron several extra strings and an amplify option from his F4 on block. The string give Erron a little bit more mixup/combo potential but I think the main draw is the 32 string allowing you to do some goofy zoning with pistol shots. Scud Shot is a powerful stance that absorbs all moves considered projectiles and can be amplified for a fast mid shot. This move allows Erron stagger strings for safety and possible mixups, as it can be quickly cancelled. Scud Shot is a really cheap anti-zoning stance-type move that eats almost all projectiles and can shoot an instantly hitting mid shot with a bar of meter. He can also cancel it. Scud Shot allows Erron to stay safe on strings by mixing up the amplified shot and the scud shot cancel along with his other tools.
B: Barking Irons
Slot 1: Cattle Toss
Slot 2: TNT Toss
Slot 3: Enhanced Rattle Snake Slide
Notes: Cattle Toss is a high command grab with considerable range and can be amplified for a nice chunk of damage. TNT Toss is a slow special that throws TNT at different ranges which explodes and can hit both opponents and Erron. Enhanced Rattle Snake Slide allows him to cancel his slide for good mixups and combo potential.
B: Locked N' Loaded
Slot 1: Acid Pour
Slot 2: Netherbeast Trap
Slot 3: Netherbeast Trap
Notes: Acid Pour is a good combo ender that does good damage with a nice knockdown, but is unsafe on block. This move triggers a nice damage KB if the opponent is in Reptile's acid. The amplified version does more damage and the long animation is also well suited for situations where the acid spit is out. Netherbeast Trap is a low trap that Erron can place down that will capture the opponent for a restand combo, although the move will vanish if Erron blocks an attack.
Frost:
A: Frost-Byte
Slot 1: Cryogenic Crown
Slot 2: Cryogenic Crown
Slot 3: Arctic Barrage
Notes: Cryogenic Crown is similar to Cyber Sub's Ice Bombs in MKX, but they hit mid and are more strict when it comes to combos. Cryogenic Crown replaces Core Discharge. Arctic Barrage is unsafe but it's a charging overhead barrage that works as a nice combo ender and has a KB that occurs if you whiff punish a low attack and amplify the move.
B: Ice Machine
Slot 1: Auger Lunge
Slot 2: Glacier Calving
Slot 3: Microburst
Notes: Auger Lunge is a fast charge-type move that can be used to punish and as an ender. When amplified, Auger Lunge will give much more corner carry and after 3 amplified Lunges, another Lunge will activate a combo Krushing Blow. Glacier Carving is a projectile absorb that stays on screen for a few moments which allows Frost to have better zoning and neutral control. This variation does have Core Discharge where frost shoots a high-hitting explosion at different ranges. Microburst is a proximity burst that can be amplified to freeze for combos.
C: Arctic Anarchy
Slot 1: Ice Auger
Slot 2: Core Overload
Slot 3: (Air) Icequake
Notes: Ice Auger is a short high projectile with good block advantage with a second amplified hit that "launches" for a combo. Core Overload increases the damage of discharge and on amplify, will begin a countdown for Frost to explode, causing 30 damage to Frost and freezing the opponent if they get hit. The move is about neutral on block after the explosion. (Air) Icequake is a divekick that is unsafe, but has a safish range where you hit their shins. If the divekick lands on the ground, it changes to a low slide attack this is safe on block.
Fujin:A: Downburst
Slot 1: Divine Wind
Slot 2: Airsenal
Slot 3: Twister
Notes:
B: Kloud Walker
Slot 1: Wind Barrier
Slot 2: Sky Wakka
Slot 3: Warped Needle
Notes:
C: Cyclone
Slot 1: Wind Push
Slot 2: Air Slam
Slot 3: Deadly Winds
Notes:
Geras:
A: New Era
Slot 1: Stepping It Back
Slot 2: Stepping It Back
Slot 3: Sand Pillar
Notes: Stepping It Back allows Geras to cancel the startup of normal attacks to go back to where he was standing before startup for one bar of defensive meter. Sand Pillar is a mid projectile with a tall hitbox and can be used to extend combos in the corner. Sand Pillar Amplify is a delayed sand pillar which can be used for setups and for swaggy combos.
B: Infinite Warden
Slot 1: Quick Sand
Slot 2: Gauntlet Of The Ages
Slot 3: Bed Of Spikes
Notes: Quick Sand upgrades Sand Trap's hit reaction into a teleport type move, allowing Geras to avoid trades and get close for pressure. If Quick Sand is a Kounter/Punish, it will Krushing Blow for a large chunk of damage. Gauntlet Of The Ages is an upgraded Big Fist that is a charge stance which increases the damage of Geras' next attack which uses his gauntlet, Geras can cancel the stance or go into History Lesson which is a mid that is plus on block and will Krushing Blow if the gauntlet is fully charged. It's like Donkey Kong's punch in Smash Bros. Bed Of Spikes replaces Geras command grab and works as an ender and combo extender when amplified.
C: Eternal
Slot 1: Sand Simulacrum
Slot 2: Reverse Time
Slot 3: Reverse Time
Notes: Sand Simulacrum is a unique move where Geras summons a sand clone of himself at four different ranges for a few seconds. The clone itself does nothing, but Geras can then teleport to where ever the clone is. If the clone is offscreen, Geras will teleport as close as he can. On amplify, the Clone explodes for a combo launch and significant plus frames. This move allows Geras to move across the screen more easily then other variations. Reverse Time is an extremely cool move where Geras sacrifices his defensive meter to rewind his last 5 seconds, bringing him back to the place he was 5 seconds prior. The move can be activated mid combo and at some point during the "animation" it gains armor so it can be used to escape combos if used properly.
Jacqui Briggs:
A: 1st Round Ko
Slot 1: Lethal Clinch
Slot 2: Cybernetic Override
Slot 3: Robo Grappler
Notes: Lethal Clinch is a combo "grab" with different enders that can lead to a KB. Cybernetic Override allows Jacqui to cancel certain strings and her sweep. Robo Grappler gives Jacqui the unique ability to counter the opponent with a throw after you perform a throw tech.
