MW3 – How to do a finishing move – kill an enemy without wasting your bullets

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Are you wondering how to do a finishing move in Modern Warfare 3? Past Call of Duty games have had brutal finishing moves that activate if you manage to sneak up behind an enemy with a melee weapon. Does this CoD title also have them?

Before attempting a finishing move, you may want to take a look at the MW3 weapons list. Make sure you know all the new weapons in the game. You might also want to know how to change your name in MW3.

Modern Warfare 3 has new finishing moves for characters like Captain Price, Ghost, Makarov, and Warden. How do you use these moves though? This guide will show you how to do a finishing move in Modern Warfare 3.

A soldier is laying on the ground with a gun, executing a finishing move.
Image taken by VideoGamer

How to use an operator finishing move in Modern Warfare 3

To perform a finishing move in Modern Warfare 3, you simply need to walk up behind an enemy and press the melee button. You don’t want to shoot them. Depending on your console or platform, this button will be:

  • Xbox Series X/S – Press in the right stick
  • PlayStation 5 – Press in the right stick
  • PC – Press the V key

You will perform a different finisher depending on the position of the enemy. The move has different variations based on whether the opponent is prone, crouched, or standing. Performing one of these moves will grant you a special cutscene. These cutscenes can vary and will have different firearms such as an assault rifle or pistol.

✓ take note

You won’t always succeed

Of course finishing moves are pretty cool. It’s a stylish and confident way of putting down an opponent but it’s easier said than done. If you get too close to an enemy, they’ll hear you coming from behind them and they’ll take you out before you get close enough. So to increase your chances of performing one, be sure to equip the Lightweight Boots or Covert Sneakers for your perks.

While being performed, you are stuck in the finishing move animation. During this time, the opponent can call for help while they meet their foul fate and let their team know what is happening. Because of this, you will need to watch your surroundings, especially in Warzone.

It is easier to pull off one of these moves if you use items like flashbang bombs. Perks like Dead Silence in the past have helped players sneak up on opponents.

How to unlock and equip finishing moves in Modern Warfare 3

New finishing moves can be unlocked through the following methods:

  • Completing the Battle Pass
  • Purchasing operator bundles
  • Purchase the Vault Edition
  • Purchase through the in-game store

When you unlock a new operator, you can equip finishing moves onto them. This is done by going to the operators tab. This can be accessed by going to the multiplayer menu from the main menu.

Now that you know everything about finishing moves in Modern Warfare 3, you might want to know how to get a nuke in MW3. We can help you create a great loadout for your weapons. Check out the best Longbow loadout for MW3.

MW3 Finishing Moves FAQs

What are the different types of finishing moves in MW3?

  • Stabbing
  • Throat slit
  • Execution
  • Stabbing

Can I customize finishing moves in MW3?

Yes, you can customize a finishing move by going to the Operators Tab from the main menu, choose the operator you want to customize and select ‘Operator finishing move’ to switch to other options.

About the Author

Aden Carter

Aden Carter is a guides writer for VideoGamer with a focus on action RPGs and adventure games. When he isn't busy writing, he is spinning tales with his friends at the local game shop.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Action, Shooter