The thrill of Call of Duty multiplayer requires mastering movement, aim, map knowledge and weapon metas. But few elements feel as viscerally satisfying as perfectly executing a finishing move. These physical melee takedowns instantly eliminate enemies with brutal flair when pulled off properly.
As a competitive FPS gamer with years of COD experience, I live for those rare chances to stylishly humiliate opponents. Finishing moves encapsulate a level of swagger and bravado built deeply into the franchise’s DNA. But opportunities to showcase these eliminations dwindle as Warzone 2.0 gameplay becomes increasingly more fast-paced and chaotic compared to traditional 6v6 formats.
Based on extensive playtime across Verdansk and Fortune’s Keep, finishing moves remain challenging yet rewarding to perform in the new Battle Royale. As a guide for fellow operators hoping to relive the highlight reel glory of older COD eras, here’s an in-depth look at mastering finishing moves within Warzone 2.0 specifically.
What Are Finishing Moves in COD?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, finishing moves are physical melee animations triggered by attacking an enemy from behind at close range. If executed stealthily, these scripted takedowns play out through unique brutal animations depending on your:
- Equipped operator
- Primed weapon choice
When performed successfully, a finishing move leads to an instant kill. But tricky timing and positioning make them challenging to pull off compared to a standard gunfight.
The Lost Thrillseeking Art
Longtime COD fans will remember finishing moves being especially prevalent during the Modern Warfare 2 and Black Ops eras. Quickscoping montages thrived on no-scope clips followed by immediate execution animations.
But as multiplayer gameplay evolved more towards mobility and superior aiming, those physical takedown opportunities dwindled. Black Ops 4 completely removed finishing moves altogether. Modern Warfare 2019 reintroduced them in signature COD fashion, carrying over into Warzone and now Warzone 2.0
For old-school players like myself who grew up on under-barrel shotgun interventions for maximum disrespect, finishing moves represent a bygone era of brazen highlight generation. Their challenging nature makes smoothly executing one in a hectic Battle Royale firefight extremely gratifying.
Finishing Move Gameplay Evolution
Across newer COD titles, finishing move animations continually upgrade to raise spectacle levels.
Modern Warfare executions carried a visceral, gritty tone. Operators could use equipped weaponry like handguns or knives in the takedown. Cold War then expanded the concept through more creative flourishes like beatdowns using prosthetic limbs.
Warzone 2.0 finishing moves in DMZ mode allow for takedowns on downed enemies. Operators can now heal themselves mid-execution too before finishing helpless prone opponents.
These additions provide more situational opportunities to flex creativity. But traditional finishing moves remain the most iconic when used properly to style on oblivious enemies during standard gameplay.
How To Execute Finishing Moves in Warzone 2.0
The actual button combinations required are simple. But setting up the perfect scenario to smoothly trigger the animation requires skillful positioning and timing.
Finishing Move Inputs
To execute a finishing attacking from behind an enemy, use the following default input based on your platform:
- PC – V Key or Mouse Button 4
- PlayStation – R3 Button
- Xbox – Right Analog Stick Press
Note that custom controller layouts may alter which button triggers finishing moves. Know your settings!
Execution Prerequisites
The following conditions must occur simultaneously to trigger finishing move animations:
- Must approach target directly from behind
- Must be within melee lunge range of target
- Target cannot already be alerted or engaged in combat
These criteria mean careless movement leading up to the strike can make or break your chance. Proper positioning and stealth are vital.
Advanced Finishing Move Technique Tips
In my extensive Warzone 2.0 playtime, I've identified several advanced strategic concepts that separate mediocre finishing move attempts from expertly executed takedowns.
Optimize Stealth Gear
The key to getting within melee range undetected boils down to stealthiness. I optimize my finishing move class setup by:
- Equipping suppressors on all weapons
- Using the Spotter perk to avoid claymore ambushes
- Running Tracker to chase footstep trails
- Using Dead Silence to muffle sprinting noise
These tools help silently pinpoint prey and approach safely from behind unseen and unheard.
Misdirect and Distract
Nearly any tool or tactic that diverts enemy attention can open finishing move windows. Excellent distractions include:
- Popping smoke grenades
- Tossing flashbangs
- Breaking glass
- Baiting gunshots
Misdirection makes opponents less wary of checking six o’clock for flankers. Capitalize on these psychological blindspots.
Third Party Firefights
Pay close attention to the map anytime you hear distant gunshots. Players already engaged mid-battle tend to get tunnel vision focusing fire towards threats in front rather than watching their backside.
Flanking and infiltrating these gunfights opens easy opportunities to isolate and pick off stragglers. But use discretion – crashing overtly into a full squad battle is risky.
Down Finishers
The Warzone 2.0 DMZ mode introduces down finisher moves allowing executions on incapacitated enemies. But traditional finishing animations on stand-up targets remain most impressive and challenging to pull off.
Still, keep down finisher moves in mind when pushing silver or gold Strongholds. The self heal buffs give clutch insurance for risky thrist finishes.
Avoiding Finishing Move Deaths
While mastering finishing move offense, also avoid leaving yourself defenselessly prone on the receiving end from other operators.
Check All Angles
Frequently glancing at the radar and visualizing threats from all directions is critical. Make checking six o’clock as habitual as watching main lines of sight.
Keep Mobile
A moving target couldn’t be executing finishing moves his harder to pinpoint. Always stay on the move with unpredictable strafing, jumping and abrupt 180 turns.
Use Proximity Alarms
Proximity-based equipment like Claymores and C4 make approaching unseen nearly impossible. Place them strategically to cover flanks in buildings or buy station visits.
Consistency Develops Instincts
Mastering finishing moves involves slowly conditioning your instincts towards recognizing perfect isolated attack opportunities. Repetition trains subconscious ability to instantly assess:
- Ideal situational misdirection tools
- Vulnerable target isolation spots on maps
- Optimal stealth approach paths
Regular Warzone 2.0 gameplay eventually locks this decision loop into muscle memory. Keep striving to expand creativity and precision until finishing moves feel like second nature.
Finishing Move Mastery Unlocks Glory
Completing the finishing move learning journey pays dividends through unlocking signature highlight moments. Flawless executions become badges of honor compared to ordinary eliminations.
But reckless impatience often leads to being gunned down mid-animation. Stick to fundamentals until the perfect cinematic opportunity presents itself organically.
For fellow FPS purists willing to put in the positional awareness practice and stealth grinding, finishing moves represent the ultimate flex. Mastering the artform showcases our otherworldly playmaking flair at the highest level.
