Pokes

Shang Tsung has very good pokes with his + and + both being -2 on block. He is also one of the few characters with a 7 frame +. Since his pokes have very low disadvantage on block, a lot of times you will be able to + again if your poke is blocked. It can be very difficult for opponents to counterpoke on reaction because of this.

To beat counterpokes, you can cancel + or + into Ground Eruption, or in Shang Tsung’s Warlock variation. The Ground Eruption will launch the opponent for a full combo, but is unsafe on block. Even if your poke hits, this can be difficult to react to because of how quick Ground Eruption is. + into Ground Eruption can be interrupted by 7 frame attacks, but your opponent must be on point to interrupt this.

Footsies

Shang Tsung’s primary footsie tool is his +, string. While slow at 17 frames, +, is an advancing mid-to-low attack that reaches very far. +, can be hit confirmed into a combo. On block, you will want to finish the string by either doing +,, or +,,. Shang Tsung’s +,, is +4 on block but can be Flawless Blocked. If you want to play safe and counter opponents trying to Flawless Block, use +,,.

+,, is a 14 frame hit confirmable mid attack. Use +,, if you need a faster mid up-close. Although +,, is safe on block, it can be Flawless Blocked. To prevent being Flawless Blocked, do not finish the string and only do +,. This is also unsafe because +, is -11 on block, but if your opponent is looking to Flawless Block +,,, then +, will go unpunished.

In Shang Tsung’s Warlock variation, Ground Eruption can be used in footsies. This is a quick projectile that fires from below and reaches half-screen. With Ground Eruption being able to launch for a combo, your opponent will be afraid to move when near Shang Tsung.

Pressure

Up-close, Shang Tsung can pressure with his ,, string. and , can be staggered because is +1 on block and , is only -1 on block. You will want to hit confirm , into ,, Ground Eruption for a combo, and use ,, if it’s blocked.

,, is +6 on block and has great pushback. After ,,, this will create a frame trap with Ground Eruption and Soul Steal. Your opponent will not be able to escape the Ground Eruption or Soul Steal. Due to the pushback on ,,, these moves will become safe unless your opponent dashes forward and performs a Flawless Block or has a quick, advancing reversal that can punish Shang Tsung.

+,, is +4 on block. After +,,, you will be able to check your opponent with a B3 or D4 depending on the spacing and character. Because of the pushback on +,,, you can also walk back and whiff punish your opponent’s poke with +,. Once your opponent respects your + or +, you can then apply other forms of offense.

Mixups

Shang Tsung has multiple low-hitting attacks within his strings. Between +,, +, +,+ and +, your opponent will be conditioned to block low. You can mix this up with Shang Tsung’s +,+ which is an overhead attack. +,+ becomes a Krushing Blow if the overhead chop hits by itself. This will launch the opponent for a combo.

+,, can be hit confirmed into Far Ground Eruption if the opponent is hit by the low.

Another mixup Shang Tsung has is his +,+ and +,+ mixup. +,+ is a low attack and +,+ is an overhead attack. While the overhead is rather slow, your opponent will be conditioned to block low because of +,+ and +,. After +,+ you can use Ground Eruption to launch the opponent for a combo.

Soul Steal

Soul Steal is a quick mid attack that reaches half-screen. This move has a large hurtbox and can catch opponents if they try to move or jump. When using Soul Steal, you will want to space it out so that it becomes less punishable on block. Outside of using Soul Steal in the neutral, you will usually want to use it at the end of combos.

After using Soul Steal, Shang Tsung will temporarily transform into his opponent and receive a damage boost. Make sure that you know how to use your opponent’s character and combos to effectively use Soul Steal. Once Shang Tsung turns back, he will be able to get a Krushing Blow off of his Back Throw if done afterwards.

Rushing Spike and Rising Chest Kick

Shang Tsung’s Rising Chest Kick, or + is +5 on block. + is a great way to approach opponents and start offense. After +, you will be able to check opponents with a poke such as +, + or +. You can also use + because + has a startup of 10 frames. +,+ will launch the opponent for a combo, but can be interrupted or Flawless Blocked. To prevent this, you can cancel + into Ground Eruption instead. Once your opponent respects your poke or +, you can then apply other forms of offense such as throw.

+ is a high attack which means your opponent can punish it by crouching. You can mix this up by doing Rushing Spike, or +, instead. + is an overhead attack that will hit crouching opponents. Additionally, you can use +, if you think your opponent will try to crouch +.

Zoning

Shang Tsung has very strong zoning tools to keep opponents away. At fullscreen, you will want to use Corpse Drop, or . Because you can direct it, your opponent must guess where you will use it. Corpse Drop deals huge damage if it hits, and knocks the opponent down when Amplified so it’s great to use when trading with other projectiles.

At midscreen, you can either use Corpse Drop or Ground Eruption. Ground Eruption is quick, has great pushback and launches the opponent for a combo. Make sure to pay attention to the spacing between you and your opponent so you know where the Ground Eruption will hit because if spaced incorrectly, the Ground Eruption can whiff leaving you vulnerable.

If you need a quick projectile that travels across the screen, use Fire Skull, or . This is a high projectile, but can be difficult to react the closer up it’s used.

Abilities

Inferno Skull AMP
Modifies Fire Skull. Fire Skull can now be amplified twice.
Screaming Soul
Replaces Fire Skull. Launch a bolt of pure soul energy at the opponent.
Ground Eruption
Replaces Crashing Flames. Bolts of Hellfire erupt from the ground.
Force Lift
Replaces Crashing Flames. Transform into Ermac and lift the opponent into the air before slamming them down.
Inferno Barrier
Adds Inferno Barrier Special Move. Summon a pillar of flames behind the opponent.
Soul Well
Adds Soul Well Special Move. Create a lingering mass of soul energy that can be activated to heal Shang Tsung.
Explosive Corpses AMP
Modifies Corpse Drop. Amplifying Corpse Drop now sends the opponent high into the air.

Scatter Souls
Replaces Corpse Drop. Unleash a point blank explosion of soul energy.
Shake
Adds Shake Special Move. Transform into Smoke and vibrate rapidly, parrying projectiles. When amplified, Shake also parries basic attacks.
Slide
Replaces Sorcery Rush. Transform into Reptile and rush towards the opponent.
Superkick
Adds Superkick Special Move. Transform into Rain and unleash a devastating kick. Can be delayed.
Soul Swap
Adds Soul Swap Special Move. Instantly switch places with the opponent.
Vile Sorcery StanceorStance
Adds Malignant Sorcery and Vile Inscriptions Special Moves. Curse the opponent, reducing damage they deal and increasing damage they take respectively.
Shapeshifter’s Training
Adds Superkick, Force Lift, Slide, and Shake Special Moves. Removes Corpse Drop and Soul Steal Special Moves. Shang Tsung’s ages of practice allows him to utilize the power of several ninjas.