How to Execute a Finishing Move in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2?

A finishing move or a finisher is a technique that players can pull off to kill or defeat a weakened or wounded enemy. It is very common in fighting games but has also made its way into other games like Apex Legends. Call of Duty (COD) Modern Warfare (MW) originally introduced the finishing move three years ago in 2019 and Infinity Ward has brought back this fan-favorite mechanic into the sequel COD Modern Warfare 2. Notably, Modern Warfare 2 has also brought back some of the most memorable features from COD franchises including sliding and dolphin dives. 

Getting melee killed in any game leaves a sour taste in players’ mouths but at least you can do it in style and secure a kill. Here’s how you can do a finishing move in MW2.

Finishing Move in COD Modern Warfare 2

Nothing can be more satisfying than pulling off a finishing move on your opponent in Modern Warfare 2. The game has many finishing moves and tons of challenges come along with them but there is not an obvious, spell-out method to actually do one. You need to note that you will have to find an enemy who is unaware of your whereabouts and completely sneak up behind them. This in itself will be really difficult since Modern Warfare 2 is a competitive multiplayer. Players should also be aware that the finishing move animations will occur differently depending on the enemy’s stance, the weapon you’re carrying, and also the finishing move you’ve equipped from the store.

First and foremost, get fully behind an enemy otherwise the mechanic will not trigger. Once you’re behind an enemy, you will have to press and hold your melee button. Controller players, by default, will have to hold down on their right R3/RS button. However, if you’re on the tactical control layout, then press and hold the Circle/B button. On the other hand, keyboard and mouse players can view and change their melee keybind in the settings option in-game. Once you’ve noted down which button is assigned to your melee, you need to remember it and pull off the move from behind the enemy. On PC, the default keybinds for melee are the V key or mouse button 4.

However, players need to be careful while doing the finishing move. Enemies can still shoot you as you are performing the mechanic and pulling this off in the open might not be a great choice. To successfully do a finishing move instead of punching at thin air, use a flash or stun grenade to incapacitate your enemy, then run behind them to execute the finisher.