Pokes

The Terminator has one of the fastest pokes in the game. + has a start-up of 6 frames and is only -4 on block. Using consecutive +s in a row on block can be difficult to deal with. If your opponent does not react quick enough to counterpoke, they will be hit by the next +.

Pokes can also be used alongside The Terminator’s command grabs. Since pokes can link into command grabs on block, doing + into Gorilla Press Slam or Albi Back Breaker will catch opponents trying to counterpoke. If your opponent does not counterpoke and continues to block, they will be grabbed. The downside to this is that if your opponent is hit by your +, then the command grab will whiff which is very punishable.

Pressure & Mixups

Robot Apocalypse

The Terminator’s Robot Apocalypse string, or ,,, is +2 on block. After ,,, you can use + which will beat out any of your opponent’s attacks. Be wary when using + midscreen because there is enough pushback for your opponent to whiff punish your poke. Similarly, if you want to punish your opponent’s poke, wait a split second and use +,.

,, can be Flawless Blocked so it can be risky to use. If your opponent is looking for ,,, then you can use , instead and follow up with a command grab or throw.

In The Terminator’s Destroyer variation, you can also mix up ,, for an overhead with , into Cyber Rift for a low.

Command Grab

Gorilla Press Slam, or , is an essential part to The Terminator’s offense. You will want to use The Terminator’s mid, low and overhead attacks to condition them to block. Once your opponent is conditioned to block, then you can start using command grabs as a mixup. You should almost always use the command grab over throws because throws can be teched and The Terminator’s throw sends your opponent fullscreen. You should only use a throw if you want to throw your opponent forward. Throwing also does slightly more damage than the command grab.

The Terminator’s command grab can be used after:

+
+
+
+

Using command grab after + will counter opponents trying to interrupt or Flawless Block +,. However, this is very unsafe because if + hits then the command grab will whiff.

Overhead / Low

The Terminator’s primary mix comes from his + and +,. There is only a 1 frame difference between the + and +, making this a true 50/50 mixup that cannot be fuzzy guarded. After +, you can use +,+ which will grab your opponent if they are blocking, however this is interruptable and can be punished if your opponent crouches without blocking. Both the overhead and low are very unsafe on block so use at your own risk.

To prevent opponents from interrupting +,, you can opt to use +, instead. While this is a decent option, it does not lead into a combo and is still punishable because +, is -8 and can also be Flawless Blocked.

In The Terminator’s Final Judgment variation, the overhead becomes much stronger because it leads into a combo. Your opponent must block the Amplified Rolling Ion Grenade after +, which allows you to mix this up with +,+.

Anti-Airs

One of The Terminator’s best anti-airs is his +. This is a very good anti-air because it not only lowers The Terminator’s hurtbox, but also has a great vertical hitbox.

In The Terminator’s Destroyer variation, he has another great anti-air. Infiltrator Toss, or , has a start-up of 8 frames and will easily grab opponents out of the air. If Amplified, it will lead into a combo.

Unstoppable Machine

The Terminator’s Unstoppable Machine string, or +,, is an advancing knee attack that becomes a KB if the first hit misses. This string makes up for The Terminator’s short ranged attacks because it covers a good portion of the screen and your opponent must always be afraid of being hit by the 2nd hit. Although it is -8 on block, there is a way to make it safe. If used at maximum distance it can become -7 on block. This is due to the fact that blocking a move later in its active frames will make you recover slower.

Hop Attack Krushing Blow

The Terminator’s Hop Attack becomes a KB if it Kounters or punishes a low or ducking attack. This can be done on a read if you think that your opponent will use a poke or low attack, and timing your Hop Attack so that it interrupts their attack.

The easiest way to get the KB off is after your jump kick is blocked. When spaced out, jump kicks leave you at the perfect spacing to whiff punish pokes. If you think that your opponent will try to poke you out of your follow-up, use a Hop Attack to whiff punish your opponent’s poke for a KB.

Sawed Off

Sawed Off, or , is a slow high projectile attack that is used to keep opponents out. Use Amplified Sawed Off to create distance between you and your opponent, or Amplified Forward Sawed Off to close the distance. While this is a decent zoning tool, it does not knock the opponent down and opponents can easily avoid this by ducking on reaction. This is not a bad thing though because if they start ducking, then that will allow you to meet the KB requirements.

Amplified Forward Sawed Off can also be used after grounded attacks on hit such as ,, and +,. This does not lead into a combo, but it will leave your opponent standing and you will be at +16. This gives you a guaranteed mixup between +, +, and command grab.

Utilizing Killing Machine

Killing Machine, or , is a parry that absorbs all projectile attacks. This is mainly used to avoid taking chip damage from projectiles. Do not use this against high projectiles because it’s easier to duck underneath them.

Endo Lunge

In The Terminator’s Destroyer variation, he gains access to Endo Lunge, or . This is an overhead attack that can be directed close, mid or far. This can be great for approaching opponents from anywhere on the screen. Endo Lunge can also be used for mixups up-close when used along with ,,, + and Cyber Rift. Keep in mind that there is usually a gap where your opponent can interrupt so it can be risky to use up-close.

