How to Perform a Finishing Move in CoD? Becoming a Silent Assassin
Performing a finishing move in Call of Duty involves eliminating an unsuspecting enemy with a brutal, contextual animation. Achieving this requires approaching an enemy from behind and pressing the melee button when prompted.
Introduction: The Art of the Takedown
Finishing moves, or executions, are not just a stylish way to eliminate opponents in Call of Duty; they’re a tactical maneuver that, when executed correctly, can turn the tide of a close encounter. These cinematic takedowns offer a satisfying visual spectacle while also providing a brief moment of invulnerability, allowing you to survive chaotic situations. But mastering the art of the finishing move requires understanding the mechanics, knowing when to strike, and avoiding common pitfalls. This guide will arm you with the knowledge to become a silent assassin, eliminating enemies with flair and precision.
Why Use Finishing Moves? The Benefits
While seemingly just a cosmetic flex, finishing moves offer several practical advantages:
- Invulnerability Window: During the animation, you are briefly invulnerable to damage, providing a crucial advantage in hectic firefights. This can be especially useful when outnumbered.
- Elimination Confirmation: There is no doubt when you execute a finishing move. The enemy is permanently eliminated, preventing any potential revives from teammates in modes where that is an option.
- Psychological Warfare: Successfully pulling off a finishing move can tilt your opponent and their team. It’s a powerful display of dominance that can disrupt their strategy and morale.
- Camo Challenges: Many challenges and camo unlocks require completing a specific number of finishing moves. Mastering the technique is therefore vital for progression.
The Execution Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Performing a finishing move is surprisingly simple in concept but requires careful execution. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Approach from Behind: Stealth is key. You must be directly behind your opponent, ideally without being detected. Crouch-walking or using a suppressor can significantly increase your chances of success.
- Melee Prompt: When you are in position, a prompt will appear on your screen indicating that a finishing move is available. This prompt usually appears as a button icon (e.g., “Melee” or a controller button).
- Press the Melee Button: Quickly and decisively press the melee button (usually the right stick button on consoles or the ‘V’ key on PC). This will initiate the finishing move animation.
- Enjoy the Show (and Stay Alert): Watch the animation play out. Remember, you are only invulnerable during the animation. Immediately after, you are vulnerable again. Scan your surroundings for potential threats.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Finishing moves can be risky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Attempting Too Late: If you’re already engaged in a firefight, attempting a finishing move is usually a death sentence. Prioritize direct gunfights in those scenarios.
- Incorrect Positioning: The finishing move prompt only appears when you are directly behind the enemy and within a certain range. Practice positioning to ensure the prompt appears when you expect it.
- Ignoring Surroundings: The brief invulnerability window is valuable, but it doesn’t last forever. Always be aware of your surroundings and expect reinforcements to arrive after the animation.
- Teammate Interference: In team-based modes, your teammate might accidentally kill the enemy before you can initiate the finishing move. Communicate with your team and coordinate your approach.
Loadout Considerations
While you don’t need specific equipment to perform finishing moves, certain perks and attachments can enhance your ability to set them up:
- Perks: Perks that enhance stealth, such as Ghost or Cold-Blooded, can make it easier to approach enemies undetected.
- Suppressors: Using suppressors on your weapons makes you harder to detect while approaching enemies.
- Tactical Equipment: Smoke grenades or stun grenades can disorient enemies, creating opportunities for finishing moves.
Mastering the Timing
Practice makes perfect. Learn the maps, anticipate enemy movements, and practice positioning yourself behind unsuspecting targets. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the timing and execution of finishing moves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I cancel a finishing move once it has started?
No, once the finishing move animation has begun, you are locked in until it completes. This is why timing and awareness are crucial.
Are finishing moves affected by latency?
Yes, high latency can make it more difficult to execute finishing moves consistently. This is because the timing of the melee prompt and the actual execution can be desynchronized.
Do all operators have the same finishing moves?
No, different operators often have unique finishing moves, which can be unlocked through various means, such as purchasing them in the in-game store or completing specific challenges.
Can I perform finishing moves on bosses or mini-bosses?
Generally, no. Finishing moves are typically reserved for standard enemy soldiers and cannot be performed on larger, more powerful enemies.
Does using a riot shield affect my ability to perform finishing moves?
Yes, using a riot shield can limit your ability to perform finishing moves because it can restrict your movement and positioning.
How do I unlock new finishing moves?
New finishing moves can be unlocked through various methods, including purchasing them from the in-game store, completing specific challenges, or leveling up the battle pass.
Can I use finishing moves while underwater?
No, finishing moves are generally not available while underwater.
What happens if I get shot during a finishing move?
During the actual animation, you’re invulnerable. After the animation ends, you’re vulnerable to enemy fire, so be ready to move.
Are finishing moves possible against vehicles?
No, finishing moves are exclusive to infantry combat and cannot be performed against vehicles.
Do finishing moves count towards weapon challenges?
Generally, no. Finishing moves typically only count towards challenges specifically related to finishing moves or executions. They won’t contribute to weapon-specific challenges.
Does crouching affect my ability to perform finishing moves?
Crouching is recommended as it allows you to approach enemies more quietly and undetected, increasing your chances of successfully initiating a finishing move.
Are there any game modes where finishing moves are disabled?
Very rarely. Finishing moves are generally available in most game modes. If they were disabled, it would be a listed rule or note for that specific mode.