What Does the Laser Do in CoD? A Comprehensive Guide
Lasers in Call of Duty (CoD) games serve primarily as weapon attachments designed to enhance various aspects of gunplay, though their specific effects can differ between titles. In essence, they augment accuracy, aiming speed, and stability, often at the cost of making your position more visible to opponents. They are a strategic choice, demanding a mindful playstyle rather than being an automatic improvement. The core function is to provide an edge, but their drawbacks must also be considered. Ultimately, the benefits of a laser depend heavily on your weapon, your preferred style of combat, and the specific game within the Call of Duty series you are playing.
The Core Functionality of Lasers
Accuracy Enhancements
The most common benefit of laser attachments in CoD is an increase to hip-fire accuracy. This means that your shots fired without aiming down sights (ADS) will be more accurate and more tightly grouped. This is particularly useful for close-quarters engagements, where the speed of hip-firing can make the difference between winning or losing a gunfight. This feature harkens back to the “Steady Aim” perk from earlier CoD titles, essentially fulfilling a similar niche but as an attachment instead of a perk.
Aiming Speed and Stability
Lasers also frequently contribute to improved aim down sights (ADS) speed. This allows you to bring your weapon to your shoulder and fire with enhanced speed. The faster you can ADS, the quicker you are able to accurately fire upon an opponent. Furthermore, some lasers provide aiming stability, reducing weapon sway and making it easier to stay on target. These benefits are crucial for a multitude of scenarios but are especially vital for taking long-range or mid-range fights, where precision is paramount.
The Trade-Off: Visibility
Despite their benefits, there’s a significant trade-off with many laser attachments: visibility. In many CoD games, lasers project a visible beam, which is easily seen by enemy players, particularly in dark areas. This beam can betray your position and pre-aimed lines of sight, making you an easy target. Knowing that enemies can see your laser means your playstyle needs to be more focused on movement and utilizing cover.
Unique Laser Variants
It’s also important to note that not all lasers are created equal. Certain games, like Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2, have included unique laser variants that boast special abilities. An example is the “Canted Vibro-Dot 7” in Modern Warfare 2. These special lasers often provide distinct advantages, but sometimes at the cost of other aspects. This level of variety forces players to be strategic in selecting the right laser for their specific loadout. Some lasers also allow for a Canted Laser Aiming, switching between a normal view and a canted laser view, enhancing aiming versatility for those who prefer it.
Specific Game Variations
While the underlying purpose of lasers remains largely consistent throughout the Call of Duty franchise, there are subtle differences in how they are implemented from game to game. Some iterations might prioritize hip-fire accuracy, while others might focus more heavily on ADS speed or stability. As such, the effectiveness of any given laser attachment will vary greatly based on the specific title you’re playing. You need to experiment and read the stat changes carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can enemies see my laser in CoD?
Yes, in most cases, enemies can see your laser beam. Whether it’s a coherent beam or just a dot, this depends on the specific laser attachment and game you’re playing. Check the laser’s description in the loadout menu; if it says the laser is “visible,” enemies will see it. This is a crucial factor in deciding whether or not to use a laser.
2. Do lasers improve aim?
Lasers **indirectly improve aim** by speeding up target acquisition, decreasing the time required to aim and fire, and reducing follow-up shot times. They can also be beneficial for hip firing techniques, where the shooter relies on hand-eye coordination.
3. What is the best laser in MW2?
The FSS OLE-V Laser is generally considered one of the best in Modern Warfare 2. It has a positive impact on ADS speed, aiming stability, and sprint-to-fire speed, making it highly versatile for many weapons and combat styles.
4. How does the Canted Laser work in Modern Warfare 2?
The Canted Laser in MW2, when equipped, allows you to switch to a canted laser sight view. It is accessed through a specific button input. It changes your aiming posture to offer an alternate sight picture with various benefits.
5. Why use a laser in Warzone?
In Warzone, lasers, especially the Canted laser sights, enhance accuracy, speed up aiming, and promote a more versatile style of combat. While they may give your position away, the accuracy benefits can outweigh the risks for certain players.
6. What is laser vision in Warzone 2?
Laser Vision is a superpower found within Warzone 2’s Temp V, not a weapon attachment. It allows an operator to levitate and fire a laser beam to sear through enemies in their line of sight. This is a separate function from weapon-based lasers.
7. Are lasers allowed in real-world warfare?
The use of lasers is restricted under international humanitarian law when they are specifically designed to cause permanent blindness. However, lasers are used in warfare for other purposes, such as target designation, range finding, and communication.
8. What are the downsides of using lasers in CoD?
The primary downside is visibility. If the laser is visible, enemies will see it, potentially giving away your position. This makes you an easier target, especially if you are pre-aiming a lane or corner.
9. How do I unlock lasers in CoD?
Lasers are generally unlocked by leveling up weapons and completing various challenges related to that specific weapon. You can view the specific unlock conditions in the weapon attachment menu.
10. Are laser sights better than regular sights?
It depends on your playstyle. Laser sights are advantageous for hip-fire accuracy and faster ADS, while traditional optics offer a zoomed perspective for longer-range engagements. It is not necessarily an objective upgrade but more of a different playstyle preference.
11. Do lasers affect weapon recoil?
Generally, lasers do not directly affect weapon recoil. Some lasers provide **aiming stability**, which can indirectly make recoil more manageable by reducing weapon sway while shooting.
12. Can lasers be countered in CoD?
Lasers can’t be directly countered, however, players can adjust their tactics and strategy to counter the effects of them. For example, if enemies can see your laser, you can focus more on moving around the map and utilizing cover.
13. Is using a laser a good idea for a sniper rifle?
Lasers on sniper rifles can be useful for improving ADS speed and aiming stability. However, the visibility may make you an easier target. Players should weigh these factors when deciding to equip a laser to a sniper rifle.
14. Does the laser help with sprint-out time?
Some lasers do offer a bonus to sprint-to-fire speed. The FSS OLE-V Laser, for example, enhances this stat alongside other benefits. This allows players to be more aggressive while using the weapon.
15. Are laser attachments worth using in Call of Duty?
Whether laser attachments are “worth it” depends entirely on your specific playstyle, the weapon you are using, and how well you weigh the benefits against the downsides. If you use them tactically and strategically, they can be highly beneficial.