Abilities

Ion Grenade
Replaces Sawed Off. Throw an arcing grenade that explodes after a short delay.
Rolling Ion Grenade
Adds Rolling Ion Grenade Special Move. Throw a grenade that rolls across the floor, exploding after a short delay.
Albi Back Breaker
Replaces Gorilla Press Slam. Grab the opponent and slam their spine down on your shoulder.
Death Grip +Throw
Adds Death Grip Special Move. Grab the opponent out of the air and obliterate them.
Infiltrator Toss
Adds Infiltrator Toss Special Move. Grab an airborne opponent and hurl them away.
Endo Lunge
Adds Endo Lunge Special Move. Leap forward and strike with an overhead blow.
Terminate
Replaces Killing Machine. Activate a buff that grants The Terminator Armor but disables the ability to block, dash, and jump.

T.D.E.
Replaces Killing Machine. The Terminator warps past his opponent.
Cyber Rift
Adds Cyber Rift Special Move. Slams an Ion Grenade into the ground, knocking opponents who are hit flat.
Terraformer AMP
Adds Amplify to Alloy Hammer. Slam down with incredible force, shattering the ground and damaging the opponent.
Vice Grip AMP
Enhances various Kombo Attacks. Allows The Terminator to amplify both Hammer Slammer and Say Goodbye.
Running Man
Adds Running Man Special Move. Sprint at the opponent. While running The Terminator gains access to several additional moves.
Incapacitator
Replaces Sawed Off. Throw a grenade that temporarily disables the opponent’s ability to perform Amplified attacks, Flawless Block attacks, Getup attacks, and use Environmental Interactions.
Endoskeleton
Adds Endoskeleton Special Move. When nearly defeated The Terminator rises back up as only the T-800 Endoskeleton. His moves are restricted in this form.

Running Man Stance Pressure

In The Terminator’s Dark Fate variation, he gains access to Running Man, or . This allows The Terminator to run across the screen. Running Man can be useful as a quick way to approach opponents.

Running Man can lead into 1 of 4 attacks:

= Tackle
= Punch
= Kick
= Stop

Running Man on Block

Running Man can be used after blockstrings for pressure. The best strings to use Running Man after are:

,
+
+,

+

Both Tackle and Kick cannot be interrupted after these attacks. +, Kick however, can be interrupted by 6 frame attacks or Flawless Blocked.

Once you have conditioned your opponent to block Kick, you can then mix this up by using Tackle instead. This is a command grab that will hit your opponent even if they are blocking. Tackle can be avoided by jumping, which can be countered by using Kick.

To stay unpredictable, you can use Running Man after other attacks as well. If you mix it up well enough, it will be difficult for your opponent to react to and defend against Running Man pressure.

Running Man is much stronger in the corner because Punch will launch the opponent for a full combo. In the corner, use B1 into Running Man. + Running Man Punch cannot be interrupted so your opponent must always respect it. Once conditioned, you can then use Tackle or cancel out of the Running Man stance. If cancelled after +, The Terminator will be at -3. You can then use Albi Back Breaker after the cancel because your opponent will be blocking. This can be useful to meet the KB requirements for Albi Back Breaker, or if you have already met its requirements and want to hit your opponent with the KB.

Ideally you will want to mix up which strings you use Running Man after. Although Running Man cancels are negative, the cancels happen fast enough to where it can be difficult for your opponent to react to if you mix it up well enough.

Running Man on Hit

Running Man can also be used after hitting your opponent. At midscreen, you can use Running Man after hitting with a grounded attack such as ,, and +,. Delaying the Running Man will push your opponent to the corner. Then you can go for a mixup between Tackle, Punch, Kick or Stop. Make sure to time it so that the Running Man won’t combo from your previous attack. If Tackle is used here and Amplfied, it will become a KB because you will already have ran a great distance.

For more information on Running Man Stance Pressure, see below:
https://www.kombatakademy.com/mortal-kombat-11/the-terminator/dark-fate/running-man-stance-pressure/

Grenade Setups

In The Terminator’s Final Judgment variation, he is able to throw out a variety of grenade attacks.

Incapacitator Setup

Incapacitator, or , temporarily disables the opponent’s ability to perform Amplified attacks and use Environmental Interactions. By ending combos with + Incapacitator, your opponent will not be able to use Roll Escapes or Getup Attacks. This allows The Terminator to attack freely after knocking your opponent down. For a mixup, use + for an overhead attack or +, for a low attack.

Note: Using 2 grenades in a combo will put The Terminator on a cooldown period. The Terminator will not be able to use any grenade attacks during this time. When on cooldown, use combos that do not involve any grenades.

Rolling Ion Grenade Setup

Rolling Ion Grenade, or , throws a grenade that rolls across the floor, exploding after a short delay. By ending combos with + Rolling Ion Grenade, your opponent will not be able to jump out of the corner. If your opponent uses a Roll Escape, you are able to recover in time to punish them. Getup Attacks can also be blocked in time and punished. For safe-on-block Getup Attacks, use a Flawless Block to punish.

Once the Rolling Ion Grenade is blocked, it will leave The Terminator at a huge advantage. The amount of block advantage will depend on how high your opponent is at the end of a combo. This gives The Terminator a guaranteed follow-up attack after the Rolling Ion Grenade.

If your opponent decides to use a Delayed Getup, you will still be able to hit them. The reason is that your attack after the Rolling Ion Grenade will hit at the same time as a Delayed Getup. However, you will only be able to cover a Short Delayed Getup or a Long Delayed Getup, depending on when you time your follow-up attack.

For more information on grenade setups, see below:
https://www.kombatakademy.com/mortal-kombat-11/the-terminator/final-judgment/grenade-setups/