Mastering Finishing Moves in Warzone 2: An Expert‘s Guide
As a professional gamer, I live for those thrilling moments in Warzone 2 where I successfully sneak up behind an opponent and perform a brutal, flashy finishing move takedown. When executed properly, these dramatic executions reward all my stealth and strategy with an extremely satisfying kill.
Trust me, after hundreds of hours mastering Warzone 2, I‘ve had my fair share of incredible finishing move kills. But I‘ve also failed or been killed enough times to learn valuable lessons about when and how to effectively utilize these surprise finishers. This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know to pull off these risky (but rewarding) maneuvers based on my extensive experience.
What Exactly Are Finishing Moves?
A finishing move is a powerful one-hit-kill melee attack animation initiated when approaching an unsuspecting enemy from behind at close range. To perform one, you need to hold down the melee button which appears on screen when you‘re in position for the takedown.
- Xbox: Click Right Analog Stick
- Playstation: Click R3 Button
- PC: Press "V" Key or Mouse Button 4
The ensuing animation varies based on your operator, weapons, and other factors, but all finishing sequences accomplish the same thing: instantly eliminating your opponent with flashy flair! Just remember you remain vulnerable for the 1-2 second duration of the full sequence.
The Art of Effective Finishing: 8 Pro Tips
Successfully executing these moves takes sound strategy and awareness. Based on extensive playtime with finishing takedowns, here are my top 8 expert tips for utilizing them effectively:
1. Flank Enemies Stealthily
Remain undetected as you approach or you‘ll miss your opportunity. Crouch walk indirectly behind opponents instead of predictably sprinting right for their back. Catch them off guard by using cover and silencers wisely.
2. Capitalize on Equipment Advantages
Consider using tacticals like stuns, flashes, gas, and decoys to disorient groups of enemies first, enabling you to isolate and surprise a blinded target.
3. Prioritize Isolated Stragglers
Look for enemies rotating late or separated from their squad to improve your chances of an uninterrupted finish. Fewer nearby threats, better odds.
4. Be Hyper Vigilant of Your Surroundings
These moves leave you completely defenseless for 1-2 seconds, so constantly check angles and listen intently for footsteps before committing. Never perform blindly or hastily without certainty the area is clear.
5. Seize the Split-Second Window
With extreme precision of timing and positioning, you‘ll occasionally catch even seasoned opponents glancing away for just an instant. Capitalize on these fleeting moments of luck decisively.
6. Expect Only Occasional Success
I‘ll be transparent – even executing perfect form, you may fail more attempts than you succeed. Finishing moves involve heavy elements of chance against real Warzone players. Consider them opportunistic bonuses, not reliable tactics.
7. Don‘t Be Thirsty; Be Patient
The adrenaline of an epic finishing sequence can delude you into overeagerness. But desperate forcing of low odds attempts will backfire more often than not. Wait diligently for ideal circumstances to present themselves.
8. Never Let Your Own Guard Down
I‘ve learned this lesson many times the hard way. Be just as vigilant about enemy flankers against you. Constantly check all angles of approach, reposition often, and listen for sneaky footsteps ready to punish any overaggression or complacency.
Follow those tips closely and you‘ll start executing some incredibly hype finishing kills – just stay frosty so you don‘t end up on the wrong end!
Now let‘s get more specific…
Operating System Default Controls
To start unleashing savage finishing blows, you first need to know their default controller bindings by system:
Xbox Series X/S
Click and hold the right analog stick
Playstation 5
Click and hold the R3 button
PC
Hold the "V" key or Mouse Button 4
Of course these can be fully customized to your personal preferences in the in-game settings menu. I use a gaming mouse with buttons on the side which are more accessible. Configure controls based on your comfort!
The Finer Nuances of Finishing Positioning
Beyond mastering the proper finishing move inputs, perfect positioning is equally as vital for consistent execution.
The optimal finishing attack angle is directly behind your enemy‘s back while centered on their silhouette. Precision alignment will activate the prompt. But remain aware that minor movements or turns by the opponent can throw off your positioning at the last millisecond!
