What is a mercy finishing move?

Answered by Jarrod Smith

A mercy finishing move, also known as a mercy, is a unique feature in the Mortal Kombat series that allows players to show mercy to their defeated opponent during the “Finish Him/Her” phase. Instead of delivering a brutal, final blow, a mercy move allows the player to give their opponent a second chance to continue the fight.

To perform a mercy, you need to be at around mid-range from your opponent when the “Finish Him/Her” prompt appears on the screen. This is usually triggered when your opponent’s health bar is low, indicating that they are close to defeat. Timing is crucial, as you need to activate the mercy move before the timer runs out.

To initiate a mercy, you first need to hold down the Left Trigger Button (or the corresponding button on your controller) to enter the Flip Stance. This is a stance that allows your character to perform special moves or actions. While holding the Flip Stance, you then need to press Down three times on the D-pad or joystick. Finally, you release the Left Trigger Button to execute the mercy move.

The purpose of a mercy move is to give your opponent a chance to make a comeback, prolonging the fight and adding an element of sportsmanship to the game. It allows players to showcase their skills and create exciting, dramatic moments in matches. It’s worth noting that performing a mercy move doesn’t guarantee that your opponent will accept the mercy and continue fighting. They can choose to decline and simply let the timer run out, resulting in a regular fatality or victory for you.

Mercy moves have become a signature feature of the Mortal Kombat series, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay. They require precise timing and quick reflexes, as you need to activate them in the heat of the final moments of a match. It’s a way to demonstrate respect and give your opponent one last chance to turn the tide of battle.

In my personal experience, I’ve found mercies to be a thrilling aspect of the game. They often create intense moments of anticipation and excitement, as you and your opponent both have the opportunity to make a comeback. It adds a layer of unpredictability and sportsmanship to the matches, making each victory or defeat feel more earned and satisfying.

To summarize, a mercy finishing move in Mortal Kombat is a special move that allows players to show mercy to their defeated opponent during the “Finish Him/Her” phase. By performing specific inputs, players can give their opponent a second chance to continue the fight, adding an element of sportsmanship and excitement to the game. It’s a unique feature that has become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat series and offers players the opportunity to showcase their skills and create memorable moments in matches.