What is Tactical Stance (Tac Stance) in MW3 – How to use it

A new way to play CoD.

Tactical Stance MW3 Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 features a new way to aim and use weapons in fights with the Tactical Stance. The MW3 Tac Stance feature isn’t explained well by the game, so here’s what you need to know about it.

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Tactical Stance MW3 Modern Warfare 3
Screenshot by Destructoid

How to use Tac Stance in MW3

Of course, knowing about Tac Stance in MW3 is one thing, but using it is another story entirely. You can activate Tactical Stance by pressing down once on the D-Pad at any point in the middle of battle while you are holding down on the left trigger to aim down the sights. This will switch your gun to the angled Tac Stance so you can fire at enemies this way.

You can then press down on the D-Pad once more to switch it back to the normal version. This takes some getting used to while sliding at the same time, but it is possible to activate Tac Stance while sliding and firing at enemies. I would consider this to be one of the most advanced techniques in the game with the current meta, but it is possible with some practice.

Tactical Stance MW3 Modern Warfare 3
Screenshot by Destructoid

MW3 Tac Stance explained

The MW3 Tac Stance, or Tactical Stance, is basically a new way to aim your weapons in multiplayer and Warzone battles. Think of it similar to how you aim down the sights by holding the left trigger or right mouse button. The only difference this time around is it allows players to aim in a completely different and more versatile way.

As seen in the screenshot above, you’ll know you’re in Tac Stance in this latest game when your gun is somewhat sideways. This looks quite awkward and weird at first glance, but some useful parts about this stance make it viable in certain scenarios. Mostly, I don’t recommend using Tac Stance all the time.

Instead, its true use comes from those situations where you slide into a gunfight. You might be trying to slide around a corner really fast, or you might want to slide into cover. Either way, while you are sliding, Tac Stance is available to you. Your gun will be sideways while sliding, allowing you to fire at enemies while sliding effectively.

This was possible in past Call of Duty games but quite challenging. Tac Stance makes this a whole lot easier to accomplish. This also makes it quite helpful for those tough weapon camo challenges that ask you to eliminate enemies while sliding. Tac Stance won’t set the community on fire, but it provides a decent tactical option for those who may need it.

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Cody Perez
Contributing Writer - Cody has been a huge fan of Destructoid for more than a decade as well as a freelance writer for various publications. Now working for Destructoid, he has the chance to share his passion for Final Fantasy XIV, Pokemon, Call of Duty, and many more games.
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