B: Next Gen
Slot 1: Grenade Launcer
Slot 2: (Air) Dive Bomb
Slot 3: Tech-Dome
Notes: Grenade Launcher is the blue fire projectile that hits mid, does DOT and leaves "caltrops" on the ground. (Air) Dive Bomb is a dive kick. Tech-Dome is a large area of effect damage reduction buff for Jacqui.
C: Upgraded
Slot 1: (Air) Shrapnel Blast Amplify
Slot 2: (Air) Ground Pound
Slot 3: Bionic Bounce
Notes: (Air) Shrapnel Blast allows Jacqui to cancel frames of her Air Shrapnel, granting her unique combo paths and pressure. (Air) Ground Pound is low ground pound out of the air, giving her a low mixup from her jump and working well with her Bionic Bounce. Bionic Bounce is a command jump that allows Jacqui to jump around the screen like a mad woman and it can be special cancelled into.
Jade:
A: Emerald Defender
Slot 1: (Air) Razor Rang
Slot 2: Upward Razor-Rang
Slot 3: Edenian Spark
Notes: (Air) Razor Rang is a very useful downward air glaive. Upward Razor-Rang swings down for some tricky zoning. Edenian Spark is a low projectile for zoning purposes and unsafe mixups.
B: Jaded
Slot 1: Pole Vault
Slot 2: Pole Vault Cancel
Slot 3: Amplify Blazing Nitro Kick
Notes: Pole Vault with the cancel is essentially a run command that will cancel into "Pole Vault" which is a safe mid where Jade comes from above. The other option out of the run is the Pole Vault Cancel for a bar of defensive meter, this can be used to run in for pressure or for on block pressure, especially when mixed with regular Pole Vaults. Amplify Blazing Nitro Kick is MK9 style and pushes the opponent forward, which is valuable as this is a more rushdown oriented Jade and corner positioning is all the more important.
C: Untamable
Slot 1: Deadly Assassin
Slot 2: Vanishing Winds
Slot 3: Divine Forces
Notes: Deadly Assassin grants Jade several new string options in B2124, 344, 344D1 and 431. These provide extra combo/punish damage, additional mixups and safety, just check Jade forum for in depth string stuff. Vanishing Winds is a slow but safe low attack that turns into a safe but slow low teleport on amplify, use the normal version in mixups or to try to be safe. Divine Forces is a projectile reflect that can be amplified twice to turn it into a mid launcher with a lot of active frames.
Jax:A: Grinnin' Barrett
Slot 1: Duck And Weave
Slot 2: Briggs Barricade
Slot 3: Ripped
Notes: Duck and Weave(Dudley eat your heart out!) replaces his charge and has Jax move forward, lowering his hurt box and putting him into a stance. In this stance, he can do a mid punch with an amplified version that combos, a low "grab" and the Ripped overhead. Briggs Barricade is a projectile absorb that builds Jax arm heat. Ripped is a slow but safe overhead that can be amplified on hit for a combo, this move can be used in Duck and Weave stance.
B: Hunker Down
Slot 1: Quad Grab
Slot 2: Burning Hammer
Slot 3: Expert Grappler
Notes: Quad Grab is a high command grab with interesting properties. First, Jax can turn the opponent around, choosing the ultimate side that he will end up on. Second, he has to dial in buttons to extend each hit from the Quad Grab, with the last two costing meter but getting the damage up to 180 when done raw. If you time the hit correctly, the final hit will activate a Krushing Blow that does massive damage. Burning Hammer is an air throw that can be used from the ground or in the air. Expert Grappler gives him access to Krushing Blows from his overheads when he's heated up.
C: Ringer
Slot 1: Enhanced Outrank
Slot 2: Lethal Clap
Slot 3: Ground Shatter
Notes: Jax gains two new strings with Enhanced Outank in 221122 and 2211221, which both are excellent for building arm heat while doing damage and provides a little mixup at the end between the natural 2 overhead ender and the 1 that hits high and it plus on block. Lethal Clap replaces gotcha grab for an unsafe high that leaves the opponent standing, and when heated up, can be used to grant combos. At max heat, you can combo midscreen, at regular heat, only in the corner. Ground Shatter replaces the full screen ground pound with a classic style ground pound that hits low and has to be aimed, but it grants a very high launch on hit!
Johnny Cage:
A: Shock Jock
Slot 1: Mime Time
Slot 2: Brass Knuckles
Slot 3: Caged Rage
Notes: Mime Time is a Ninja Mime parry, which has a KB. Brass Knuckles is a timed buff that substantially increases Johnny's chip damage, which works well with his third ability. Caged Rage is hook punch that is a safe high and becomes an unblockable if the opponent blocks it twice.
B: Show Stopper
Slot 1: Say Cheese
Slot 2: Say Cheese
Slot 3: Throwing Shades
Notes: Say Cheese replaces Nut Punch as a combo extension but leaved the opponent standing, allowing for a multitude of enders. Is Say Cheese completely whiffs 3 times in a row, the 4th one will KB on amplify for big damage. The idea is that Johnny is taking pictures of the opponent. You can also get a KB from Say Cheese if it's the first hit of a match, but that would have to be a Nomad Dash punish or something. Throwing Shades is a mediocre projectile that has a KB that activates when you use it as an ender in a combo with a Fatal Blow cancel or if the shades are the first hit of the match, the move can also grant nice hit advantage at the end of combos. This variation makes use of strong grounded combos to avoid the wakeup system and has super swaggy KB combos.
C: Outtake
Slot 1: High Forceball
Slot 2: Low Forceball
Slot 3: Rising Star
Notes: Now this is classic Johnny! High Forceball and Low Forceball are Johnny's classic style fireballs, both hitting mid in an arching arc. The low fireball being the go to version and the high fireball covering the air space better. When amplified, the opposite fireball comes out for an additional hit. The fireballs lack the pressure potential that the normal fireballs offer against a few characters. Rising Star is a super fast anti air attack that can be amplified for damage and is safe on block.
