Operator in MW3 Season 5 Reloaded
Image via Activision

What are Melee Backstab Kills in Modern Warfare 3?

Your enemies will never know what hit 'em.

The deadly Backstab Kills have appeared in many objectives, including Weekly Challenges and weapon unlocks. But, since the elimination doesn’t have a description, it can be confusing to understand. If you want to know what to do, we’ll explain what Melee Backstab Kills are in Modern Warfare 3.

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MW3 Melee Backstab Kills, explained

Melee Backstab Kills are eliminations that must be performed behind an enemy Operator using a Melee-based weapon. Regular guns won’t work with this tactic; therefore, you must use tools like Karambit, Gutter Knife, or Sledgehammer.

Performing the Melee Backstab Kills without the proper preparations will be challenging. To help you through this, use Tactical Equipment such as Stun and Smoke Grenades. Cast out this equipment in battle and try to sneak up behind the enemy while they’re in a vulnerable state.

Performing a Melee Backstab Kill in MW3
Screenshot by Destructoid

To be extra sly, utilize Covert Sneakers or Dead Silence to remove an Operator’s footstep sounds. This will make it easier for you to sneak up on the enemy without being detected. You can also equip Ghost T/V Camo to get you off UAVs, Heartbeat Sensors, and enemy radar sources. Without these items, you’ll be pretty easy to spot, as running can get the attention of enemy Operators.

Use small maps to earn the Melee Backstab Kills in Modern Warfare 3 quickly. I like going into Shipment for this since everyone tends to get caught in the chaos from its compact size. Then, when the opponent is preoccupied with someone else, you can sneak your way in for the elimination.

Completing this task earns you various rewards, depending on the season. For example, Season 5 Reloaded’s Spear requires players to get three Melee Backstab or Special Zombie Kills. It also comes up a lot in Weekly Challenges, so keep it in mind for future references. And, if you’re confused about any more Call of Duty terms, be sure to check out our guides on Clean and Gun-Butt Kills.


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Image of Kristina Ebanez
Kristina Ebanez
Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.