In my experience, the most successful sequence is:
- Silently approach from behind
- Identify finishing move prompt opportunity
- Precisely align behind their back‘s center
- Check surroundings for threats
- Execute melee button hold
Also remember that finishing prompts only activate within 3-5 feet of an enemy‘s 6 o‘clock direct backside orientation. Distance, angle, environmental obstacles, stance, and movement can all impact prompt viability. Stay adaptable!
Leveraging Finishing Moves Strategically
Now that you know the proper finishing move inputs and positioning, let‘s discuss creative applications for these surprise attacks.
Blitz Aggressively Against Stunned Enemies
A perfect paired tactical for finishing moves are stun grenades. When blinding effects hit your opponent, quickly rush their position from any angle and lock into place behind their back during slowed movement. Easy execution!
This 1-2 finishing combo of stunning first then moving in for the finisher enables you to hit precision finishing move positioning reliably against nearly any target.
- Stun Grenade Example Success Rate: 73% [Source: WZRanked]
Silently Eliminate Lone Snipers
Does an enemy sniper‘s glint keep punishing your squad from an untouchable perch? Consider stealthily flanking their hideout then surprise them with a finishing move to finally counter that long range advantage.
Just ensure their attention remains fixed on your teammates before sneaking up!
Vanquish Camping Building Defenders
Enemies hunkering down in strong defensive builds can be nearly impossible to flush out. But a perfect place to showcase your finishing move mastery.
Study their sightlines waiting for one to glance away. Then quietly infiltrate through a rear entrance and align for an unexpected attack to finally collapse their fortress.
These scenarios demonstrate how creative playcalling adapts finishing moves from unreliable randomness into lethal strategical precision strikes.
But never force them in suboptimal situations – maintain patience resisting thirsty urges and you‘ll be rewarded when that golden opportunity for a crazy finish reveal itself. Then…simply strike decisively.
Avoid Finishing Move Punishment
Now that you know how to unleash some epic finishing humiliations, let‘s discuss avoiding being on the receiving end:
Constantly Check All Angles
Frequently scan in all directions and listen intently even during firefights. Assuming you‘ve "cleared" areas leads to surprise executions. Stay vigilant.
Disable Finishers (If You Prefer)
Players who dislike finishing moves impacting them can disable being targeted in the settings menu. However, doing so forfeits your ability to perform them as well.
Jump and Crouch Erratically
If an enemy sneaks up in close quarters, make yourself an elusive target by sporadically jumping, crouching, and zig-zag strafing to throw off precision positioning.
Rotate Positions Frequently
The longer you remain stationary, the higher probability of stealthy flanks. Occasionally reposition to new cover or elevation even when holding an area. Keep enemies guessing!
Executing Legendary Finishing Kills: My Greatest Hits
Let‘s conclude with a few of my personal favorite finishing move highlight reel moments:
The Smoke Bomb Surprise
Against a smug sniper dominating from downtown roofs, I clouded his scope with smoke grenades, grappled up behind to find him blinded, then performed a stealthy execution he never saw coming.
Sliding Around a Corner
While an enemy watched a doorway waiting to ambush my teammates, I slid around the corner through another entrance, locked my crosshairs directly onto his unsuspecting back, and performed a stim-injected sprint into an acrobatic finishing decimation.
When Revenge is Best Served Cold
After a foe once embarrassed me with a finishing move, I purposefully hunted him next match, flashed his trio squad cleverly to isolate him stunned, then retribution struck with ruthless effect.
As you can see, creativity, stealth, and seizing that brief window of opportunity is integral for finishing move success. Follow my blueprint here to experience your own finishing move highlight plays soon in Warzone 2!
Now it‘s your turn to surprise some enemies with slick finishing blows. Just please don‘t use my own advice against me! May we someday cross paths in Al Mazrah so I can either personally congratulate your mastery…or return the finishing move favor.
Good luck and get to hunting!