Kabal:
A: Mean Streak
Slot 1: Rolling Buzzsaw
Slot 2: (Air) Straight Buzzin'
Slot 3: Dash Cancel
Notes: MK9 style. Rolling Buzzsaw is a low projectile and can be amplified for a second hit, enhancing Kabal's zoning and giving him some more mixup potential. (Air) Straight Buzzin' replacing the downward buzzsaw and it's a straight air buzzsaw. If you use it low to the ground and amplify it you can connect a nomad dash from max range. His Dash Cancel allows him to cancel his nomad dash for better frame advantage on strings and normals.
B: Clean Cut
Slot 1: Low Hook Grab
Slot 2: Nomad Spin
Slot 3: Extended Hook
Notes: Low Hook Grab is an unsafe low special that gives Kabal better mixup potential, especially because Low Hook Grab can KB if it is used raw from neutral and the opponent is stand blocking. Nomad spin is a possible combo ender and anti air but has utility with it's very long active frames and great hitbox. Extended Hook is a nice restand that pulls the opponent in and gives +2 hit advantage. Extended Hook may be tough for some characters to punish due to the pushback.
C: Speed Demon
Slot 1: Low Spinner
Slot 2: Hook Grab
Slot 3: Gas Blast
Notes: Low Spinner is an unsafe mid-mid-low barrage that grants damage and combo extensions, with the normal version having a nice knockdown. Hook Grab is an anti-air grab that grants combos on amplify. Gas Blast is a restand attack with a close hurtbox but plenty of active frames. The amplified hit does more damage and grants more hit advantage but on whiff, the amplified version leaves a cloud of gas that will heal Kabal, hurt the opponent and deny the opponent the ability to jump while in the gas.
Kano:A: Ripper
Slot 1: Lumbar Check
Slot 2: Rack Off
Slot 3: Manhandled
Notes: Lumbar Check is a command grab with an amplified version for more damage. He has some tick throws with it from stuff like D1, 11 and 24. Rack Off is a parry that can be amplified for more damage, this parry is vulnerable to lows. Manhandled replaced the enders to the 22 and 24 string and adds a string to F4. 221+3 can be used to amplify for more damage, 241+3 can be amplified for a juggle and F43 can be used to add more damage to F4 on hit.
B: Dirt Bag
Slot 1: Vege-Mighty
Slot 2: Molotov Cocktail
Slot 3: Chemical Burn
Notes: Vege-Mighty is a long lasting buff that gives the next Kano Ball one hit of armor, during the active frames. While buffed, Kano can do an anti-air armored Up-Ball by holding up after Kano-Ball. Molotov Cocktail is a "caltrops" esque that can be aimed at different ranges and does 10 damage per tick for 120 damage. Chemical burn is an unsafe mid that has Kano retreat, causes some DOT and doesn't cause a knockdown. Opponents who are affected with Chemical Burn's DOT will be hit by an unblockable 80 damage if they walk into a Molotov Cocktail. Note that this variation is the only tourney variation with 223 and 241, those enders become grab inputs with "Manhandled" and cause different reactions on hit.
C: Ratbag
Slot 1: Snake Bite
Slot 2: Sake Bite
Slot 3: Optics Blast
Notes: Snake Bite is an unsafe combo launcher that grants Kano good damage and has the unique distinction of being special cancellable, so you could do a Snake Bite into a Snake Bite or a Kano Ball, allowing for more combo potential. Optics Blast is a straightforward mid projectile that does 80 damage, moves fast and has a nice hitbox for hitting opponents out of the air, and on kounter/punish, the move will KB.
Kitana:
A: Fan-Fare
Slot 1: (Air) Fan Flutter
Slot 2: Ground War
Slot 3: Royal Projection
Notes: (Air) Fan Flutter is her classic float that allows her to change her jump arc and do things like two jump in attacks in one jump arc or to fake the opponent out. Ground War gives Kitana a grounded Square Wave which functions very similar to the air version. Royal Projection is a projectile absorb that lasts for a few frames.
B: Highborn
Slot 1: Half Blood Stance
Slot 2: Half Blood Stance
Slot 3: Edenian Razors
Notes: Half Blood Stance is Kitana's "Mileena" stance. It has 4 options for each button. Gutted is a mid stab that is safe-ish and can be used as a combo ender. Seeking Sai is a "from the heavens" projectile that will track the opponent(only about 75% of screen distance) and hit mid, which could be used for zoning and possible setups. Dive Kick is Mileena's teleport and can be amplified into a fan throw for extra damage and possible air combos. Finally, you can cancel the stance for pressure. Edenian Razors is this move where Kitana has fans orbit around her. The fans hit high and it seems like a move that could be used to hit an approaching opponent with its long active frames. In my testing I was able to kounter all of Liu Kang's Wu Shi Legend teleport options with it. Note that Kitana does not have fan lift in this variation.
C: Fearless
Slot 1: Fan-Nado
Slot 2: Low Fan Toss
Slot 3: (Air) Edenian Twist
Notes: Fan-Nado replaces lift for a version that goes along the ground like a projectile, with that caveat that it's slower and doesn't combo from as much as the normal lift. Low Fan Toss is a low projectile with a close range amplify hit that is safe but leaves a gap. (Air) Edenian Twist is this sort of divekick that is a badass spinning overhead attack, with a combo KB that activates when Fatal Blow is on cooldown for some nice comeback factor!
Kollector:
A: Back in the Pack
Slot 1: Up Demonic Mace
Slot 2: Demonic Clutch
Slot 3: Fade Out
Notes: Up Demonic Mace is identical to the normal Demonic Mace except in that it is an anti-air, it is a high and it has no Krushing Blow attached. Demonic Clutch is a fast command grab that cannot be ducked and has a KB that launched for full combo if the move punishes a tech roll. Fade Out is a relatively slower teleport with no alternate teleport options but remains a strong tool for Kollector to get close or to convert off of his amplified Bola.
