In Mortal Kombat XL, X-Ray moves are some of the most powerful attacks available, capable of turning the tide of a match. These special moves deal significant damage and often involve cinematic sequences where the character performs a brutal, impactful attack. To maximize their effectiveness, it’s essential to understand how they work, when to use them, and how to execute them properly.
How to Use X-Ray Moves Effectively
- Fill your Power Meter: Keep striking your opponent to build up energy. You can also defend or take damage to speed up the process, but attacking is generally safer.
- Look for the right opportunity: Wait until your opponent is vulnerable, such as after a missed attack or during a combo starter. Timing is crucial for landing X-Ray moves.
- Execute the move: Use the specific button combination for your character’s X-Ray. Typically, this involves pressing two or more shoulder buttons simultaneously, often L2 and R2 on PS4 controllers. Consult your move list for exact inputs, as they may vary between characters.
- Follow up: After performing the X-Ray, assess your opponent’s health and position. You may be able to follow up with additional attacks or finish the round.
Remember, X-Ray moves are a resource. Using them at the wrong moment can waste an opportunity or leave you vulnerable. Practice timing in training mode to develop a sense of when and how to use your character’s X-Ray move effectively.
Tips for Mastering X-Ray Moves
- Observe your opponent’s patterns to identify optimal moments for attack.
- Save your X-Ray for critical moments to maximize damage or secure victory.
- Be patient; it may take time to fill your energy gauge during the heat of battle.
- Practice executing the move smoothly in training mode for confident deployment during matches.
By understanding when and how to utilize X-Ray moves wisely, you add a powerful tool to your Mortal Kombat XL arsenal. They can break defenses and turn challenging situations into wins. Mastery requires practice, but the payoff is well worth the effort.
How to Activate X-Ray Attacks on PS4
The X-Ray attack in Mortal Kombat XL on PS4 is a devastating move that shows detailed internal injuries inflicted on your opponent. Activating these attacks demands understanding the necessary button combinations and timing. With some practice, you’ll be triggering X-Ray attacks smoothly and enjoying their spectacular effects.
- Ensure your character is close enough: Standing too far prevents the attack from activating. Usually, being within arm’s length or close proximity is best.
- Build up your energy: X-Ray attacks typically require at least one full bar of your power meter. Fill it by performing basic attacks, blocking, or combos during combat.
- Identify the correct button combination: Most characters use pressing L2 and R2 together on PS4 controllers. Check your character’s move list for specific commands, as some may vary.
- Time your button press carefully: Wait until you’re close and your meter is nearly full. Then quickly press L2 and R2. Your character should perform the X-Ray immediately.
- Notice visual and sound cues: A slow-motion internal injury sequence with distinctive sounds indicates successful activation.
Good timing and positioning are essential. If the move doesn’t trigger, try approaching closer or wait until your meter is full. Practice during casual or training matches to improve reaction and execution skills.
Pro Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with input timings in training mode for your character.
- Some characters have alternative commands for X-Ray; check the move list in the pause menu.
- Watch your opponent’s motions; timing the attack after their missed or vulnerable moves increases success.
Mastering X-Ray attacks not only enhances your gameplay but also adds excitement. Keep practicing, and you’ll be landing devastating internal damage moves reliably on PS4.
Timing Tips for Effective X-Ray Use
Effective use of X-Ray attacks hinges on precise timing to connect when your opponent is most vulnerable. Proper timing maximizes damage and keeps you in control of the fight. Here are key tips to help you time your X-Ray moves with confidence.
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Observe your opponent’s patterns:
Pay attention to their movement and reactions. Look for openings during recovery from attacks or when they’re distracted. Such moments are ideal for deploying X-Ray attacks since they’re less likely to be blocked or evaded.
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Use in combos:
Timing your X-Ray after a combo can surprise your opponent. For example, finishing a series of normal moves and catching them during recovery increases your chances of landing the move for maximum damage.
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React to visual cues:
Many games provide visual cues before attacks connect, like animation signals or special effects. Launch your X-Ray at these moments for a higher likelihood of success.
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Manage your meter:
Build your meter early but avoid wasting it. Balance offense and defense to keep your X-Ray ready for critical moments.
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Capitalize on mistakes:
If your opponent drops their guard or whiffs an attack, it’s an excellent opportunity to use your X-Ray. Timing it during these mistakes can greatly turn the game in your favor.
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Practice regularly:
Consistent training helps you recognize the best moments to deploy X-Ray attacks. Experiment with different scenarios and opponents to develop better judgment and prediction skills.
Remember, precision timing takes training. Stay patient, watch for cues, and adjust to combat flow. With persistent practice, your X-Ray moves will land more often, dealing higher damage and gaining the upper hand.
