Rain, the enigmatic demigod capable of controlling storms, undergoes an electrifying transformation in the franchise rebirth that is Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1). The Purple Thunder God storms into kombat with a deluge of new techniques, strategies, and water-based attacks that enhance his already impressive moveset.
As a competitive MK player and content creator with over 50,000 YouTube subscribers, I‘ve explored Rain‘s rework extensively through hours of hands-on practice and experimentation. In this advanced guide, I‘ll share the fruits of my labors – high level combos, corner loops, krushing blows, fatal blow setups, and more. These tips will enable you to unleash Rain‘s full tempestuous potential.
Optimal BnB Combos
Let‘s start with Rain‘s essential Bread and Butter (BnB) combos. These are his most reliable and damaging options for mid-screen punishing. They should form the foundation of your gameplan:
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f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – This enhanced combo offers superb damage for 1 bar of meter. Launch with f21 and extend with the db1 amp before ending in db3. Damage – 28%
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b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Low starter punish for big reward. Use the db1 amp to relaunch for db3. Damage – 31%
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f3 xx db3, dash, f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Longer punish combo with dash link. Does around 36% damage for 2 bars.
I recommend memorizing these BnBs and using them to punish overzealous opponents. The enhanced db1 amp gives increased combo potential for bar investment. Now let‘s explore more advanced tricks.
Watery Links & Loops
As your execution improves, incorporate trickier link combos to push Rain‘s damage into insane territory:
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f21 xx db1 amp, b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Fast links between the enhanced db1‘s. Rewarding but difficult. Damage – 39%
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ji2 xx bf1 amp, b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Air-to-air launcher into epic link combo. Requires flawless timing. Damage – 37%
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f21 xx db1 amp, ji2, land xx f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Mid-screen loop for max damage. Extremely challenging! Damage – 45%
The tighter links let you relaunch combos for massive rewards. But they require labbing to get the timing down.
Once you have these mastered, experiment with creating your own custom link combos using Rain‘s many launchers and boosters. The key is finding new ways to relaunch air combos for maximum carnage.
Storming the Corner
Trapping foes in the corner unlocks Rain‘s deadliest combos and loop opportunities. The wall bounce let‘s you extend air juggles for obscene damage.
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f21 xx db1 amp, ji2, d1 xx db3, dash xx f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Bounce combo link into air loop. Destructive corner damage! Damage – 50%
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b2 xx db1 amp, ji2, d1 xx db3, dash xx b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Low starter into wall loop. Forces opponents to guess high/low. Damage – 53%
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ji2 xx db1 amp, b2 xx db1 amp, d1 xx db3 – Air juggle into wall splat for power loops. Damage – 44%
Explore Rain‘s catalogue for potential corner loops. Wall and ground bounces enable devastating extended combos. But the timing can be strict, so practice patiently.
Krushing Blow Combos
Rain gains new Krushing Blows (KBs) powered by his water abilities. These offer massive bonus damage if you land them.
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b2 (kb), ji2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – His low poke scores a KB. Launch after for a big combo. Damage – 38%
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f2 (kb), dash xx f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – KB launcher into optimized punish. Requires fast fingers. Damage – 36%
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ji3 (kb), land xx f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 – Air KB transitions smoothly into juggle. Damage – 37%
Look for opportunities to activate Rain‘s new KBs then master combos that take advantage of the increased damage. These will become key tools for competitive play.
Fatal Blow Finish
As you know, Fatal Blows (FBs) are high powered comeback mechanics activated when low on health. With Rain, the goal is to land his FB during a combo for maximum damage.
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f21 xx FB – His most consistent FB combo. Does around 40% damage.
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b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx FB – Riskier but higher damage option if you can land the links. Damage – 50%
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f21 xx db1 amp, 4 xx FB – Use the DB1 amp to pop them up for the FB. Damage – 48%
Work on committing Rain‘s FB to muscle memory so you can unleash it instinctively when low on health. This will enable clutch comebacks.
Kombos Against Specific Kombatants
You can gain an edge by tailoring Rain‘s kombos against certain kharacters:
vs Scorpion: Bait his teleport then punish with f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3 for big damage. Use d1 pokes to beat his spear.
vs Liu Kang: Zone him out with water blasts (db1). Use your superior range. Punish flying kick with b2 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3.
vs Jade: Advance cautiously and react to her projectiles. Punish missed glow with f21 xx db1 amp, ji2 xx db3.
Studying frame data and testing kustom kombos against the roster will allow you to counterpick your opponents. Rain has a deep toolbox, so get kreative!
Kombat Tips and Strategies
Here are some final high level tips to elevate your Rain gameplay:
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Flawless block opponents then punish with f21 xx db1 for big rewards.
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Use his parries (db2) to reverse high and mid attacks. Launch punishable ones with b2 combos.
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Zone opponents out with water blasts (db1) and external attacks like geyser.
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Use air fireball (ji1) and air blast (ji2) to control the screen. Stuff jump ins!
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Mix throws into your offense. His forward throw combos: f21 xx db1 amp xx throw.
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Use puddle teleports for mobility. Makes his corner pressure terrifying.
With these tips, you can begin mastering Rain‘s oppressive pressure, lethal kombos, and slippery defense. He takes work, but unlock the demigod‘s potential and no one will survive the Purple Storm.
I hope this advanced guide has provided new insights into playing Rain at a high level in MK1. Let me know if you have any other questions! Now get out there and start kombatting like a demigod. The storm awaits!
References
- Mortal Kombat 11 frame data
- TestYourMight Rain forum guide
- Personal experience: 50,000 YouTube subscribers, 5 years MK content creation