B: Spare Change
Slot 1: Bag Bomb
Slot 2: Vial Of Sorrow
Slot 3: Demonic Comet
Notes: Bag Bomb is an arching projectile that can be thrown at different ranges. The projectile is slow but is good on block and grants Kollector some much needed neutral control. Vial Of Sorrow is similar to Erron Black's catrops/acid in a sense, Kollector throws down fire at one of three ranges. The fire won't last long, but it does 20 damage for four ticks in a quick spurt. You could potentially win projectile trades using Vial of Sorrow with that damage. If Bag Bomb us used almost immediately the vial, it can actually hit the fire and cause an explosion that will launch for a combo! There are some setups involving this but it could be tough to get a lot of mileage out of it. Demonic Comet simply allows Kollector to use Bag Bomb and Vial Of Sorrow in the air.
C: Squander
Slot 1: War-Quoit Toss
Slot 2: War-Quoit Toss
Slot 3: Relic Lure
Notes: War-Quoit Toss replaces Bola for a high projectile that does more damage and grants combos on amplify as well as restanding the opponent. Relic Lure is a mid attack with a ton of active frames and a low hurtbox that draws the opponent in, and allowing for a combo on amplify.
Kotal Kahn:A: Ascension
Slot 1: Heuhhueyi
Slot 2: God Ray
Slot 3: Kahn-Cut
Notes: Heuhueyi is a command grab that gives Kotal a damage buff and can be amplified for more damage. God Ray is a more offensive based version of Sunbeam. Khan-Cut is a special move shoutout to his MKX F2 that gives him more combo opportunity and a possible neutral tool.
B: Kitty Kat Totemic
Slot 1: Eztli Totem
Slot 2: Tecuani Maul
Slot 3: (Air) Tecuani Pounce
Notes: Eztli Totem is an upgraded version of Blood Totem from MKX. With three possible totems on screen at once, it will give back health to Kotal depending on the amount of damage he does during the Totem's duration and the number of totems. Kotal also gets the burst of health back when he summons a totem. Tecuani Maul is his kitty charge and can be used as a charge move to punish or check in neutral. (Air) Tecuani Pounce/Party Crasher is essentially a divekick that can be used to punish get more respect on Kotal's jump ins. Note that he doesn't have God Ray, so he has his normal Sun Beam which will summon on himself and can be amplified to follow the opponent around. The normal Sun Beam is more effective for turtling but probably less effective as an offensive tool then God Ray.
C: Totemic Buluc
Slot 1: Yeyecame Disk
Slot 2: Amocualli Totem
Slot 3: Teoyohtica Totem
Notes: Yeyecame Disk is an additional amplified version of sun disk where Kotal swings the disk for a mid attack and then launches a mid hitting sun disc projectile. The normal attack is slow, causing gaps on block, but the amplified version is only -1 and gives Kotal a more similar sun disc to the one he had in MKX, albeit without the combo potential. Amocualli Totem is the offensive totem and is significantly faster than the Teoyotica Totem, with each totem granting a 20% damage buff. The Teoyotica Totem is the defensive totem and is slower than the offensive by about 20 frames, with each totem granting an additional 20% damage reduction.
Kung Lao:
A: Lotus Fist
Slot 1: Orbiting Hat
Slot 2: Orbiting Hat
Slot 3: Omega Hat
Notes: Lotus Fist's draw is all about the Orbiting Hat. Orbiting Hat returns from MKX but this time it's much more powerful and has longer range. It costs both a bar of defensive and offensive meter just to use Orbiting Hat, but it's a mid projectile that will orbit around Kung Lao and hit an opponent it touches. The will disappear if Lao is hit or blocks a move. Orbiting Hat looks to be a strong neutral tool that will have combo and pressure potential. When amplified, Orbiting Hat will throw a second hat(where the hell does he get two of them...) that will float higher on his body. Omega Hat is an alternate amplify that will increase the range of orbiting hat for its duration. Humorously, you can increase the multiple times if you put refill meter on in practice mode. This variation seems like it will be among the most difficult to master due to the awkwardness of Orbiting Hat but it seems like a very strong tool.
B: Hat Tricks
Slot 1: Guided Hat
Slot 2: Z Hat
Slot 3: (Air) Teleport
Notes: Guided Hat is simply Lao's classic Hat throw where he can change the arc. Z Hat is unique projectile with long startup that travels in a "Z" pattern. The move can potentially hit three times, ending in a low. Z Hat is almost safe and the amplified version is fantastic on block. Z Hat can also be cancelled for a bar of defensive stamina. Air Teleport just allows him to use his teleport in the air. When he does it in the air, he doesn't do the throwing animation but he has travel time moving down so the Air Teleport may be faster or slower depending on the situation.
C: Order of Light
Slot 1: Spiritual Guidance
Slot 2: Spiritual Guidance
Slot 3: Vortex
Notes: Kung Lao without spin, how about that? Spiritual Guidance has Lao summon the Great Kung Lao for his wisdom and experience, as well as a few kick ass stance based moves. The stance itself comes out very fast and can be cancelled for a bar of defensive meter. And then we have three moves from the stance, the first move is a cool projectile that shoots forward and grants a cool combo KB at max distance. The second is a targeted low projectile that does healthy damage. The third move is an unsafe high launcher that comes out quick enough to combo into from several strings. Vortex replaces spin and has a ridiculous hitbox but is slower and isn't as easily combo'd into as spin is. The amplified version will travel some distance forward depending on how long Lao delays the spin.
