The Cyrax meta is disgusting
Cyrax, now a female character in Mortal Kombat 1, brings a unique mix of zoning tools, set-ups, and devastating combo potential. If you’ve been playing online, you’ve likely encountered players using Cyrax’s notorious bomb setups, a strategy that can make facing her feel overwhelming if you’re unprepared. In this post, we’ll break down Cyrax’s playstyle, how to defend against her bomb setups, and advanced strategies for overcoming her pressure.
Understanding Cyrax’s Playstyle
Cyrax specializes in set-play (situational traps) and mix-ups. Her toolkit is loaded with bombs, nets, and air grabs, which create scenarios where the opponent must guess correctly or risk getting caught in long, high-damage combos. Cyrax’s game plan usually revolves around setting up bomb setups to control space and force the opponent into difficult blocking decisions. This can make her a frustrating opponent, especially when she dictates the pace of the match.
Key Moves to Watch Out For
Before we dive into countering Cyrax’s bomb setups, here’s a quick overview of some of her key tools:
- Poop Net: A projectile that snares opponents, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up combos.
- Close Bomb: Deploys a bomb close to Cyrax. This is often used in mid-range setups.
- Far Bomb: Places a bomb at a distance to cover Cyrax’s approach or lock down movement.
- Teleport: Cyrax teleports behind the opponent, creating mix-up opportunities.
Now let’s get into how to deal with Cyrax’s bomb setups, which are often the crux of her offense.
If you want to watch a good guide on how to counter play Cyrax, check out this video below from Tweedy:
Blocking and Countering Cyrax’s Bomb Setups
The heart of Cyrax’s offense revolves around bomb setups, where she uses her bombs to force you into pressure situations. The key to breaking this pattern is understanding the mechanics of her bomb setups, how they can be blocked, and when to escape or counter.
Recognizing Bomb Setups
Cyrax’s bombs are low-hitting projectiles that can detonate after a short delay. She typically deploys bombs in combination with her net or other pressure tools, forcing you into situations where you’re juggling multiple threats—getting hit by the bomb, getting grabbed, or caught in the net.
Cyrax will often place a bomb near you during a knockdown or after a combo reset, limiting your wake-up options and forcing you to block or guess.
Blocking Bomb Setups: The Technical Approach
Here’s where things get technical. Bombs hit low, which means if you are standing and blocking when they go off, you’ll get hit. However, Cyrax will often use her net or jump-in attacks in conjunction with bombs to create mix-ups that test your reactions.
- Blocking Low: Always block low when you see Cyrax setting a bomb. Since bombs hit low, crouching without blocking will still result in damage, so make sure you’re crouch-blocking. This way, you’ll avoid the direct damage from the bomb when it detonates.
- Reacting to the High-Low Mix-Up: Cyrax players will try to mix you up by following a bomb with overhead attacks (such as jumping punches) or grabs. If you only focus on blocking low, you may get opened up by her overheads or throws. This is where learning to recognize Cyrax’s rhythm comes into play:
- If Cyrax jumps at you while a bomb is set, block low until you see her start the jump-in animation, then switch to high block to cover the overhead.
- Watch for net throws or teleport shenanigans that force you to block in the opposite direction or put you in a standing-block situation.
- Teching Grabs: One of the most dangerous things Cyrax can do after setting a bomb is throwing you right into it. You need to be ready to tech throws whenever Cyrax is in range and setting up bombs. Since bombs have a delayed detonation, Cyrax players love to use grabs to ensure you’re stuck in the blast radius.
Escaping Bomb Pressure
Once you understand the timing of Cyrax’s bomb setups, you can begin looking for opportunities to escape the pressure:
- Wake-Up Options: On knockdown, if Cyrax sets a bomb close to you, you have limited but effective options. A quick delayed wake-up can throw off Cyrax’s timing, causing the bomb to explode without hitting you. Alternatively, using an armored wake-up attack can break through any additional pressure that Cyrax might try to apply after the bomb is set.
Timing and Punishing Bomb Setups
Cyrax’s bomb setups rely on timing. While her bomb placement can be tricky, the key is recognizing when she’s vulnerable during the setup process:
- During Bomb Placement: Cyrax is often vulnerable during the moment she sets a bomb, especially if she does so mid-screen or after a reset. Look for opportunities to close the gap quickly using fast, long-range specials or teleports to interrupt her setup.
- Punishing Overcommitment: Cyrax players sometimes overcommit to their bomb setups, placing too many without properly covering their approach. If you notice your opponent is relying too heavily on bomb pressure and not following up effectively, take advantage of her vulnerability and attack before the bomb detonates.
Matchup-Specific Tips
- Character Mobility: Characters with good mobility, like Scorpion or Liu Kang, can use teleports or fast dashes to bypass Cyrax’s zoning and bomb setups. Teleporting behind Cyrax right as she places a bomb forces her into a defensive position, negating her pressure and allowing you to start your offense.
- Projectile Reflectors: Certain characters, like Shang Tsung, have projectile reflectors that can be used to counter Cyrax’s net or bomb setups. Reflecting or neutralizing these projectiles can disrupt her momentum and give you space to breathe.
- Jumping: If you anticipate a bomb is about to detonate and Cyrax isn’t forcing you into an overhead situation, neutral jumping can sometimes avoid the explosion altogether. Be careful, though—if Cyrax sees this coming, she may follow up with her anti-air grab.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Adaptability
Fighting Cyrax online can be intimidating, especially when you face experienced players who know how to optimize bomb setups. However, by learning to recognize the setups, blocking correctly, and choosing your escape options wisely, you can turn the tide in your favor.
Playing against Cyrax demands patience and a deep understanding of her tools. Learn the timing of her bombs, adapt to her mix-up attempts, and capitalize on her vulnerabilities during setups. With enough practice, you’ll be able to navigate Cyrax’s setups and turn what once felt like an impossible situation into a winnable fight.
Good luck, and remember: stay cool under pressure, and the bombs will become less of a threat!
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