🎮 1. Getting Started – Best Characters for Beginners
If you’re new to the game, start with fighters that offer simple moves, good combo routes, and straightforward strategies:

🔰 Easy-to-Use Fighters:
Scorpion – Strong fundamentals, teleport pressure, and iconic spear moves make him easy to learn but tough to master.

Sub-Zero – Zone control with freezing tools, ideal for teaching spacing and punish timing.

Baraka – Close-range brute with simple yet damaging strings; great for rushdown learners.

Liu Kang – Balanced fighter with fast projectiles and easy-to-follow combos.

Johnny Cage – Flashy, fast, and fun. Great neutral tools and some of the easiest confirms in the game.

💡 Tip: Try the in-game tutorials — they do a great job breaking down basic mechanics and character-specific strategies.

🧠 2. Top Tier Fighters – Who’s Strong Right Now?
Competitive tiers shift over time, but as of mid-2025, these characters are considered top picks in tournaments and ranked play:

🥇 S-Tier (Top Tier)
Kenshi – Dominates at mid-to-long range with his spectral sword and stance control.

Raiden – Versatile mix-up potential, excellent corner pressure, and solid combo starters.

Johnny Cage – Excellent pressure and cancel mechanics make him a threat at any level.

Shang Tsung – A shapeshifter with a loaded toolkit; excels at zoning and confusing opponents.

Geras – Time-manipulating tank with armor and unblockables that force mistakes.

Sub-Zero – Balanced between zoning and offense; excels in freeze-and-punish play.

🥈 A-Tier (Still Strong, More Matchup Dependent)
Liu Kang – Simple but dangerous when mastered. Good fireballs and pressure strings.

Kitana – Midrange footsie specialist with air control and zoning options.

Smoke – Fast, agile, and focused on pressure with mobility tools.

Reptile – Strong rushdown with invisibility tricks and surprising movement.

Scorpion – Still a consistent threat; reliable tools for any matchup.

🧪 3. Playstyles & Fighter Types
Match your preferred playstyle to the character that supports it best:

Playstyle Recommended Characters
Zoning / Keepaway Shang Tsung, Kitana, Sub-Zero
Rushdown / Mix-Up Johnny Cage, Scorpion, Smoke, Reptile
Grappler / Heavy Hitter Baraka, Geras
Balanced / Versatile Liu Kang, Raiden, Kenshi
Tricky / Gimmick Play Reptile, Shang Tsung, Kenshi

⚙️ 4. How to Improve – Training Plan for New & Intermediate Players
Follow these steps to build a strong foundation and improve quickly:

🔧 Training Checklist:
Pick One Main Fighter – Learn their normal attacks, special moves, and basic strings.

Learn 3 Combos:

A safe, quick punish combo

A launcher or juggle combo

A corner combo for max damage

Experiment with Kameo Assists – Use them to extend combos, cover gaps, or apply pressure.

Practice Defense – Learn to block high/low mix-ups, and use flawless block when possible.

Watch Your Matches – Use replays to find where you drop combos or get countered.

🧠 Tip: Don't just memorize combos — understand why they work in neutral or after certain hits.

💥 5. What Are Kameo Fighters?
Kameo Fighters are assist characters you call in during fights. They:

Extend combos

Create pressure or defensive options

Counter weaknesses in your main’s toolkit

Example Synergies:
Sub-Zero + Sareena = Zoning plus aggressive pressure

Johnny Cage + Cyrax = Great corner carry and extended combos

Kenshi + Scorpion (Kameo) = Ghost stance combos + teleport mix-ups

Try different Kameos in Practice Mode to find what suits your playstyle.

🏆 6. Summary Table – Top Picks by Role
Category Recommended Characters
Easiest to Learn Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Baraka, Liu Kang
Most Competitive Kenshi, Johnny Cage, Geras, Raiden
Most Fun to Play Smoke, Reptile, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage
Strongest Zoners Sub-Zero, Shang Tsung, Kitana
Top Rushdown Options Cage, Reptile, Smoke, Baraka

✔ Final Advice
Start with a character that feels right to you — don't worry too much about tiers.

Focus on consistency, not flashy combos.

Learn to use Kameos early — they’re essential for optimal play.

Keep matches short and focused while you're learning — 20–30 minutes a day adds up.