Liu Kang:
A: Luohan Quan
Slot 1: Shaolin Stance
Slot 2: Low Fireball
Slot 3: Dragon Parry
Notes: Shaolin Stance is a stance Liu can cancel into that has a cancel for a bar of defensive meter, an almost safe low and a string of attacks that leads into an overhead. More on Shaolin Stance later. Low Fireball is a quality low fireball that can be amplified for a second high projectile that could be used for juggles in the corner as well as zoning. Dragon Parry is a parry that Liu can amplify for big damage. If Dragon Parry counters a wakeup attack it will Krushing Blow which can lead to massive damage if amplified.
B: Wu Shi Legend
Slot 1: Energy Parry
Slot 2: Dragon Fire
Slot 3: Dragon's Gifts
Notes: Energy Parry is a nice little projectile absorb with Liu's nunchaku. Dragon Fire is a damage buff of 17% to all of Liu's moves for around 7 seconds. Dragon's Gifts is a teleport that can only be used when Dragon Fire is activated. The teleport has three different versions. The quickest version is Shaolin Strike, which is an almost sage high that can be used on either side of the opponent. Shaolin Trip is an unsafe low sweep Shaolin Stomp is an unsafe overhead from above.
C: Dragon's Breath (Bo' Rai Cho!!!!!)
Slot 1: Nunchaku Stance
Slot 2: Kusari Slam
Slot 3: Shaolin Vanish
Notes: Nunchaku Stance is a stance with a low option, an overhead option, a command grab option and a cancel, with every option being unsafe, but smart use will keep it in Liu's favor. The low option is slightly slower than the overhead but both do healthy damage, and the overhead has a combo KB. You just land the low attack, and the next time you do the stance, do the overhead and if it hits the KB will come out. You can also do the cancel without messing up the KB. Kusari Slam is a high command grab with no notable tick throws, but will help Liu open the opponent up. The amplified version adds more damage and the possibility of a side switch. It's also one of the options out of Nunchaku Stance, making the stance a strong mixup. Shaolin Vanish is a decently fast teleport that is as straightforward as it gets, Liu teleports in front(as opposed to behind!) of the opponent.
Nightwolf:A: Motoka Warrior
Slot 1: Rising Tomahawk
Slot 2: Rising Tomahawk
Slot 3: Spirit Of Kiba
Notes: Rising Tomahawk is an unsafe combo starter that grants meterless combos in the corner and midscreen BNBs with one or two bars. The second hit is an overhead but it's unsafe both ways with a gap inbetween. Spirit Of Kiba is where he summons the wolf and gets a damage buff, on amplify it adds more recovery frames but grants armor.
B: Ancestral Gift
Slot 1: Tomahawk Swing
Slot 2: Grappling Stalker
Slot 3: Moonlight Reflector
Notes: Tomahawk Swing is a high hitting command grab good for mixups and combo enders. It has a damage over time KB on reversal punishes, leaves the opponent close for more offense and has a amplify version which grants a super advantageous knockdown. Grappling Stalker gives Nightwolf two more combo enders on the end of strings in 221+3 and B341+3. 221+3 is a punish KB and B341+3 grants a side switch. Moonlight Reflector grants an amplified version of reflect that functions as a neutral teleport, Nightwolf can immediately teleport or do so right after reflecting a projectile.
C: Shaman
Slot 1: Lightning Arrow
Slot 2: Spirit Tracks
Slot 3: Spirit Tracks Amplify
Notes: Lightning Arrow replaces Nightwolf's normal arrows in exchange for a cool mid projectile. There is no amplify, but he can still cancel it, which may be more powerful because this is a mid hitting projectile. Spirit Tracks is a low profiling/low hitting charge move that is meant to go under projectiles. Spirit Tracks Amplify turns the move into a mid hitting launcher for combo, though it's not fast enough to be combo'd into under normal circumstances.
Noob Saibot:
A: Seeing Double
Slot 1: Ghostball
Slot 2: (Air) Tele-Slam
Slot 3: Shadow Slide
Notes: Ghostball is an unblockable projectile. (Air) Tele-Slam is merely his teleport in the air. Shadow Slide half screen range slide projectile. This variation is very straight forward, mostly being based around Shadow Slide and having a faster teleport in Air Teleport.(As Noob travels upwards to teleport.)
B: Dark Sabbath
Slot 1: Spirit Ball
Slot 2: Shadow Portals
Slot 3: (Air) Sickle Port
Notes: Super fast high hitting Ghost Ball in Spirit Ball. Shadow Portals turns his teleport amplify into a combo extension for big damage combos. (Air) Sickle Port is an alternate teleport out of the air that hits mid and combos when amplified. Sickle Port helps make up for the lack of air teleport.
C: Pitch Black
Slot 1: Sickle Snag
Slot 2: Sickle Toss
Slot 3: (Air) Shadow Dive
Notes: Sickle Snag is a combo is an air-grab/combo starter that has a nice knockdown but grants a launch on amplify, giving Noob some high damage combos. Sickle Toss is a slow but long range overhead clone attack where Noob chucks the clone in a few ranges, but not full screen. (Air) Shadow DIve is a divekick projectile, which should leave Noob safe at range against most characters.
Raiden:A: Thunder Wave
Slot 1: Sparkport
Slot 2: Sparkport
Slot 3: Storm Cell
Notes: Sparkport is Raiden's teleport which can be done at different ranges and amplified for some double teleport trickery. Storm Cell is a combo starting special when amplified and the move has a large hitbox but is unsafe. Storm Cell conflicts with Summon Lightning, his anti air grab/combo ender. This variation doesn't override his base move, Lightning Strike.
B: Raijin
Slot 1: Electric Burst
Slot 2: Quick Charge
Slot 3: Electric Current
Notes: Electric Burst is a proximity burst with good hit advantage and active frames, it may be tough to punish for some characters, with Quick Charge activated, the move has more pushback and becomes safe. Electric Burst overrides the base move, Lightning Strike, a good zoning tool. Quick Charge buffs several of Raiden's moves, causes Raiden to take 50% less chip damage and gives him access to Discharge(DB3, same input) after he blocks three attacks but during the duration of Quick Charge buff. Discharge is a 4 frame mid special that is the fastest reversal in the game as far as I know. Electric Current is a low with an amplify that does more damage.(Can you juggle this?) If Quick Charge is activated, Electric Current will shoot a low projectile on top of its normal attack and the amplified version will launch. This variation has the anti-air/combo ender move, Summon Lightning as a base move.
