Who Kills Makarov in Call of Duty? A Deep Dive into the Iconic Villain’s Demise
The question of who kills Makarov in Call of Duty has become legendary amongst fans of the franchise, specifically those invested in the Modern Warfare series. The answer is definitively Captain John Price, but the circumstances surrounding his death are complex, brutal, and a culmination of years of intertwined storylines. Makarov’s death wasn’t a clean shot from a distance; it was a visceral, physical execution brought on by Price’s relentless pursuit of vengeance. Understanding how it happened is critical to grasping the narrative weight and emotional payoff of this pivotal moment.
The Final Confrontation
The events that lead to Vladimir Makarov’s death occur in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The game’s climax sees Task Force 141, specifically Price and Yuri, closing in on Makarov. After numerous close calls, and heartbreaking losses, including the death of John “Soap” MacTavish, the scene is set for a showdown. The final confrontation takes place at a hotel in Dubai. Price, fueled by his desire for revenge, corners Makarov.
During the struggle, Price lands on his back in the hotel’s atrium after being knocked down by Makarov. However, a steel cable from a nearby crane that had been attached to the roof is still caught around Makarov’s neck, after an attempt by Yuri to stop the final execution, and as Makarov falls, the cable yanks him upwards. This sudden and violent movement snaps his spine and neck, causing instant death.
Price, despite the fall, sustains no major injuries and sits up to see his long sought after revenge play out. He’s visibly satisfied as he lights up a cigar, witnessing the end of the man who caused so much chaos. It’s a deeply poignant and powerful scene, solidifying the end of one of gaming’s most iconic antagonists.
Why Price Killed Makarov
Price’s actions were driven by a combination of personal loss and professional duty. Makarov was not just another enemy; he was the architect of numerous atrocities that personally affected Price and his team. His treachery and brutal methods, including the massacre at Zakhaev International Airport in Modern Warfare 2, directly led to the escalation of conflict that plagued the world in Modern Warfare 3.
The most devastating event that fueled Price’s vendetta was the death of Soap MacTavish. Soap, a close friend and comrade, was killed earlier in the game as a direct result of Makarov’s actions. Price viewed it as both a betrayal and an unforgivable loss. In many ways, Makarov’s death represents not just the end of a villain, but also the fulfillment of a personal and deeply emotional quest for retribution.
Furthermore, Makarov represented a threat to global stability. His actions were designed to incite war and sow chaos on a massive scale. By eliminating him, Price not only avenged his friends but also neutralized a significant danger to the world, marking the end of Makarov’s Inner Circle.
The Role of Yuri
Yuri, while not the one to deliver the final blow, played a crucial role in Makarov’s demise. He was a former associate of Makarov who defected upon realizing the extent of his atrocities and tried to stop him. Yuri’s intervention at the hotel rooftop saved Price from being executed by Makarov and played a vital part in leading Makarov to the steel cable, setting the stage for the villain’s end. Yuri’s initial goal was to stop Makarov earlier by reaching out to the FSB but was captured by Makarov’s forces at the airport before he could expose his plan.
Although Yuri is critically wounded by Makarov, he ensured Price could stay in the fight. Yuri, despite his betrayal by Makarov, ultimately worked alongside Price to bring about Makarov’s death as they both sought vengeance. Yuri’s actions, and eventual death later in the game, make him an important character in the arc that culminates in Makarov’s end.
The Legacy of Makarov’s Death
Makarov’s death is a pivotal moment in the Modern Warfare series. It marks the end of a long and arduous struggle against one of video games’ most vile villains. Price’s victory is a hard-won one, achieved at a significant cost. It showcases themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the devastating consequences of war.
The scene’s impact is further amplified by the stark contrast between Makarov’s brutal end and Price’s stoic, almost detached reaction. It’s a testament to the toll the years of conflict had taken on him. For many fans, this scene provided closure, not just to the game but also to the entire saga of the original Modern Warfare trilogy.
Makarov’s character, from his background as a follower of Imran Zakhaev, to his evolution into the main antagonist of Modern Warfare 3, has cemented his place as a memorable and terrifying villain. His death, therefore, is not merely a plot point, but a defining moment in Call of Duty history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Makarov’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Makarov’s death, providing more context and detail:
1. In Which Game Does Makarov Die?
Makarov dies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, specifically during the final mission of the game.
2. How Does Makarov Die?
Makarov dies due to a broken neck caused by a steel cable. As he falls, the cable yanks him up, resulting in a fatal injury.
3. Was Yuri Involved in Makarov’s Death?
Yes, Yuri plays a crucial role. His actions caused Makarov to get caught by the cable, leading to his demise. While he didn’t deliver the final blow, his actions were key.
4. Why Was Makarov the Bad Guy?
Makarov was an Ultranationalist who sought to instigate a war between Russia and the United States through terrorist acts and other extreme measures. He is a product of the ideology that violence is the only solution.
5. What Was Makarov’s Goal?
Makarov’s primary objective was to plunge the world into war. He aimed to wreak havoc on Western powers and further his own extreme ideals.
6. Did Makarov Kill Soap MacTavish?
While Makarov did not directly kill Soap, he was responsible for events that ultimately led to Soap’s death. Soap died from a wound obtained from an explosion that was caused by Makarov’s forces.
7. What was the Airport Massacre in MW2?
The “No Russian” mission in Modern Warfare 2, where the player as an undercover agent participates in a mass shooting at a Russian airport, was orchestrated by Makarov. He did this to frame the US and trigger a conflict between the US and Russia.
8. Was Makarov Based on a Real-Life Person?
While Makarov is a fictional character, his ideology and actions are based on concepts and themes seen throughout history and in geopolitical conflicts.
9. Why Did Yuri Betray Makarov?
Yuri betrayed Makarov after witnessing his extreme violence and realizing the devastating impact of his actions. Yuri contacted the FSB to stop Makarov and his plans but was intercepted by Makarov before his plan could be fully executed.
10. Was Makarov Originally a Villain in the Series?
Makarov was not the central villain in the initial Modern Warfare game. He was a background character, but gradually became a more central antagonist in Modern Warfare 2, finally becoming the main villain in Modern Warfare 3.
11. How Did Makarov Survive the Airport Mission?
Makarov escaped during the chaos of the airport massacre. While Soap and Price were able to escape as well, Makarov’s fate was left open, setting up the events of Modern Warfare 3.
12. What Was the Impact of Makarov’s Death on the Series?
Makarov’s death was the culmination of the original Modern Warfare series, providing closure to the main storyline. It was the end of a long conflict and a moment fans had been waiting for, and that has had lasting impact on the Call of Duty franchise.
13. Was Price the Only One Who Sought Revenge Against Makarov?
Many characters had reasons to seek revenge against Makarov, but Price’s personal vendetta and his close relationship with those affected made his role central to the story. Yuri was also on a quest to stop Makarov’s actions.
14. Why Didn’t Allen Just Kill Makarov in MW2?
Allen was undercover and not meant to take out Makarov right away, he was a tool. He was there to gather intelligence on Makarov’s operation. He was eventually killed by Makarov to further incite the war.
15. Is Makarov in the Modern Warfare reboot series?
Yes, Vladimir Makarov is a significant character in the rebooted Modern Warfare series. His presence in the reboot mirrors his antagonistic role in the original trilogy, with some changes in the narrative.