What is a Buzzkill in CoD? Exploring the Strategic Denial of Enemy Killstreaks
A “Buzzkill” in Call of Duty (CoD) refers to a medal or action awarded when a player eliminates an enemy who is actively using a killstreak reward, thus preventing them from obtaining further kills or advantages. A Buzzkill effectively ends the enemy’s streak, neutralizing a potentially game-changing threat.
Understanding the Buzzkill Mechanic
The Buzzkill medal is a staple in the Call of Duty franchise, rewarding players for disrupting enemy killstreaks. It’s more than just a kill; it’s a strategic play that can swing the momentum of a match. By taking out an enemy while they’re actively piloting a killstreak – such as a chopper gunner, attack helicopter, or even controlling a sentry gun – you deny them further kills and limit the enemy team’s dominance.
Benefits of Earning Buzzkills
Earning Buzzkills in Call of Duty offers several significant advantages:
- Team Advantage: Immediately reduces the enemy’s offensive capability and gives your team breathing room.
- Momentum Shift: Disrupts enemy momentum, potentially leading to a comeback or preventing a runaway victory.
- Points and Experience: Provides bonus points and experience, contributing to your individual score and progression.
- Psychological Impact: Can demoralize the enemy team and create a sense of frustration.
How to Earn Buzzkills
Earning Buzzkills isn’t always about luck; it’s about strategy and awareness. Here’s how you can improve your chances:
- Listen for Audio Cues: Pay attention to the audio cues indicating the activation of enemy killstreaks. The announcer will typically announce what the enemy has activated.
- Observe the Killfeed: The killfeed provides real-time information on enemy activity, including killstreak usage.
- Use Anti-Killstreak Equipment: Equip launchers like the RPG-7 or PILA to quickly take down aerial killstreaks. FMJ bullets in your primary weapon can also help.
- Prioritize High-Value Targets: Focus on eliminating enemies using killstreaks before engaging in other gunfights.
- Communicate with Your Team: Coordinate with your teammates to take down killstreaks efficiently. One player can draw fire while another takes the shot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While earning Buzzkills is beneficial, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Tunnel Vision: Don’t become so focused on getting a Buzzkill that you ignore other threats. Maintain situational awareness.
- Over-Aggression: Rushing headfirst into danger to get a Buzzkill can lead to unnecessary deaths. Play smart and use cover.
- Ignoring Objectives: While denying enemy killstreaks is important, don’t neglect the primary objectives of the game mode.
Killstreaks Susceptible to Buzzkills
Many killstreaks in Call of Duty are susceptible to Buzzkills. Some of the most common include:
- Attack Helicopter: Eliminating the pilot or destroying the helicopter grants a Buzzkill.
- Chopper Gunner: Taking out the player controlling the chopper gunner awards the medal.
- Sentry Gun: Destroying a deployed sentry gun while it’s actively firing.
- VTOL: Destroying the VTOL aircraft.
- Wheelson: Destroying a Wheelson remotely controlled vehicle.
- Anything Player-Controlled: Any killstreak where the player is controlling a vehicle or weapon remotely, such as a Cruise Missile.
The Tactical Significance of Buzzkills
The importance of Buzzkills goes beyond just personal points and experience. It’s a powerful tactical tool that can significantly influence the flow of a match. By denying enemy killstreaks, you not only prevent them from racking up more kills but also disrupt their strategic advantage. A well-timed Buzzkill can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Buzzkills in Different Game Modes
The value of a Buzzkill can vary depending on the game mode:
| Game Mode | Importance |
|---|---|
| Team Deathmatch | High; denying enemy kills directly impacts the score. |
| Domination | Medium; disrupting enemy control of objectives. |
| Search & Destroy | Extremely High; preventing the enemy from gaining an advantage on attack or defense. |
| Hardpoint | High; disrupting enemy control of the Hardpoint and preventing them from racking up time. |
| Kill Confirmed | Medium; denying enemy kills and preventing them from confirming kills. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I damage a killstreak but someone else gets the final blow?
You will not receive the Buzzkill medal. The player who lands the final blow on the killstreak operator or device is the one awarded the Buzzkill. However, you will likely receive assist points for your damage.
Does destroying an empty UAV count as a Buzzkill?
No. A Buzzkill requires the target to be an active, player-controlled killstreak or device. UAVs and Counter UAVs, which provide passive benefits, do not qualify.
Can I get a Buzzkill if I kill a player just as their killstreak is ending naturally?
No. A Buzzkill is only awarded if you eliminate the player while they are actively controlling or using the killstreak, interrupting its use.
Does the Buzzkill medal impact my Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)?
While there’s no definitive confirmation from developers, it’s widely believed that all actions contributing to your score, including earning Buzzkills, influence your SBMM rating. Higher efficiency and tactical gameplay will generally place you in higher-skilled lobbies.
What’s the best weapon to use for getting Buzzkills on aerial killstreaks?
Launchers like the PILA or RPG-7 are generally considered the best due to their lock-on capabilities and high damage. However, some players prefer using LMGs with FMJ rounds for a higher sustained fire rate. The best choice depends on your play style and the specific killstreak.
Are there any specific perks that help in getting Buzzkills?
Yes, perks that increase weapon swap speed (e.g., Fast Hands), reload speed, or provide additional launcher ammo can be beneficial. Also, perks that highlight enemy equipment can make it easier to spot and prioritize targets.
How can I tell if an enemy is using a specific killstreak?
Listen for audio cues from the announcer. Additionally, observe the killfeed for notifications about enemy killstreak deployments. Knowing what the enemy is using will allow you to prepare accordingly.
Is there a difference between a Buzzkill and a “streak ended” notification?
Yes. A Buzzkill specifically refers to eliminating a player while they are actively USING a killstreak. A “streak ended” notification simply means you killed someone who was on a killstreak, regardless of whether they were using it at the time.
Does shooting down an enemy’s care package that they called in count as a Buzzkill?
No. While denying the enemy the package is a good play, it does not grant a Buzzkill. A Buzzkill requires eliminating a player actively utilizing a killstreak.
Can I get a Buzzkill by destroying a player’s Tactical Insertion?
No. Tactical Insertions are not considered killstreaks. They are deployable items, but not actively controlled killstreaks. A Buzzkill is specifically tied to interrupting a player’s killstreak.
Does earning Buzzkills contribute to any specific challenges or achievements?
Yes, often in Call of Duty, there are challenges and achievements related to earning a certain number of Buzzkills. Check the in-game challenges to see if there are any current objectives related to Buzzkills. These challenges usually reward you with XP or cosmetic items.
What’s the most satisfying Buzzkill to get?
That’s subjective, but many players find shutting down a Chopper Gunner or VTOL to be the most satisfying due to the significant impact these killstreaks can have on the game. Eliminating a player moments before they are about to score a game-winning kill with a killstreak is always satisfying.