C: Truth and Light
Slot 1: Jo Push
Slot 2: Jo Push
Slot 3: Lightning Rod
Notes: Jo Push replaces Superman, giving Raiden a combo starter as well as a zoning tool. Normal Jo Push is unsafe but it is a long range mid that can be amplified for combos. Without Superman, Raiden ends up having way less corner carry but it may go with the more zone heavy style this variation seems to have. Normal Lightning Rod is a simple mid attack that leaves the staff in the ground at different ranges, which can then be used to access a unique projectile with Lightning Bolt and Lightning Strike, where the bolt strikes the staff and then does a short range tracking mid attack. But the amplified version creates a sphere where the opponent will be attacked for entering or exiting for 3 seconds or so. So you drop the staff down on them and they are forced to sit there for a moment or two. Depending on spacing and the launch, you can use the sphere to extend combos. This variation has the default moves, Lightning Strike and Summon Lightning, enhancing his zoning and his combo potential.
Robo Cop:A: OCP's Finest
Slot 1: Active & Reactive Pistol
Slot 2: Terminal Strip
Slot 3: Upgraded
Notes:
B: Prime Directive
Slot 1: Flamethrower
Slot 2: Low Auto-9
Slot 3: Arm Crowd Control Cannon
Notes:
C: On Patrol
Slot 1: Cheval Trap
Slot 2: (Air) OCP Charge
Slot 3: Electric Shield
Notes:
Scorpion:
A: Reborn
Slot 1: Hell Port Cancel
Slot 2: Hell Port Cancel
Slot 3: Demon Slam
Notes: Hell Port Cancel allows Scorpion to cancel teleport backwards or after he teleports and has an air grab. Demon Slam is an air grab with a KB. The teleport cancels make Scorpion's teleport drastically more threatening, allowing him to pressure the opponent and make them antsy about blocking too much.
B: Searing Rage
Slot 1: Death Spin
Slot 2: Death Spear Kombo
Slot 3: Burning Spear
Notes: Death Spin grants Scorpion a fast special where he spins his spear around. Although this move is unsafe, it comes out quickly and has a wide hit box while doing considerable chip damage, with the amplify adding additional hits. Death Spear Combo gives Scorpion two new string options that use his spear. His F32 string ends overhead/low, and while it is unsafe, it add more damage to punishes and increases the threat of F3 in neutral because the overhead can be special cancelled for combos. 212+4 is a safe mid that can be used for a combo ender and to get some respect for 212. Burning Spear merely buffs the damage and chip damage that spear attacks do for Scorpion for a short while, and it makes the chip from Death Spin deadly.
C: Burning Specter
Slot 1: Misery Blade
Slot 2: Misery Blade
Slot 3: Sin Blade
Notes: The bane of non-Scorpion players in the beta, Misery Blade makes its triumphant return! It's a cool stance with multiple options for mixups and combo enders. First off, Scorpion can cancel the stance for a bar of defensive meter, giving him some mixups and safety, such as from his normally unsafe B2. Then he has a few attacks, Tsuka Poke is a safe mid jab, Hate Strike is an unsafe overhead and Hamon Sweep is an unsafe low with great range. There's also an amplify version that is basically just the low but with a shadow of the overhead animation, making it tough to block. Sin Blade is an MKX style neutral jump punch that grants Scorpion some extra combo potential and makes his neutral jump much more dangerous with increased range and reward.
Shang Tsung:A: Warlock
Slot 1: Inferno Skull
Slot 2: Ground Eruption
Slot 3: Ground Eruption
Conflicts: Crashing Flames
Notes: Inferno Skull allows Straight Skull to be amplified a second time, which shoots a mid hitting skull that causes a Krushing Blow if it is the only hit that connects. Ground Eruption is this game's take on Shang's Up Skull, and it causes two fireballs to rise up from the ground in quick succession and can be aimed close or mid range. If amplified, a third fireball will rise from the ground and will launch the opponent on hit, giving Shang the ability to hit confirm in combos or to check the opponent in a similar way to Shinnok's Hellsparks from MKX. Ground Eruption is generally unsafe as the second hit can possibly be avoided or flawless blocked for more negative frames. Note that Ground Eruption replaces Crashing Flames.
B: Soultaker (Spellmaster)
Slot 1: Screaming Skull
Slot 2: Soul Well
Slot 3: Scatter Souls
Conflicts: Corpse Drop
Notes: Crashing Flames is a base move that Shang has that is great for getting damage, zoning and staying safe at the end of string with the amplified version. This move can be punished up close by some flawless block attacks but it is generally safe at range and it's a great tool for checking the opponent safely. Screaming Soul replaces Straight Skull, offering Shang a unique projectile. It's essentially a stance that can go into a slower high projectile that does good damage and knocks down, and when amplified the move will turn into a safe, mid hitting beam that will aim along the ground until it hits full screen. He can also delay the projectile options or even cancel the stance for a bar of meter, which could offer mixup opportunities. Soul Well is similar to Kotal's Blood Totem. Shang puts out a jar of souls which can then be input again(Called Absorb Souls) to heal Shang for 40 damage. The jar will last for about 10 seconds and as you do damage to the opponent, the jar will heal Shang for 20% of the damage you deal if Shang should Absorb Souls before the jar runs out. Scatter Souls is another stance type move, where he can delay or cancel a proximity burst that is safe on block. The cancel does not cost meter but does not appear to be very useful for pressure. Most significantly, Scatter Souls can be amplified to throw a slower mid projectile that may be impossible to combo into but it has massive hit advantage and can be converted into combos midscreen or into another projectile full screen. Note that Scatter Souls replaces Corpse Drop.
