Hello, fellow gamer! Are you ready to add some serious style to your takedowns in Call of Duty: Vanguard on your Xbox? Performing a finishing move, or "execution," is one of the most most satisfying ways to eliminate an enemy. It's a bit of a flex, a taunt, and a cinematic masterpiece all in one. But how do you actually do it? Let's break it down step-by-step.
Mastering the Art of the Finishing Move in Vanguard
A finishing move isn't just about pressing a button; it's about timing, positioning, and a little bit of luck. The key is to get behind your opponent without them seeing you, which can be a real challenge in the fast-paced world of Vanguard multiplayer. But trust me, once you nail it, it's worth the effort.
How To Do Finishing Move Vanguard Xbox |
Step 1: Get in the Right Position
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.![]()
First things first, you need to be in the perfect spot. You can't just run up to someone's face and expect to do a fancy finisher.
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Become a Shadow: You need to be directly behind your enemy. They can't see you, and you need to be within melee range. Think of yourself as a ninja, stalking your prey.
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Use the Environment: Use cover, like walls and objects, to your advantage. Crouch or go prone to stay out of sight on the mini-map. Don't sprint directly at them unless you're confident they're distracted.
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Tactical is Key: Perks like Tracker can be your best friend. It shows you enemy footsteps, making it easier to follow them and get the perfect drop on them. Using a Stun Grenade or a Flash Grenade to disorient an opponent before you move in for the kill can also be a game-changer.
Step 2: The Button Combination
This is the most crucial part. The button combination is simple, but the timing is everything.
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The Right Stick is Your Weapon: On your Xbox controller, the melee button is typically the Right Stick (R3). To perform a normal melee attack, you just click it in.
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The Power is in the Hold: For a finishing move, you don't just click the Right Stick. You need to click and hold it in.
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Hold Until the Animation Starts: Once you're in the right position and holding the Right Stick, the cinematic finishing move animation will begin. You have to keep holding the button until the animation is complete.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.![]()
Step 3: Enjoy the Show (and be careful!)
Once the animation starts, you're locked in. This is where it gets a little risky.
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You're Vulnerable: While the finishing move is playing out, you are completely defenseless. Other enemies can and will shoot you. If you get killed during the animation, the enemy you were trying to finish will survive.
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Choose Your Moments: It's best to attempt a finishing move when the enemy is isolated or when you're sure their teammates aren't nearby. A frantic, busy match might not be the best time to attempt this, unless you're feeling really bold.
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The Ultimate Flex: If you successfully complete the finishing move, you'll not only get the kill, but you'll also see the awesome, unique animation for your Operator. It's a great way to show off your skills and a little bit of style.
Step 4: Customizing Your Finishing Moves
Did you know you can change the finishing move your Operator uses?
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.![]()
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Go to the Operators Menu: From the main menu, navigate to the Operators section.
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Choose Your Operator: Select the Operator you want to customize.
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Customize Your Operator: Press the "Y" button on your Xbox controller to bring up the customization menu.
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Select "Finishing Moves": Use the bumper buttons (LB and RB) to tab over to the "Finishing Moves" section.
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Choose and Preview: Here, you can see all the finishing moves you have unlocked for that Operator. You can preview them by pressing the Right Stick (R3) again and then select your favorite.
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Unlock More: You can unlock new and different finishing moves by leveling up your Operators, completing challenges, or purchasing them from the in-game store.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about finishing moves in Vanguard.
How to get behind an enemy without being seen? Use perks like Cold-Blooded and Ghost to stay off enemy radars and surveillance. Crouch or go prone while moving to reduce the sound of your footsteps.
How to know if a finishing move is possible? You can't perform a finishing move on an enemy who is facing you. You need to be directly behind them, within melee range.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.![]()
How to perform a finishing move on a downed enemy? In Warzone or modes where players are downed, you can still perform an execution on them by following the same steps.
How to cancel a finishing move? Unfortunately, once the animation begins, you cannot cancel it. You're committed to the action.
How to unlock more finishing moves? You can unlock finishing moves by leveling up your Operators, completing certain challenges, or by purchasing cosmetic bundles from the in-game store.
How to change the button for a finishing move? The finishing move action is tied to the melee button. You can change your controller button layout in the settings menu to remap the melee button to a different button, but the core mechanic of holding it down remains the same.
How to avoid getting killed while doing a finishing move? The best way is to do it in a less chaotic environment, on an isolated enemy, or when their teammates are preoccupied. There is always a risk, but a tactical approach reduces it.
How to do a finishing move from the front? You cannot do a finishing move from the front. The mechanic is specifically designed for a stealthy, rear-based takedown.
How to check which finishing moves I have? Go to the Operators menu, select your Operator, and then navigate to the "Finishing Moves" tab in the customization section.
How to use a finishing move in the campaign? Finishing moves are primarily a multiplayer feature and are not a key part of the campaign's gameplay. The takedown mechanic in the campaign is more contextual and less about a specific animation.