How to Execute a Flawless Finisher in Call of Duty
A finisher in Call of Duty is a brutal, cinematic takedown performed on an unsuspecting enemy. To pull one off, you must sneak up behind an opponent and press the dedicated melee button when prompted.
Understanding Finishers in Call of Duty
Finishers, also known as executions, are a stylish and often humiliating way to eliminate opponents in Call of Duty. They add a layer of depth and spectacle to the gameplay, rewarding skillful positioning and stealth. This article explores everything you need to know about mastering the art of the finisher.
The Benefits of Performing Finishers
While risky, pulling off a finisher comes with several advantages:
- Guaranteed Kill: A successful finisher is a one-hit kill, regardless of the enemy’s health or armor.
- Showmanship and Intimidation: Finishers are undeniably cool and can demoralize the opposing team.
- Momentum Boost: Successfully executing a finisher can provide a psychological edge, boosting your confidence and potentially influencing your playstyle.
- Camo/Challenge Progress: Many challenges and camos require performing a certain number of finishers.
- Potential for Team Play: Sometimes finishing an enemy can be safer than firing your gun if teammates are nearby and ready to cover you.
The Process: How to Execute a Finisher
Executing a finisher is relatively straightforward, but requires precision and timing:
- Positioning: The key to a successful finisher is getting behind your target undetected.
- Proximity: You need to be extremely close to your target, almost touching them.
- Prompt: When close enough, a prompt will appear on your screen indicating that a finisher is available. This prompt will vary based on your platform and control scheme.
- Melee Button: Press the melee button (usually the right analog stick on consoles or the ‘V’ key on PC) to initiate the finisher animation.
- Animation: Watch the brutal animation unfold! Note that you are vulnerable during the finisher animation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Successfully landing a finisher requires awareness and practice. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Rushing In: Don’t blindly charge towards enemies hoping to land a finisher. This will likely get you killed. Prioritize stealth and careful positioning.
- Ignoring Your Surroundings: Be aware of potential threats around you. Getting caught during a finisher animation is a death sentence.
- Forgetting the Melee Button: Ensure you know which button is mapped to melee. Fumbling for the button in the heat of the moment can cost you the finisher.
- Not Accounting for Alertness: Enemies with high alert perks or keen senses may be more difficult to sneak up on.
- Underestimating Audio Cues: Pay close attention to the sounds of footsteps and equipment usage to better predict enemy movement and positioning.
Understanding Finisher Variations
Different Operators have different finisher animations, adding variety and personality to your takedowns. These variations are purely cosmetic and do not affect the gameplay. Experiment with different Operators to find your favorites. Some weapon blueprints can also affect the visual of the finisher.
Strategies for Landing More Finishers
Here are some effective strategies to increase your finisher success rate:
- Flanking: Utilize flanking routes to get behind enemy lines.
- Using Tactical Equipment: Flashbangs, stun grenades, and smoke grenades can create opportunities to disorient enemies and sneak up on them.
- Coordinating with Teammates: Teamwork is crucial. Have a teammate distract the enemy while you move in for the finisher.
- Playing Game Modes that Encourage Stealth: Game modes like Search and Destroy or Cyber Attack can create more opportunities for stealthy plays and finishers.
- Practicing Map Knowledge: Knowing the map layout, common choke points, and flanking routes is essential for successful finishers.
- Using Perks to Your Advantage: Perks like Ghost or Cold-Blooded can help you remain undetected.
Table: Platform Specific Default Melee Buttons
| Platform | Default Melee Button |
|---|---|
| PlayStation | R3 (Right Stick Click) |
| Xbox | RS (Right Stick Click) |
| PC | V |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Happens If Someone Interrupts My Finisher?
If an enemy shoots you during a finisher animation, the animation is canceled, and you will likely die. This highlights the vulnerability associated with performing finishers.
Can I Perform a Finisher on an Enemy in a Vehicle?
Generally, no. Finishers are typically only available on foot soldiers. There might be specific circumstances or special modes where this is possible, but they are exceptions to the rule.
Does Using a Specific Operator Guarantee a Finisher?
No. Using a specific Operator only changes the animation of the finisher. The mechanics of performing a finisher remain the same regardless of the Operator used.
How Can I Equip a Different Finisher Animation?
You cannot equip a specific finisher animation. Your Operator’s default finisher will always be used. Some weapon blueprints change the visual of the finisher for the weapon when performed.
Does Latency Affect Finisher Attempts?
Yes, high latency can make landing finishers more difficult. The timing becomes less precise, and the prompt may not appear when you expect it.
Is There a Cooldown on Performing Finishers?
No, there is no cooldown. You can perform finishers as often as you can get behind enemies undetected.
What Happens If I Try to Finisher Someone Who is Prone?
The finisher animation will still play out, but it may look slightly different to accommodate the enemy’s prone position. The result is the same – a guaranteed kill.
Are There Any Perks that Make Me Resistant to Finishers?
There are currently no perks that make you resistant to finishers. A finisher will always result in a one-hit kill.
Can I Perform a Finisher on a Downed Enemy in Warzone?
No. You cannot perform a finisher on a downed enemy. The finisher prompt will not appear.
Do Finishers Work on Armored Enemies?
Yes! Finishers bypass armor and health. They are a guaranteed kill regardless of the enemy’s protection.
Are Finishers Silent?
No, finishers are not silent. The animation has audible effects that can alert nearby enemies.
Is there any advantage to the way I face the target when initiating a finisher?
No, the only requirement is that you are behind the enemy. The game automatically adjusts the positioning for the animation.