C: Souleater
Slot 1: Shapeshifter's Training
Slot 2: Shapeshifter's Training
Slot 3: Shapeshifter's Training
Notes: Shapeshifter's Training grants Shang all of his Ninja morphing moves at the cost of Corpse Drop and Soul Steal. Rain's Roundhouse Kick grants combo potential, a good knockdown and some cancel pressure, with a cheeky KB where you cancel the kick and do another right afterwards. Ermac's Force Lift gives combo potential, a combo ender and a strong but unsafe neutral tool, it has a KB if the opponent blocks late, which can work in tandem with F242's natural gap. Smoke's Shake is a powerful projectile parry that turns into a normal parry when amplified, land it twice in a row for a KB. Finally, Reptile's Slide is a low slide on the slower side but still a good way to check the opponent or to use as a combo ender. The KB requires max distance spacing but can also be done in specific combos.
Sheeva:A: Smash and Grab
Slot 1: Enhanced Dragon Drop
Slot 2: Shokan Snag
Slot 3: Tremor
Notes:
B: Deadly Dragon
Slot 1: Dragon Charge
Slot 2: Spinning Dragon
Slot 3: Shield Toss
Notes:
C: Mean Queen
Slot 1: Queen's Punishment
Slot 2: Death March
Slot 3: Battle Scars
Notes:
Shao Khan:A: True Khan
Slot 1: Ridicule
Slot 2: Ground Shatter
Slot 3: Wrath Hammer
Notes: Ridicule gives Shao two taunts with very high recovery, first we have Humiliate, which increases Shao's damage by 25%. Second, there is Ridicule which is slower than the other taunt but better because it decreases the opponent's damage by 50%. When the debuff is up, his F341+3 string will do a Krushing Blow for massive damage but the taunts are very slow and only last 7 seconds. Ground Shatter is an unsafe low that can be amplified for another low that looks nothing like a low. It can actually restand for with negative hit advantage. Wrath Hammer is Shao's classic Hammer Toss, with a Krushing Blow attached if you hit two in a row at full screen, but only if the first was a kounter/punish.
B: Risen Emperor
Slot 1: Annihilation
Slot 2: Up Wrath Hammer
Slot 3: Dark Priest
Notes: Annihilation is a mid combo attack that can be used as a big damage ender and can be amplified for even more damage. Up Wrath Hammer is where Shao swings his hammer upward, hitting the opponent with a mid into the air only for the hammer to come crashing down. Shao can aim this at normal range or close in front by holding back. It's an interesting tool, with a big gap in the middle of the two hits, perhaps it is best used as a round ender where trades can't be afforded. Dark Priest is a minor damage buff of 10% but it gives Shao access to a combo Krushing Blow from Annihilation.
C: Realm Destroyer
Slot 1: Skewered
Slot 2: Spear Charge
Slot 3: Seeking Wrath Hammer
Notes: Skewered is an anti-airgrab/combo extender that will grant extra damage on combos or start ones off on anti-air. It counts towards his 121+3 KB. Spear Charge replaces his shoulder charge for a slightly slower charge type move that has more range on it, but has to be amplified before the attack comes out, as opposed to shoulder where you won't waste meter on block. This move counts towards his 121+3 KB. Seeking Wrath Hammer is some classic cheap boss shit where Shao throws the hammer backwards and hits the opponent from behind with a high hitting projectile. It's 28 frames of startup with recovery to boot, but with barely any travel time, this is a strong move.
Sindel:A: Splitting Hairs
Slot 1: Hair Kut
Slot 2: Hair Kut
Slot 3: Whip & Flip
Notes: Ridicule gives Shao two taunts with very high recovery, first we have Humiliate, which increases Shao's damage by 25%. Second, there is Ridicule which is slower than the other taunt but better because it decreases the opponent's damage by 50%. When the debuff is up, his F341+3 string will do a Krushing Blow for massive damage but the taunts are very slow and only last 7 seconds. Ground Shatter is an unsafe low that can be amplified for another low that looks nothing like a low. It can actually restand for with negative hit advantage. Wrath Hammer is Shao's classic Hammer Toss, with a Krushing Blow attached if you hit two in a row at full screen, but only if the first was a kounter/punish.
B: Loud And Klear
Slot 1: Annihilation
Slot 2: Up Wrath Hammer
Slot 3: Dark Priest
Notes: Annihilation is a mid combo attack that can be used as a big damage ender and can be amplified for even more damage. Up Wrath Hammer is where Shao swings his hammer upward, hitting the opponent with a mid into the air only for the hammer to come crashing down. Shao can aim this at normal range or close in front by holding back. It's an interesting tool, with a big gap in the middle of the two hits, perhaps it is best used as a round ender where trades can't be afforded. Dark Priest is a minor damage buff of 10% but it gives Shao access to a combo Krushing Blow from Annihilation.
C: Royal Edenian
Slot 1: Skewered
Slot 2: Spear Charge
Slot 3: Seeking Wrath Hammer
Notes: Skewered is an anti-airgrab/combo extender that will grant extra damage on combos or start ones off on anti-air. It counts towards his 121+3 KB. Spear Charge replaces his shoulder charge for a slightly slower charge type move that has more range on it, but has to be amplified before the attack comes out, as opposed to shoulder where you won't waste meter on block. This move counts towards his 121+3 KB. Seeking Wrath Hammer is some classic cheap boss shit where Shao throws the hammer backwards and hits the opponent from behind with a high hitting projectile. It's 28 frames of startup with recovery to boot, but with barely any travel time, this is a strong move.
