Key Highlights:
- Learn how to perform Shang Tsung’s two brutal Fatalities in Mortal Kombat 1.
- Includes button inputs for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
- Detailed breakdowns of each Fatality’s mechanics and visuals.
Quick Links:
Shang Tsung, one of the most iconic villains in video game history, returns in Mortal Kombat 1 as both a pre-order bonus character and a central figure in the storyline.
Known for his mastery of sorcery and soul manipulation, Shang Tsung boasts a set of Fatalities that are as horrifying as they are creative.
This guide will walk you through how to execute both of his Fatalities, with button inputs tailored for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, and a detailed breakdown of each finisher.
How to Perform Shang Tsung’s First Fatality in MK1 (Side Effects)

Fatality #1 (Close-Range)
- PlayStation: ⬅️, ⬇️, ⬇️, 🅾️
- Xbox and PC: ⬅️, ⬇️, ⬇️, 🅱️
- Nintendo Switch: ⬅️, ⬇️, ⬇️, 🅰️
Shang Tsung’s Side Effects Fatality begins with the sorcerer stabbing his claw through the opponent’s neck.
He then pours a glowing, bubbling liquid down their throat, causing them to writhe in pain. As the liquid oozes from their neck, Shang Tsung slices open their stomach, releasing a torrent of blood and the mysterious substance.
This gruesome spectacle showcases the sorcerer’s mastery of alchemy and his penchant for brutality.
How to Perform Shang Tsung’s Second Fatality in MK1

Fatality #2 (Mid-Range)
- PlayStation: ➡️, ⬇️, ⬅️, 🔺
- Xbox and PC: ➡️, ⬇️, ⬅️, 🅨
- Nintendo Switch: ➡️, ⬇️, ⬅️, 🅧
For his second Fatality, Shang Tsung lifts his opponent onto a conjured bed. He then slices open their stomach and pours a strange green potion into the wound.
What happens next is the stuff of nightmares: a spiked serpent-like creature emerges, burrowing through the opponent’s body before devouring their brain.
Important: Shang Tsung can also perform the Winter, Halloween and Thanksgiving fatalities.
This finisher feels like a twisted homage to classic horror, blending sorcery and gore in true Mortal Kombat fashion.
Additional Information: Understanding the Controls
For those unfamiliar with the standardised button notation across platforms, here’s a quick reference chart:
| Notation | Attack | PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo Switch | PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Front Punch | ⬜ | 🅧 | 🅨 | J |
| 2 | Back Punch | 🔺 | 🅨 | 🅧 | I |
| 3 | Front Kick | ❌ | 🅐 | 🅑 | K |
| 4 | Back Kick | 🅾️ | 🅑 | 🅐 | L |
These standardised inputs ensure seamless execution of Fatalities across all gaming platforms, enhancing accessibility for players.
A Brief History of Shang Tsung
Shang Tsung has been a cornerstone of the Mortal Kombat franchise since its inception.
Debuting as the final boss in the original Mortal Kombat arcade game, the soul-stealing sorcerer has appeared in nearly every iteration of the series. From his partnership with Quan Chi in The Deadly Alliance and MK Deception to his role in Mortal Kombat 11’s Aftermath, Shang Tsung has remained a formidable antagonist.
He was even the main villain in the 1995 movie which starred Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa in the role of the sorcerer.
In Mortal Kombat 1, Shang Tsung serves as both a pre-order bonus character and a pivotal figure in the game’s narrative. Players are treated to a new version of the sorcerer, complete with devastating moves and unparalleled charisma.
Mastering Shang Tsung’s Fatalities in Mortal Kombat 1 is not just about memorising button inputs—it’s about embodying the ruthless sorcerer’s spirit. If you want the controls for his Brutalities in the game, then simply click the hyperlink.
Whether you’re tearing foes apart with Side Effects or summoning serpentine horrors with his second Fatality, these finishers highlight the fighter’s unique attributes, blending his mastery of alchemy and sorcery with unparalleled brutality.
For more tips, tricks, and video guides, stay tuned as we continue to explore everything Mortal Kombat 1 has to offer.