A high into mid attack that is +1 on block and is mainly used at close-range for pressure and to punish unsafe moves.
Breaking BackhandF+1High
An advancing high attack that is +3 on block and is used at close-range for pressure.
FootlessB+3Mid
A fast mid attack that launches for a combo. It can be thrown out at times to stop approaches.
Elbow Before MeF+3,2Mid, Mid
A fast, forward-advancing 9 frame mid attack. It's one of Johnny Cage's strongest moves due to its speed, safety, and ability to hit confirm into a combo.
Special Moves
Ball BusterBD1Mid
A mid attack that is primarily used as a combo ender.
Show OffDB1
A parry that counters high, mid, and overhead attacks, excluding jump attacks.
Rising StarDB3Mid
A mid attack. When enhanced, it launches for a combo.
Shadow KickBF4High
A quick, advancing high attack that is usually done as a combo ender, but can also be thrown out occasionally as a surprise attack. When enhanced, it grants armor.
HypeFDB4
Builds Johnny Cage's Hype Meter.
Wowing OutFDB4
Requires full Hype Meter. It temporarily allows Johnny Cage to cancel Special Moves into other Special Moves, Kameo Summons, or Fatal Blow up to 2 times in a row. Special Moves are always enhanced during Wowing Out.
Johnny Cage has several ways to initiate a combo. The most notable combo starter is Enhanced Rising Star (DB3+EX). After launching with this move, it can be canceled into a jump attack. If the jump attack hits late, it'll allow for a second jump attack. By ending combos with Ball Buster (BD1), it'll grant enough hit advantage for Johnny Cage to apply pressure on knockdown.
F+3,2 DB3+EX 2 U+F+2 2,1,2 FF F+3 BD1
MEDIUM
362.58
Combos can also be ended with Shadow Kick (BF4), which is not only easier to connect than Ball Buster, but deals slightly higher damage as well. The tradeoff is that Shadow Kick sends the opponent away, preventing Johnny Cage from guaranteeing a follow-up attack.
Corner
In the corner, Johnny Cage's jump attack U+F+2,4,4 can be used within combos. This can then be ended with 2,1,4 into Shadow Kick.
F+3,2 DB3+EX 2 U+F+2,4,4 2,1,4 BF4
MEDIUM
364.58
Although ending corner combos with Ball Buster isn't necessary to keep the opponent close, it remains a viable option due to its high hit advantage.
