What is a “Popcorn Kill” in Call of Duty? A Comprehensive Guide
The term “popcorn kill” in the Call of Duty (CoD) universe refers to a specific type of multi-kill achieved with an explosive device. Specifically, it signifies eliminating two or more enemies with a single explosive, such as a grenade, rocket, or other explosive ordnance. This act often results in a satisfying and visually appealing display of multiple eliminations, with enemies often scattered in different directions, like popcorn popping. The feeling of landing a well-timed “popcorn” is a unique thrill in the high-octane gameplay of Call of Duty. While the specific medal awarded might vary slightly between different Call of Duty titles, the core concept of scoring multiple kills with one explosive remains consistent. It’s a fundamental part of the game’s dynamic and a crucial tactic for controlling objectives and wiping out groups of enemies effectively. This definition not only applies to traditional multiplayer modes but also sometimes translates to other game modes that have zombies or infected enemies as well.
The Significance of Popcorn Kills
Beyond the simple satisfaction of eliminating multiple enemies at once, popcorn kills serve multiple strategic purposes in Call of Duty. They can quickly turn the tide of a battle, allowing you to clear a point of enemies in a single well-placed explosion, push an objective, or disrupt enemy formations. Popcorn kills are a testament to a player’s knowledge of the maps, timing of enemy movement and mastery of explosive mechanics. Effective use of explosives is a skill that allows players to anticipate enemy positions and movements. A well-placed grenade can flush enemies out of cover, allowing for teammates to eliminate them. Popcorn kills are also incredibly useful for taking out multiple enemies camping together.
The impact of the popcorn kill goes beyond the elimination itself; it also contributes to the overall score, experience, and momentum of a match. In many game modes, the act of achieving a multikill provides an experience bonus, thereby accelerating the progress towards killstreaks or field upgrades. More importantly, a good popcorn kill creates a sense of momentum. It provides an offensive burst that the player can use to capture more objectives, eliminate more enemies, and generally dominate the map.
Different Ways to Achieve a Popcorn Kill
While the general idea remains the same, there are numerous ways to achieve a popcorn kill within the different Call of Duty titles. The most common methods involve:
- Grenades: Frag grenades and other timed explosives are the most common way of getting popcorn kills. They can be cooked to the right time so they go off at the right time near the enemy.
- Rocket Launchers: Launchers can be used to take out groups of enemies huddled together or in tight spaces. They can also be aimed at chokepoints to take out enemies as they pass by.
- C4 and Claymores: These explosives can be strategically placed at doorways, and chokepoints to take out enemies as they enter or pass by.
- Special Weapons/Abilities: Some games have special weapons or abilities that can cause a large explosive damage over an area, which can lead to popcorn kills.
- Vehicles: Driving vehicles into groups of enemies can sometimes result in a popcorn kill.
The “Popcorn” Medal
In some Call of Duty titles, particularly in Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), players are awarded a specific medal called “Popcorn” when they achieve a multi-kill with an explosive. This award serves as an in-game confirmation of the achievement and adds to the satisfaction. This medal is unique to multiplayer modes and cannot be earned in Battle Royale game modes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Popcorn Kill Awarded in Every Call of Duty Game?
While the core concept of multi-kills with explosives remains consistent, the specific medal or award for achieving a “popcorn kill” isn’t always present in every title. Many games have different multikill medals, but they are awarded for achieving multiple kills through different means. However, the idea of using explosives to eliminate multiple enemies remains a core element.
2. How many enemies must be killed for a “popcorn kill”?
The primary condition for a “popcorn kill” is eliminating two or more enemies with a single explosive. This can include grenades, launchers, and other explosives.
3. Can you get a popcorn kill with a vehicle?
Yes, it is often possible to achieve a “popcorn kill” by using a vehicle with explosive capabilities in certain game modes. Driving into groups of enemies can sometimes qualify if it results in multiple kills from the collision or subsequent explosion.
4. Is a popcorn kill easier to achieve in some game modes than others?
Yes, game modes with smaller, more confined maps, or with more opportunities for clustered enemies, such as Domination or Hardpoint, often provide more frequent chances for “popcorn kills.”
5. Is it possible to earn a popcorn kill in Call of Duty Battle Royale modes?
In Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), the “Popcorn” medal is exclusive to multiplayer modes and can’t be achieved in the Battle Royale mode. However, you can still get a multi-kill with an explosive in Battle Royale, it just won’t be rewarded with a specific medal.
6. Does the type of explosive impact the chance of a popcorn kill?
Yes, different explosives have varying blast radii, damage, and deployment characteristics. Grenades, for instance, require accurate timing, while launchers excel at clearing groups over a larger area. Understanding how each explosive functions will impact the success of landing a popcorn kill.
7. What is a backfire kill in Call of Duty?
A backfire kill is when you eliminate an enemy with their own weapon, often by picking it up or using a weapon dropped by a deceased opponent. It’s different from a popcorn kill, which requires an explosive.
8. What is the “Merciless” medal in Call of Duty?
The “Merciless” medal is earned by killing 10 enemies consecutively without dying in a single match. It’s awarded for maintaining a consistent streak of kills and is distinct from the “popcorn kill,” which involves using explosives.
9. What does “Buzzkill” mean in Call of Duty?
A “Buzzkill” is a medal awarded for eliminating an opponent just one kill away from earning a killstreak. It represents disrupting an enemy’s momentum and is not related to explosive kills like the “popcorn kill”.
10. What is “snaking” in Call of Duty?
“Snaking” is a movement technique involving rapidly switching between prone and crouched positions behind an object. It’s a controversial tactic and doesn’t contribute to popcorn kills.
11. What is napalm in Call of Duty?
Napalm is often featured as a killstreak reward that involves an airstrike with incendiary bombs, creating a path of fire and death. While napalm can kill multiple enemies, it’s not a popcorn kill; it’s not delivered by a handheld device.
12. What does “deady” mean in Call of Duty?
“Deady” is a shortened slang for “Dead Silence”, which is a field upgrade that allows a player to move around silently for a short period. It’s a tactical advantage, unrelated to popcorn kills.
13. What is a “glitch” in Call of Duty?
A “glitch” refers to an exploitation of a game’s mechanics to gain an unfair advantage. In some games, glitching can allow players to teleport, move to unintended areas, or have other unintended impacts on the game. It has no relation to achieving a popcorn kill.
14. What are some rare skins in Call of Duty Mobile?
Some rare character skins in Call of Duty Mobile include Ghost, Soap, and Price. They are difficult to obtain and are not related to specific gameplay achievements like popcorn kills.
15. What does the term “141” mean in the Call of Duty context?
The term “141” refers to a multinational task force that appears in some Call of Duty titles, particularly in the Modern Warfare series. “141” is a way of saying “one for one,” as in, an eye for an eye. It doesn’t relate to specific gameplay actions such as popcorn kills.
This detailed explanation and the provided FAQs offer a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a popcorn kill in the Call of Duty universe. By mastering the use of explosives, players can unlock the full tactical potential of these satisfying multikills.