How to execute a finishing move in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2

Nathan Warby
Warzone 2 player performing execution

Both Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 allow players to pull off flashy executions to kill enemy players in the most spectacular, and humiliating, fashion. Here’s how to do finishing moves in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2.

Players have endless different options when it comes to scoring a kill in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2. Whether it’s one of the game’s dozens of weapons or powerful Killstreaks that can be called in for support.

But none are more satisfying, or embarrassing if you’re on the receiving end, than finishing moves. These elaborate takedowns hit players with a mini cutscene before executing them in a brutal fashion.

Here’s how to perform a finishing move in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2.

How to do a finishing move in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2

In order to pull off a finishing move in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2, all you have to do hold down the melee button when directly behind an opponent. Doing this will trigger the animation and the enemy will have no choice but to sit and watch the takedown.

If you’re not in the right position behind the player, your character will only perform a regular melee attack, so it’s crucial to line the move up properly. We recommend only attempting it when sneaking up on an enemy who doesn’t know you’re there to ensure maximum success.

Alternatively, you could use a Flashbang or Decoy Grenade to get the drop on unsuspecting foes before getting in behind and breaking out the finishing move.

It’s worth keeping in mind, however, that finishing moves are unskippable for both players involved, but can be interrupted by other members of each team. This means a teammate can easily come and steal your kill mid-execution, while an enemy could take you out and save their partner.

Warzone 2 operator aiming at a downed enemy

How to equip finishing moves in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2

All players have a default finishing move equipped at all times in Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2, but new and more elaborate ones can be unlocked through the Battle Pass or bought from the CoD Store. Once you’ve obtained a new execution, simply follow the steps below to equip them:

  1. Head to the Operators tab in the Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 main menu.
  2. Select your preferred Operator and hit ‘Customize.’
  3. Select ‘Operator Finishing Move.’
  4. Pick the best finishing move you have unlocked and try it out in-game.

If you’re a player who likes to regularly switch between Operators repeat this process for each character you’re planning to use, as this only applies the finishing move to the specific Operator selected.

More finishing moves are being added with each new season, so be sure to keep an eye out for new ways to embarrass the opponent.


For more on Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2, be sure to take a look at our other guides:

How to ping enemies in Warzone 2 | Best Warzone 2 landing spots | How to use Proximity Chat in Warzone 2 | Best audio settings for Warzone 2 | How to get a nuke in Warzone 2 | How to get your loadout in Warzone 2 | Best Assault Rifles in Warzone 2 | How to check your K/D in Modern Warfare 2 | Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 2 | Best Assault Rifles in Modern Warfare 2 | Best Shotguns in Modern Warfare 2 | Best Marksman Rifles in Modern Warfare 2 | Best Sniper Rifles in Modern Warfare 2

Image Credit: Activision

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