Mortal Kombat X Guide: How to Play Shinnok

Necromancer

Shinnok’s Necromancer variation lets evil show in the form of summoned skeletal hands. Necromancer is perfect for when players are dealing with opponents who like to move around a lot. The moves vary between a summoned hand that holds an enemy in place, to a huge flick delivered by a hand the size of your average Mortal Kombat X fighter. Shinnok also retains his core abilities, although he does lack any serious ranged abilities, so hold your enemy in place and walk on over.

Charging Shoulder: Back, Forward, X

Hell Sparks: Down, Back, Triangle

Amulet Strike: Back, Forward, Square

Summoned Fiend: Down, Forward, Circle

Judgement Fist: Down, Back, Square

Devil’s Flick: Back, Forward, Triangle

 

Imposter

Shinnok’s Imposter variation is for those who think Shinnok’s own move-set just isn’t extensive enough. While most of Shinnok’s core abilities are retained, he loses the ability to summon hands in exchange for an air teleport and the ability to steal one of your opponent’s special attacks. Nothing is more embarrassing than getting decimated by your own abilities.

Charging Shoulder: Back, Forward, X

Hell Sparks: Down, Back, Triangle

Amulet Strike: Back, Forward, Square

Mimicry: Down, Back, Square

Air Tricky Portal: (Air), Down, Up

 

Bone Shaper

Bone Shaper is the most balanced variation available to Shinnok. Instead of summoning huge skeletal hands, Shinnok is able to summon a bone scepter that he can use for brutal melee strikes that have a surprisingly good reach. He also gains a legitimate ranged blast that can actually reach the end of the screen, which is a serious upgrade from his other two variations. Bone Shaper does lose a bit of power though, the attacks are more varied, and have greater range, but they don’t dish out the most damage. Still, this variation is perfect for those looking for a solid, all-around fighter.

Charging Shoulder: Back, Forward, X

Hell Sparks: Down, Back, Triangle

Scepter Slam: Down, Forward, Triangle

Scepter Strike: Down, Back, Square

Dark Beam: Back, Forward, Square

 

X-Ray and Finishers

Fatalities:

1. (Mid-range) Down, Back, Forward, Down, Up
2. (Mid-range) Down, Up, Down, Up, R2

Brutalities:

1. Back, Forward + Square

X-Ray (L2+R2 with full meter)

Shinnok has one of the most impressive looking X-Ray attacks in the game. It’s also surprisingly easy to pull off. Unlike most characters, Shinnok’s X-Ray attack comes from below the opponent with no real indication from Shinnok himself. It can be used from pretty much any distance, and is difficult to dodge or block, since there is no way of knowing it’s happening. Just let it rip, sit back, and enjoy the show.