- Kenshi combines spatial control, telekinesis, and sword combos to master different distances.
- His A, B, and C styles provide special moves focused on zoning, demonic pressure, and sword chains.
- Blade Reflect, the X-Ray Way of the Blade and its basic chains are key to maximizing damage.
- Used Up, My Puppet and Tele-Copter allow you to finish fights with spectacular brutalities and fatalities.
If you enjoy playing with mystical swordsmen and controlling the battlefield with telekinesis, Kenshi in Mortal Kombat X is one of the most complete and fun characters you can choose. Mastering him requires some patience, but once you understand his styles, special moves, and finishers, he becomes a real threat in any match, whether casual or competitive.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all of Kenshi's key techniques in Mortal Kombat X: basic moves, special moves, X-Ray attacks, brutalities, and fatalities , along with practical tips to help you get the most out of him. Everything is explained in clear and accessible language, designed so you can quickly refer to the commands while playing.
Button equivalence on PS4 and Xbox One
Before going into detail about each style, it's important to understand the button equivalencies between PlayStation 4 and Xbox One controllers , as many commands use PlayStation symbols. This way, you can follow the guide regardless of which console you're playing on without getting lost.
On PlayStation 4, the main attack buttons are square, triangle, X, and circle . On Xbox One, the usual equivalents are:
- Square (PS4) = X (Xbox One)
- Triangle (PS4) = Y (Xbox One)
- X (PS4) = A (Xbox One)
- Circle (PS4) = B (Xbox One)
When the guide mentions actions like crouch, forward, or backward , it refers to the direction relative to the character: "forward" is toward your opponent, and "backward" is in the opposite direction. Crouching involves holding down the down direction, usually combined with the block button if you want to take cover at a low height.
Kenshi's general movements
Kenshi has a good variety of basic chain attacks that serve as a foundation for initiating combos, punishing opponents' mistakes, and maintaining pressure . Below are the most notable combinations that apply to his sword-focused styles.
One of the most useful combos is Inner Strength, which is executed with square > square > square . It's a quick three-hit combo that works great for confirming hits and then chaining into special attacks, ideal for wearing down the enemy without taking too many risks.
Another very practical move is Sword Kiss, which is performed with square > square . It's a shorter version of the previous one, perfect when you want to strike quickly and leave some space to react, cancel, or finish with a special move if the last hit connects.
To punish mistakes at mid-range, Kenshi has the Head Splitter, which is performed with forward + triangle . It is a powerful forward strike, useful as a whiff punish (striking when the opponent misses an attack) and for surprising opponents who move too much.
If you need to start a combo from the bottom, you have Rising Sword at your disposal, which is executed by crouching and then pressing back + square . This move launches the opponent upwards, giving you the opportunity to follow up with other attacks or special moves if you react quickly.
To maintain pressure at close range, Kenshi has Quick Slice, which is performed by pressing X > Square . It's a short chain of two quick strikes that works well against weak blocks and can be combined with other attacks to keep the opponent on the defensive.
If you want to start a chain that connects with high attacks, you can use Upward Slice by pressing X > Triangle . This short string allows you to vary the rhythm of your attacks and is useful for mixing things up when your opponent gets used to your basic combos.
As for longer combos, Kenshi has the Downward Kut, which is performed with X > triangle > triangle . This string mixes changes in height and rhythm, making it especially annoying to block if you chain it after other attacks that force the opponent to guess.
To connect with forward attacks, you can use Spinning Slash, which requires pressing X > Square > Square . This combo combines speed and range and helps you stay close to your opponent, especially if you corner them.
Special moves by style
Kenshi has several "styles" or variations, which modify some of his special attacks. The original content refers to three groups of moves: Style A, Style B, and Style C. Each one emphasizes a different approach: spatial control, direct pressure, or sword combos.
Style A Movements
In what's known as Style A, Kenshi focuses on telekinetic strikes that control distance and dictate the pace of combat . These attacks are very useful for keeping at bay opponents who try to close the distance without thinking.
One of the key special moves is Rising Karma, which is executed by crouching and then pressing back + square . This attack usually lifts the enemy, giving you room to continue the combo or simply buy yourself time to reposition yourself on screen.