Skarlet:
A: Heart Pierce
Slot 1: Dagger Dance
Slot 2: Bloodport
Slot 3: Blood Ritual
Notes: Dagger Dance is a parry that Skarlet can amplify for damage and health regeneration. She can also hold the parry and cancel at will, if the parry is the third parry Skarlet has done, she can amplify it for a Krushing Blow. Bloodport is a strong teleport in the same vein as Raiden's teleport. It's not super fast, but she can use it to get close, in pressure and to control her positioning by using the alternate options. A good example is using the far teleport to keep yourself from being cornered. Blood Ritual is a slow channeling move that does damage to Skarlet and slightly less damage to the opponent, which is basically worthless until the opponent has low health in which case it's extremely powerful.
B: Blood Drive
Slot 1: Blood Flow
Slot 2: Blood Flow
Slot 3: Cell Siphon
Notes: Blood Flow allows Skarlet to slow or speed up her Blood Ball at the cost of a bar of meter. Similar to Reptile's force balls, these can be used for mind games to catch the opponent jumping or otherwise not ducking. They can also be used for some pressure such as F1~Slow Blood Ball. She also gets access to Cell Siphon, a strong restand with great range which can be amplified to do some minor damage to the opponent and some self healing.
C: Hemorrhage
Slot 1: Boiling Point
Slot 2: Krimson Shield
Slot 3: Red Mist
Notes: Boiling Point is a slow combo ender that does massive damage, allowing Skarlet to convert small hit confirms into healthy damage. Krimson Shield reduces the damage Skarlet takes by 16%. Red Mist is a close range restand that leaves Skarlet +7 with midscreen pushback and gives her a DOT cloud, but it replaces her default Blood Tongue.
Sub Zero:
A: Dead of Winter
Slot 1: Deep Freeze
Slot 2: Deep Freeze
Slot 3: Cold Shoulder
Notes: Deep Freeze grants an Ice Ball amplify version which absorbs projectiles and hits mid.(Ice ball is normally a high.) This amplified version moves faster, allowing a freeze combo from Sub's F2. Cold Shoulder is a mid charge that replaces slide and gives Sub access to more damage.
B: Thin Ice
Slot 1: Frigid Storm
Slot 2: Death-Cicle Barrage
Slot 3: (Air) Polar Axe
Frigid Storm is a slow but fat mid projectile that can catch jumping opponents and is a solid zoning tool. Death-Cicle Barrage is a high projectile barrage that reaches only mid range but can be an effective keep out tool. (Air) Polar Axe is a nice downward air projectile with good frame data and damage. This move gives Sub a powerful tool in the air and a way to check the opponent at different ranges than normally allowed.
C: Avalanche
Slot 1: Arctic Trap
Slot 2: Arctic Trap
Slot 3: Creeping Ice
Notes: Arctic Trap is this game's more balanced take on the Ice Clone. Creeping Ice is a barrage of low ice attacks that leaves Sub safe on amplify and has a bit of range on it.
Sonya:
A: No Holds Barred
Slot 1: (Air) Ops Drop
Slot 2: Krushing Kounters
Slot 3: (Air) Marching Orders
Notes: (Air) Ops Drop is an air to air throw with a KB that activates when done by itself. Krushing Kounters gives Sonya two counter specials, one for grounded overheads/mids/highs and another for low attacks. (Air) Marching Orders is a new jump attack that is an auto-double.
B: Ring Master
Slot 1: Energy Ring Charge
Slot 2: (Air) Energy Rings
Slot 3: K.A.T. Turret Drop
Notes: Energy Ring Charge allows Sonya to to delay the amplified portion of her Energy Ring where she can cancel it or try to trick the opponent into eating a possible Krushing Blow. (Air) Energy Rings is a straight air projectile that has an amplify that can lead to a KB in combos, you can also amplify the move to shoot the second shot in a downward angle. K.A.T. Turret Drop is this turret dropping from the sky and causing a mid explosion at different ranges, but not quite full screen. Turret Drop could be used as a zoning tool or for possible oki situations.
C: Ten-Hut
Slot 1: Summon K.A.T. Turret
Slot 2: Summon K.A.T. Turret
Slot 3: Turret Trauma
Notes: Summon K.A.T. Turret gives Sonya the ability to summon her turret that we see in her Fatal Blow and Fatality. Once out, the turret will stay in play for around ten seconds and it has five total moves when Turret Trauma is also equipped. Once a move is input on Sonya wrist communicator, the turret will do the move even if Sonya gets hit. First up, K.A.T Tantrum is where the turret jumps at the opponent for an overhead with good damage, and then disappears. Then the turret has two bullet moves, with a low shot and a high shot. The turret also has Mortar Strike which tracks the opponent with an explosive shot. Finally, the turret can be set to self-destruct after a few seconds with a big 100 damage mid explosion.
Spawn:A: TBA
Slot 1:
Slot 2:
Slot 3:
Notes:
B: TBA
Slot 1:
Slot 2:
Slot 3:
Notes:
C: TBA
Slot 1:
Slot 2:
Slot 3:
Notes: Summon K.A.T. Turret gives Sonya the ability to summon her turret that we see in her Fatal Blow and Fatality. Once out, the turret will stay in play for around ten seconds and it has five total moves when Turret Trauma is also equipped. Once a move is input on Sonya wrist communicator, the turret will do the move even if Sonya gets hit. First up, K.A.T Tantrum is where the turret jumps at the opponent for an overhead with good damage, and then disappears. Then the turret has two bullet moves, with a low shot and a high shot. The turret also has Mortar Strike which tracks the opponent with an explosive shot. Finally, the turret can be set to self-destruct after a few seconds with a big 100 damage mid explosion.
Terminator:A: Destroyer
Slot 1: (Air) Ops Drop
Slot 2: Krushing Kounters
Slot 3: (Air) Marching Orders
Notes:
B: Dark Fate
Slot 1: Energy Ring Charge
Slot 2: (Air) Energy Rings
Slot 3: K.A.T. Turret Drop
Notes:
C: Final Judgement
Slot 1: Incapacitator
Slot 2: Summon K.A.T. Turret
Slot 3: Turret Trauma
Notes: Working on it!
This is updated as of the Third Variation patch on September 30th, 2019.
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