Best Characters for X-Ray Moves
Choosing the right character can significantly enhance your ability to land and benefit from X-Ray moves. Some fighters have more accessible or powerful X-Ray attacks, making them ideal for players seeking quick, effective damage options. Here are some top contenders:
- Scorpion: Known for his quick, fierce X-Ray, which is easier to trigger once you master his input timing. It deals high damage and opens opportunities for combos.
- Sub-Zero: His X-Ray is powerful, straightforward, and versatile, making it reliable for finishing rounds or punishing opponent mistakes. Its range allows for effective distant assaults.
- Raiden: Notable for simplicity and speed. His X-Ray is easy to execute, suitable as a surprise or combo finisher when your energy is built up.
- Sonya Blade: Offers a versatile and relatively easy trigger X-Ray. Its quick deployment makes it popular among beginners and pros alike.
- Hanzo Hasashi (Scorpion’s alternate): Similar to Scorpion’s, his X-Ray is effective and intuitive, with high damage potential for reliable finishes.
Practicing input timing, understanding character-specific commands, and identifying the best moments to trigger these moves can give you a strategic advantage. Experiment in training mode to see which characters and moves suit your playstyle best. Focus on launching the X-Ray when opponents are vulnerable—after missed combos, whiffs, or in recovery—to maximize damage and set up winning opportunities.
Practice Techniques to Master X-Ray
- Start with Basic Drills: Practice X-Ray attacks in controlled environments with a dummy or AI. Focus on executing them smoothly after a series of normal moves, developing a rhythm for timing.
- Repetitive Scenarios: Create specific situations, like attacking a blocking opponent or after a combo, and practice using the X-Ray repeatedly to build muscle memory.
- Refine Timing and Spacing: Use training mode to slow the game down. Experiment with the distance to the opponent and trigger the X-Ray during their attack or recovery phases for surprise effects.
- Integrate Into Combos: Incorporate X-Ray into normal combo sequences. Start simple, like two hits then X-Ray, then gradually increase complexity to make it an unpredictable element in your gameplay.
- Practice Against Different Opponents: Different AI difficulties and real players present diverse patterns. Practicing against various styles helps you adapt your timing and recognize openings more efficiently.
- Analyze and Record: Record your matches or training sessions. Review footage to identify successful trigger points, common mistakes, and areas for improvement. Adjust your practice accordingly.
Patience and consistent effort are the keys to mastery. Focusing on precise timing, positioning, and adapting to your opponent’s patterns will enhance your ability to land X-Ray attacks effectively during real fights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with X-Ray
- Misjudging timing: Triggering the X-Ray too early or too late reduces the chance of success. Practice in training mode to get a feel for optimal timing based on cues like opponent’s attack wind-up or recovery.
- Overusing X-Ray moves: Spamming X-Ray attacks can be predictable and easily countered. Use them sparingly, such as after a missed attack or within combos, to keep your opponent guessing.
- Executing in unsafe situations: Trying to activate X-Ray when cornered, low on health, or surrounded can lead to risky counterattacks. Always assess your surroundings first.
- Failing to block or buffer inputs correctly: Proper input timing is essential. Practice your button presses to ensure smooth execution, especially under pressure.
- Underestimating opponent defense: Experienced opponents may anticipate your X-Ray. Mix up your tactics with regular attacks and fakes to prevent predictable patterns.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your X-Ray moves more effective and reliable, giving you a tactical edge in combat.
Quick Tricks to Maximize X-Ray Damage
- Stack Status Effects: Apply debuffs such as poison, burn, or freeze before executing the X-Ray. These effects can boost damage, especially if your character’s move deals extra damage under these conditions.
- Optimal Timing: Wait until your opponent’s health is low or they are defenseless. Timing your X-Ray after a successful combo or during their recovery maximizes damage.
- Use Power Buffs: Activate attack-enhancing buffs or skills before the X-Ray. For example, if your character has moves that temporarily increase attack power, triggering these right before the X-Ray amplifies damage.
- Target Weak Points: Exploit enemy weaknesses or vulnerabilities when possible. Certain hits may deal more damage to specific opponents or in particular states.
- Utilize Environmental Factors: Position yourself in areas where environmental effects can boost damage, such as locations where enemies are stunned or where hazard effects (fire, electricity) are active.
- Practice and Experiment: Spend time in training mode testing different setups, observing how timing and environmental factors influence damage output. Replays of successful attacks can help refine your strategy.
Applying these tricks—stacking effects, timing correctly, leveraging buffs and weaknesses, and environmental awareness—will boost your X-Ray damage potential. Continuous practice will make these strategies second nature, giving you the power to deal devastating blows at critical moments.