Summary
While theCall of Dutyfranchise’s multiplayer experience is renowned for its highly competitive and tense gameplay, there have always been certain mechanics that are purely for fun and style. This has been the case for the finishing moves, or executions, of the IP, which were first introduced in 2019’sModern Warfareand have become a staple of the franchise ever since.
Finishing Moves inCall of Dutyoccur when a player melees an enemy from behind, with a third-person animation then occurring for both players, showcasing the gruesome killing of the victim at the hands of the aggressor. WithCoD’s multiplayer modes becoming increasingly commercialized through things like in-game bundles and a wide range of cosmetics, it was not long before Activision began releasing weird and wonderful Finishing Moves that are miles removed from the serious tone that the IP usually employs. For example, a recent Christmas-themed Finishing Move sees the attacker summon an elf that runs through the victim’s legs, before kicking the victim in the groin in a classic slap-stick fashion. While this might seem bizarre, it is simply one of manyCoDFinishing Moves that are extremely memorable in how eccentric they are.
Call of Duty Has a Lot of Crazy Finishing Moves
Blowin' Smoke
One of the most iconic Finishing Moves inCoDcame from the Blunt Force Drama Tracer Packbundle forCall of Duty: Vanguard. This bundle concerned the in-game operator Gustavo, giving him a range of cosmetics and weapon blueprints themed around narcotics, as well as an associated Finishing Move. Named Blowin' Smoke, this execution simply saw the attacker blow smoke into the face of the enemy, leaving them dazed and stumbling before falling to the ground. With how graphic Finishing Moves usually are inCoD,the quick and humorous nature of Blowin' Smoke rivals that of the recent elf execution.
While the descriptions of these Finishing Moves are accurate, their animations can change depending on the physical stance of the player that is being executed.
Death Summons
The Death Summons Finishing Move is another weird addition toCoD,first appearing in the Tracer Pack: Witchcraftbundle forModern Warfare 2. A sinister cosmetic pack for the operator Calisto, this bundle came with the Death Summons finishing move. This sees the attacker create a pentagram under the feet of their victim, before they rise into the air and contort, with their bones violently snapping before being slammed into the ground.
More Where That Came From
Another crazy finisher came withModern Warfare 2, specifically in the Tracer Pack Bloodless bundle for Kleo. This particular bundle has a zombie theme throughout it, with this being smartly employed in its Finishing Move. Named More Where That Came From, the finisher involves the player summoning a zombie that is let loose on the enemy, quickly goring them before being executed by the player themselves. While this Finisher is less jarring thanks toits ties toCoDZombies, it is still a strange animation to see play out in the IP’s core multiplayer.
Gravity Inversion
Vanguardalso possesses one of the funniest Finishers inCall of Dutyhistory in its Gravity Inversion execution, which came as a part of theTracer Pack Kong crossover bundle. Inspired by the immense strength of King Kong, this Finisher has the player grab an opponent before violently swinging them into the air, launching them high into the sky. Victims of this Finishing Move can essentially be flung over buildings and out of the map boundaries, making it a hilariously peculiar move for the IP.
Flexed Upon
Lastly, the Flexed Upon Finishing Move forMW3is another great example of wacky humor being employed in the modernCoDidentity. This move came as a part of theSeason One Blackcell operator rewards, and is at its best when being used on a downed enemy inWarzone. With this specific set up, the player jumps and kills the enemy with a “360 no-scope,” a direct reference toCall of Duty’s rich trickshotting history. While the new Santa’s Right Hand elf execution is grabbing a lot of attention, it is simply the latest execution in a long line of wacky Finishing Moves for the franchise.
