In Mortal Kombat 11, there is a way to cancel out of strings by entering in certain inputs. This is an advanced technique that is done by inputting a button before the final hit of a string, and inputting a button after the final hit of a string. If done correctly, only the first hit of the string will come out.

Let’s use Searing Rage Scorpion’s + , as an example. To make only + come out, you must input it as:

+ [button] [button]

Before the , you can input any button of your choosing. For this example, we are going to use .

After the , you can also input any button. For this example, we are going to use .

So the input will now be:

+

Next, we want to make the + come out only on block, and the + , come out only on hit. In order to do this, first we must understand that blockstun is longer than hitstun. If a move hits, then the amount of time it takes for the game to register an input after that move is shorter than if it were blocked. On the other hand, if a move is blocked, then there is more time for the game to register an input.

We can use this to our advantage by timing the last input of + so that the game will only register the cancel on block, but not on hit. This is done by rapidly inputting + , , , then slightly delaying the 3 so that it will only cancel during the blockstun of + and not the hitstun.

If the + hits, then the game will not read the input and + , will come out. If the + is blocked, then the game will read the input which will cancel out the + , string.

However, since + , does not lead into a combo, we will want to use a different input than . Scorpion’s + , can combo into Hell Port, or . If we replace the with , then the input would look like:

+

This now lets Scorpion use + on block and + , Hell Port on hit. This is very strong for Scorpion because it allows him to safely hit confirm his + , , and on block he can go into pressure.

The great thing about this option select is that it can make almost any string safe on block. It’s most useful for staggers such as Scorpion’s + , Sub-Zero’s + and Kung Lao’s + . Here are some more examples on how you can use this option select:

The downside to using this option select is that the timing is very strict, and if mistimed you will be punished. There are however safe ways to use the option select. For example, if you want to safely option select Sub-Zero’s + , you can input it as:

+

On block, you will stagger the + and on hit you will do Sub-Zero’s + , , string. If you mistime the option select, then you will get + , , which is safe on block.

This option select has many uses so play around with it to see how you can best use it for your character.