Playguide Part 7: Netherrealm

Upon your entry into the Netherrealm, Raiden appears and tells you that you are free to enter this realm because your souls have become tainted during your journey.

After regaining control of your kombatant, save your game at the glowing statue if necessary then head through the archway.

Available in both single player and ko-operative playthroughs

You will notice a red koin high above the staircase in front of you. Use either your Long Jump or Double Jump abilities to reach it.

Reward:

Unlocks a new arena art.

As you travel down the steps you will find a few Bloody Skeletons. Defeat then, then continue down to the bottom of the staircase.

You stumble upon Sub-Zero fighting a dark spectre with glowing eyes. Once he makes his escape, Sub-Zero says that although Scorpion remains in the Netherrealm, he must first take care of Noob Saibot. He tells you he suspects that there is more than just Shang Tsung’s attempt to invade Earthrealm; the Elder Gods are involved too. Before leaving, he adds that the Netherrealm is infinite in size, and that Scorpion will find you.

After the cutscene, head right and travel down the set of steps to a flat platform below. Scorpion sneaks up behind you and lands an almighty punch to your face.

Scorpion (Part One)

It is essential that you lose as little health as possible during this fight, as you will need it later on. Stay on the move and use your projectiles to attack Scorpion from a long distance.

Scorpion’s most deadly attack is his Spear. Not only does it have a long reach, but should you find yourself caught in it you will be vulnerable to his powerful attacks.

Another move he will use occasionally is his Teleport Punch. Keep on the move and it will be difficult for him to connect with you.

There is not much danger in your proximity to Scorpion, as his Spear move is your only real concern. When you are close, use pop-up attacks combined with short air combos and power moves to inflict damage. Should he reach for his mask, move away immediately as he will breathe fire on the area in front of him.

When half of his health has been depleted he will flee to another platform in the Netherrealm. It is there that the fight will continue.

Head through the archway nearby and use your Long Jump ability to clear the gaps between each platform, making sure to avoid the flames that rise from the ground. If you fall to the level below by accident, use your Wall Run ability to reach higher ground.

Continue down the staircase and prepare for your next bout.

Scorpion (Part Two)

The fight begins with Scorpion positioned atop a distant platform. He will raise his hands and summon fire from the ground on which you stand.

Watch the ground carefully for any signs of change. If it begins to glow, use your Double Jump ability to stay in the air long enough for the flames to recede.

Continue to dodge the flames until Scorpion throws his spear into the centre of the platform. Avoid the initial explosion of flames and press the appropriate button to grab the rope before he tugs it back. This initiates a Test Your Might challenge. Complete it to pull Scorpion down to your area, allowing you to attack him.

Scorpion will only stay with you for a short while, so make the most of it. Like before, use projectiles and air combos to deal damage. Juggling is recommended, as it will keep Scorpion with you for a longer period of time.

Once Scorpion has returned to his platform, continue to fight him using the same techniques. When his health has been exhausted, use the on-screen help to finish him.

After Scorpion’s defeat, walk over to the closed gate nearby to view a short cutscene in which he emerges from the lava. He rips his mask off and yells at you in anger.

Inferno Scorpion

The battle with Inferno Scorpion is best described as a combination of your previous two.

Not only do you have Scorpion to contend with, you also have to watch your footing as he will regularly summon flames from the ground beneath you. As before, Double Jump when the ground glows to avoid getting burnt.

Scorpion has a dangerous alternative to his regular Spear attack, in which he spins his spear in a deadly arc then flings it toward you. It has a very good range, so keep on the move to avoid damage.

Your safest bet is to use your projectiles in combination with a range of air combos and power attacks. Alternate between these regularly so that Scorpion has less chance of predicting you.

When Inferno Scorpion’s health has been depleted, perform your finishing move and end the battle once and for all.

Once the area has been cleared of any threat, collect the koin at the centre of the platform to earn your fifth tournament victory. Grab the health and experience scattered in this area, then leave via the staircase to your left.

Backtrack using the platforms to your right, collecting the experience as you go. Continue until you reach the vortex from which you entered the Netherrealm. Save your game if needed, then enter the portal.

Raiden appears briefly to tell you that you have all you need to defeat Shang Tsung. Below you will find a portal that will transport you to a place where he will be at his most vulnerable.

Drop down to the lower level where the large door opened. Follow the hallway and enter the portal at the end to be transported to the Foundry.