As you try out the characters inMortal Kombat 1, you’ll come across some of the classics, including Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, and Raiden. Many players love Raiden, since he offers a fun move set that incorporates lightning and has some interesting attacks that stand out from the cast.

As you play this lightning-wielding fighter, you may question how you may use his moves effectively. After all, he has some solid combos and ways to deal with different situations, so it’s important for you to learn his move set, see which Kameos go along with him, and win some matches while you learn him.

Raiden clashing against Kung Lao and preparing to fight in Mortal Kombat 1.

Raiden Overview

Raiden has moves thathelp him chase down the enemy and deal damage. He’s a rushdown character, but he also has a few tricks to help him deal with various situations.

For instance,Electric Orb and the Enhanced Electromagnetic Stormallow him to pressure enemies that play too defensively. You’ll also be able totake advantage of his fast normals and solid specials that cover far distances. Raiden also has Shocker as a ground bounce and combo extender.

Raiden fully charging and using his Electric Orb against Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat 1.

With these points in mind,Raiden performs best when he pressures the enemy and prevents them from getting any breathing room.

You may struggle against ranged characters that know how to keep you at bay, alongsidemid-ranged characters that can outrange you with their normals, like Scorpion or Ashrah.

Raiden using his lightning powers before battle while Sonya backs him up in Mortal Kombat 1.

Despite those points, if you can close the distance, you have attacks that’ll come out faster, allowing you to gain the advantage. It comes down toknowing when to block their moves and punish themif they perform something with lag.

Raiden Special Moves

All of Raiden’s powers arebased on lightning with some unique properties, especially with the Enhanced versions. Take a moment to go through the moves, see what they offer, and plan your strategy around them.

Electric Orb

Down, Forward, 1

You shoot an electric bolt forward andcan charge it to send more of them. If you Enhance it, you’ll charge all of them faster.

Razzle Dazzle

Down, Back, 2

You stun the enemy, hitting in front of you.The Enhanced version also deals damage.

Shocker

Down, Forward, 2

Hits grounded and jumping opponents. You deal damage to them, with the Enhanced version causing a ground bounce that you’re able to combo into.

You can alsohold down 2 to extend the move if it doesn’t hit at first.

Sub-Zero using his Ice Armor to protect Raiden from projectiles in Mortal Kombat 1.

Electric Fly

Back, Forward, 3

You dash forward, head first, and hit the enemy. Enhancing itdeals more damage and gives you armor.

Air Electric Fly

You dash forward and angle down to hit enemies across the screen. Enhancing it gives you armor while applying more damage.

Electromagnetic Storm

Down, Back, 3

You activate a storm around you that deals damage while hitting mid. If you enhance it, the move hits low and activates faster. You canpress 3 again during the Enhanced version to send it forward.

Lightning Port

Down, Up

You teleport behind the enemy. The Enhanced version deals damage and launches the enemy, allowing you to follow up with a combo. However,it costs two Super Meter.

This game is on multiple platforms, so instead of mentioning the button combinations, you cancheck this notation glossary to see what each one means. That way, you’re able to apply them to your controls while also thinking about the direction based on if you’re on the left or right side of the screen.

Raiden using his first Fatality on Johnny Cage, electrocuting both halves of his body in Mortal Kombat 1.

Forward: Toward the enemy

Back: Away from the enemy

Raiden Tips

If you want a simple string that’ll be easy to combo into,you should try 2, 4, 2. Sometimes, you may need to perform the first two hits based on your position, but you should practice different combos with it.

For example, you can try 2, 4, 2, Enhanced Shocker, 2, 4, Shocker, and it’ll deal around 30 percent damage. As for your other moves, they’re great answers to different situations. For example, if the enemy is staying back and blocking, you can get in with your Electric Fly.

If the enemy is using projectiles with long end lag, you cango with Lightning Port or Air Electric Fly to close the distanceand punish them. Razzle Dazzle is also a great way to stop enemies from jumping in or dealing with a laggy move.

If you canstay in their face and mix them up with moves, you’re able to take anyone down. For instance, you can do a quick combo into low moves to keep them guessing, such as Enhanced Electromagnetic Storm.

However, you shouldn’t go over the top or become predictable. If you use the same strings and specials repeatedly, they could punish you. Evenranged characters have decent combos, so don’t be fooled by themand do your best to stick to their faces.

If an enemy starts to stay away from you while low on health,don’t be afraid to poke them out with your ranged attacks. Sometimes, chipping away their health might be the best option, so you should use that move when possible.

Raiden Kameo Tips

Since Raiden already has a built-in teleport, you won’t need to bother with Kameos that have them since they won’t add to your kit. If you wantan excellent option for Raiden’s play style, you should go with Sub-Zero. Other solid options areDarriusandSonya.

With Sub-Zero,your Forward Kameo is an excellent combo extender you can easily useduring your strings. It’ll freeze the opponent in place, giving you plenty of time to extend the combo and even use your Enhanced Shocker for more damage.

Sub-Zero alsoprovides you with armor that protects you against projectiles. Such a Kameo synergizes well with your kit, so pick Sub-Zero if you want someone who’ll help you maximize your damage while dealing with zoners and to mix up your attacks as needed.

Darrius has plenty of moves to help you with multiple situations.He also performs well up close and can provide you with multiple combo extenders, making him an amazing pick for anyone looking to get creative with their attacks. If you want to apply more pressure and get some strong combos, go with Darrius.

As for Sonya, she’s another solidpick for combo extensions along with some projectiles. For instance, her Forward Kameo gives you another projectile to apply pressure when an opponent keeps their distance. You can have her shoot it and teleport in or use another move to close the distance.

Sonya’s Neutral Kameo is another great pick if you launch opponents into the air, allowing you to perform your air combos and dealing more damage.Go with Sonya if you want to keep your opponents on their toeswhile also having solid up-close attacks to deal with different situations.

It also doesn’t hurt topick Kameos with some good ranged attacks if you have trouble dealing with mid-ranged opponents. you may try Sareena, Kano, and Stryker, so give them a try if you find the others don’t work for your playstyle.

Raiden Fatalities

As with every other character in the game,Raiden starts with a Fatality and unlocks a second one when you reach Mastery Rank 14with him. If you want to practice the inputs and distance required for each one, go to Learn and select Fatalities.