To push your opponent away, you have Spirit Push, which is performed with back > forward + triangle . It's a kind of telekinetic push that works great as punishment when your opponent launches unsafe attacks at mid-range.
If you want to pressure with a flurry of ranged attacks, use Tele-Flurry by pressing Back > Forward + X. This move unleashes a series of rapid energy blasts, ideal for harassing and forcing the enemy to take cover if they try to close the distance unprotected.
Finally, within this set we find Telekinetic Slice, which is performed by crouching and pressing back + circle . It's a telekinetic slash that appears from a distance and can be very annoying for opponents who overuse jumps or predictable movements.
Style B Movements
In Style B, Kenshi adopts a more demonic approach, relying on attacks associated with dark entities or forces that amplify his offensive capabilities . These moves are perfect when you want to become more aggressive and relentlessly pressure your opponent.
The foundation of this style is the Demon Assault, which is performed with back > forward + X. It's a direct attack that launches an entity or projection towards the enemy, creating openings to continue with more pressure if the opponent doesn't defend properly.
To attack from low positions, you can execute Demon Beam by crouching and then pressing back + triangle . This is a low-flying beam that punishes characters who try to close the distance by using high attacks or who don't pay attention to their lower defense.
Another key tool in this style is Demonic Strike, which is activated by crouching and pressing forward + circle . It's an offensive-oriented demonic strike that can be used to break through defenses or initiate offensive sequences upon impact.
If you're looking to launch your opponent into the air from a low position, you'll want to try Demon Slam, which is performed by crouching and pressing back + circle . This attack usually causes a powerful lift or takedown, leaving you in a good position to continue attacking.
To cut off enemy advances at mid-range, you have Sickle Lift, which is performed by crouching and pressing back + square . Imagine a scythe or spectral weapon appearing from the ground to lift the enemy: it's perfect for punishing reckless approaches.
In terms of zoning, Style B gains significant strength thanks to Soul Push, which is executed with back > forward + triangle . This spiritual push functions similarly to other projectiles or space-control attacks, and it synergizes well with the rest of the demonic moves to keep the opponent on edge.
To maintain close-quarters pressure and surprise the enemy with spinning attacks, you have Spinning Hell, performed with forward + circle . It's an attack that moves forward and covers a wide arc, punishing both opponents who retreat and those who try to button-mash mindlessly.
Style C movements and sword attacks
The so-called Style C clearly focuses on Kenshi's sword and chained combos that utilize his weapon . Here, the basic strings mentioned earlier are combined with specific special moves that either close or extend chains.
One of the most important tools in this approach is Tele-Toss, which is performed by entering back > forward + X. With this move, Kenshi uses his powers to launch the opponent away, which can be used to finish combos or to reposition the fight away from the corner.
You also have Spinning Blade, which is performed by crouching and then pressing forward + square . The character executes a low sword spin, useful for surprising opponents who are standing and blocking or who don't respect your attack options from below.
To make better use of telekinetic grabs, you can use Tele-Slam by crouching and pressing back + circle . With this move, Kenshi lifts and strikes the enemy from a distance, which is ideal for finishing sequences or punishing those who overuse projectiles.
In addition to these special moves, this style better integrates the aforementioned strings such as Sword Kiss (square > square), Spinning Slash (X > square > square) or Downward Kut (X > triangle > triangle) , which are the basis of many of its most damaging combos.
Shared special moves and X-Ray
Beyond the unique advantages of each style, Kenshi possesses several special moves that are generally very useful, regardless of the variation you choose . Mastering these attacks makes a significant difference in the character's overall performance.
One of the most important is Blade Reflect, which is executed by crouching and pressing back + triangle . With this technique, Kenshi is able to reflect or nullify enemy projectiles using his sword and telekinetic powers, something essential against characters who base their gameplay on ranged attacks.
As for super attacks, Kenshi has a very flashy X-Ray called Way of the Blade, which is activated by pressing L2 + R2 (on Xbox One, the equivalent trigger combination). This super move consumes the entire energy bar, but in return, it inflicts extremely high damage and can completely change the course of a round if you land it at the right moment.
