A challenge in Modern Warfare 3 requires players to get Tactical Stance kills. However, the task doesn’t come with instructions, which has baffled some players. They wonder what a Tac-Stance is and how it can be used to kill enemies. This quick MW3 guide clarifies everything about the challenge and offers tips for landing Tactical Stance kills with ease.

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Modern Warfare 3: How to Get Operator Assault Kills

Assault Kills are the elimination of defending enemies around multiplayer mode objectives; here’s how to get them quickly.

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Updated on July 30, 2024, by Mohsen Baqery: With MW3 joining Xbox Game Pass, thousands of new players are expected to join Activision's multiplayer shooter. These newcomers might be curious about the tactical stance feature, a relatively new addition to the Modern Warfare franchise. To help new players learn more, this article has been updated with a detailed explanation of the feature, along with clear instructions for activating the tac-stance mode and achieving kills with it.

Tactical Stance Mode Explained

Screenshot showcasing the Quatermaster Suppressor and the Paracord Grip on the STG44 in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone

Also known as tac-stance, the tactical stance is a shooting mode in Modern Warfare 3. When toggled on, the player holds the gun tilted to one side, firing without aiming down the sight. Similar to hip fire mode, shots in the tactical stance are less accurate compared to aiming down sights (ADS). However, this mode is advantageous in close-quarter battles (CQB), where quick reactions are more important than precision.

Platform

Tac-Stance Input

PC

Press V while you’re aiming down sight

PlayStation 4 and 5

Press down on the D-Pad while holding L2 (or the ADS button)

Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S

Press down on the D-Pad while holding LT (or the ADS button)

How to Get Tac-Stance Kills

mw3 tactical stance kill challenge.

Tactical kills are achieved by shooting down enemies in the side-grip mode. First, toggle on the Tac-Stance by pressing down on the D-pad while aiming. (It’s ADS + V on PC.) Next, assassinate enemies while the weapon is tipped on its side.

Introduced in Modern Warfare 3, Tac-Stance is a canted firing technique. It allows the player to unshoulder the weapon, tilt it to the side, and shoot in a half-ADS half-hipfire state.

The Best Class Setup for Getting Tac-Stance Kills

tactical gear in modern warfare 3.

Attachment-wise, any component that would increase accuracy and Tac Stance Spread is a must. Suppressors, short barrels, and visible lasers are excellent for maximum Tactical Stance kills.

For the equipment, Infantry is the ideal vest. Tracker gear like the Backlight Flashlight is handy. In addition to that, tactical items such as Stun Grenades are a must—as they facilitate hipfire kills by slowing down the enemy.

Since the Tac-Stance ditches ADS, leave the Optic’s slot empty. Give its spot to a stability-inducing attachment. An underbarrel, stock, or rear grip would be a better replacement.

The Best Modes for the Tactical Stance Challenge

modern warfare 3 war mode
modern warfare 3 war mode

Hardcore modes with dense maps are optimal for getting Tac-Stance kills. Enemies in these modes have fewer HPs and are easier to locate, making it feasible to land hipfire and no-crosshair shots. Free For All, Kill Confirm, and Domination are the best options.

As for the maps, Rust, Scrapyard, and Terminal offer the highest Tactical Stance kill ratio. These small areas enable Close Quarters Battle (CQB), which is crucial for the camo challenges.

Tips for Mastering Tac-Stance Assassinations

mw3 operator tilting his gun.

Below is a list of best practices for getting more Tactical Stance kills:

  • Turn the Center Dot on. Go to the Interface Settings and toggle the Center Dot on for your Crosshair. This will show a large dot in the middle of the screen replacing your ironsight in the tac-stance mode.
  • Reduce Tactical Stance Spread. When building your weapon, aim to pick attachments that minimize tac-stance spread. This will maximize your accuracy while shooting with your gun tilted to the side.
  • Hunt the enemy down. A “track & assassinate” strategy is ideal. Spot the enemy in advance and approach them poised to attack.
  • Exploit tactical equipment. Stun Grenades, Flash Bangs, and Dead Silence Field Upgrade can maximize Tac-Stance kills. (They neutralize the enemy and expose their position.)
  • Slow down before shooting. The tac-Stance cuts accuracy. Stabilize before engagement for less gunkick.
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Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) Tag Page Cover Art
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III
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6 /10
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Released
November 10, 2023
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
Developer(s)
Sledgehammer Games
Publisher(s)
Activision
Genre(s)
First-Person Shooter
How Long To Beat
5 Hours
PS Plus Availability
N/A