Sub-Zero's Fatal Blow: Chill Out.
A Fatal Blow is special move introduced in Mortal Kombat 11, replacing X-Rays featured in Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X. A modified version of Fatal Blows returns in Mortal Kombat 1.
Overview
Similar to X-Rays, Fatal Blows are powerful moves that cause a large amount of damage, comparable to "Super Moves" found in various other fighting games. These moves consist of a short sequence of attacks that zoom in on specific strikes that deal the most damage in the sequence.
Unlike X-Ray attacks, however, the attack can only be performed once the player is reduced to 30% or less health and only performed once after successfully striking the opponent. If the attack misses or is blocked, the attack goes on a cooldown in which the player must wait for it to become ready again.
With certain settings, which are typically defaulted with the game called Fatal Blow Damage Boost, pressing certain buttons can increase or decrease the damage of the character's Fatal Blow, depending on which player correctly pressed at the particular moment.
Mortal Kombat 11
The startup and cinematic performed when using the attack is similar to X-Rays in that the startup is armored and deals about a third of the opponent's health. Breaking armor when using the attack amplifies the damage dealt, similar to Krushing Blows with armor breaking properties. Fatal Blows also receive a significant punishment when Flawless Blocked by an opponent, in which they become even more negative on block and no longer cause pushback when blocked.
Mortal Kombat 1
Instead of activating like a normal special attack, the character performing the Fatal Blow will now have a miniature cinematic before initiating the attack, similar to Super Moves in other fighting games. Additionally, instead of attacks during the Fatal Blow causing blood to splatter when striking the opponent, X-Ray effects are now applied to the opponent identical to the former X-Ray attacks. Also, Kameo Fighters selected to the fighter will also participate in the Fatal Blow, performing their own version before the selected character performs their part. Fatal Blows are disabled in game modes in which the player or their opponent lack a Kameo Fighter. The Kameo Fighters Motaro and Sektor have unique alternate start-ups to Fatal Blows, which will assist their ally who may have a Fatal Blow start-up that is difficult to connect in a combo. With Motaro, he will push his ally out of the way and punch the opponent, while Sektor will fire a large and fast moving rocket from his chest.
Every Fatal Blow deals a set damage of 35% damage, unlike in previous games where X-Rays and the original version of Fatal Blows dealt varying damage dependent on the selected fighter. With the Fatal Blow Damage Boost setting enabled, this damage can be increased to nearly 40% damage or reduced to under 30% damage. Some characters, however have unique Fatal Blows that naturally deal more or less damage, which include the following;
- Baraka - Deals 32% damage, but applies a 3% damage-over-time after the attack is completed, which also increases chip damage received by three times the normal amount, similar to his other Special Attacks.
- Takeda - Deals 33% damage, however this only occurs if he immediately throws all five shuriken rather than separately. When throwing them individually, he can deal a minimum of 33.75% or a maximum of 35.15% when throwing all his shuriken separately.
Some characters have Fatal Blows that strike the opponent two times before the cinematic begins, which can also alter the damage these attacks deal. Typically, if the first hit is blocked or misses but the second connects on the opponent, the Fatal Blow will deal 32% damage. Guest character Homelander is the exception of this rule, as he strikes the opponent three times, which can reduced his Fatal Blow's damage to 31%.
Typically if a Kameo Fighter is struck with an attack, their ally takes 2% damage, however when struck by a Fatal Blow start-up, they take 12% instead in addition to the 35% on top, applying 47% damage to the opponent.