It's best to reserve Way of the Blade to punish serious enemy mistakes , such as very risky attacks while guarding or predictable jump attempts. This way you maximize the damage and don't waste the bar in unclear situations.
Kenshi Finishers: Fatalities and Brutalities
As expected in a Mortal Kombat game, Kenshi has spectacular finishers that leave a lasting impression at the end of each fight . His repertoire includes brutalities that deliver a devastating final blow, and classic fatalities that require a specific button sequence.
Brutality: Used Up
The documented brutality for Kenshi is called Used Up and is executed with L1/Square + X as the grab command. The interesting thing about this brutal finish is that it works with any Kenshi style, as long as you meet the game's requirements.
To activate Used Up, you must first win the first round using any Throw (grab) attack . This means you need to finish that round with a valid grab, either the basic one or another from the same category.
Furthermore, in the final round, the last hit that completely defeats your opponent must also belong to the same category of holds . If you meet these two conditions, the game will transform that final hold into the Used Up brutality, displaying a much more brutal animation than usual.
Kenshi Fatalities
Kenshi has at least two main fatalities: My Puppet and Tele-Copter . Both require a certain distance from the opponent and a specific sequence of directions, so it's a good idea to practice them in training mode until you've mastered them.
The first documented fatality is My Puppet, which must be executed remotely . The command sequence to perform it is as follows:
My Puppet (long distance): forward > crouch > back > jump
In practical terms, this means you must press the direction towards your opponent, then down to crouch, then back, and finally the jump button. It's important to maintain the correct distance from your opponent when they are already staggering so that the game correctly recognizes the command as a fatality.
The second fatality is called Tele-Copter, and it is also executed from a long distance . In this case, the sequence to be entered is:
Tele-Copter (long distance): back > forward > back > back
That is, you first press back, then forward, and finish with two more presses back. Again, the key is to position yourself in the long-distance zone indicated by the game and do it within the time limit that appears after the classic "Finish Him/Her" message.
Practical tips for playing with Kenshi
Beyond memorizing command lists, truly mastering Kenshi requires understanding how to fit his moves into a solid strategy . His style combines zoning, space control, and sword combos, allowing you to adapt well to different types of opponents.
First, take advantage of attacks like Spirit Push, Soul Push, and Demon Assault to punish attempts to close the distance . These moves, when well-spaced, force the enemy to think twice before rushing towards you, allowing you to control the pace of the fight.
When you land a clear hit or create an opening in your opponent's defense, try linking combos like Inner Strength, Spinning Slash, or Downward Kut with special moves like Rising Sword, Tele-Toss, or Demon Slam. This will allow you to deal significant damage every time you catch your opponent off guard.
Don't forget to integrate Blade Reflect into your defensive game either . Against projectile-focused characters, reflecting or negating their attacks forces them to take more risks, opening the door for heavy punishment or even landing your X-Ray Way of the Blade when they lose patience.
As for finishers, if you want to show off with Used Up, get used to ending the first round with a grab whenever the score and your opponent's health allow it. In the final round, leave their health bar ready so that a final grab is enough to kill them and trigger the brutality.
For fatalities, the recommendation is to practice the My Puppet and Tele-Copter sequences until you can perform them almost without looking . When the time comes to finish someone in a real fight, you'll be grateful, because the time you have after "Finish Him/Her" isn't infinite, and nerves often get the better of you.
Overall, Kenshi shines when you alternate moments of pressure with phases of space control . If you only focus on zoning, patient opponents will eventually find an opening; if you just attack recklessly, they'll punish you with devastating combos. The key is to play intelligently, moving well around the stage and adjusting your plan to each opposing character.
By combining all the moves we've reviewed—the Style A, B, and C specials, the basic strings, the X-Ray Way of the Blade, and the Used Up, My Puppet, and Tele-Copter finishers—you'll have a complete repertoire at your disposal to unleash Kenshi's full potential in Mortal Kombat X. With some practice, you'll be able to control the pace of the fight, punish mistakes severely, and finish each match with a spectacular finishing move that will clearly show who's in charge.