How Call of Duty punishes a slow reload

In Call of Duty, a reload is a stretch of time where you cannot shoot back, and fights end quickly. A player who rounds the corner while your magazine is out does not need to aim well. They only need to be there.

Call of Duty’s short fights make that gap cost more. Battlefield vs Call of Duty is the wider comparison.

Reload behind something

The usual death is a reload in the open, straight after a kill. The player you beat often had a teammate nearby. Get behind cover first, or wait until you are sure the area is clear. The official Modern Warfare III guide says the same: reload only when you need to, or when it is safe.

It works both ways. An enemy who just got a kill may be reloading, which is your chance to trade them.

Know what is left

Before you press reload, check the magazine. If it holds enough to win one more fight, you may not need to reload yet. If it does not, reload now, while it is quiet.

Switch instead

If you run dry mid-fight, switch to your secondary. Activision’s guide says switching is faster than reloading.

Make the gap smaller

Gear can help. The same guide suggests a larger magazine if you often run out before the enemy is down, and names the Gunner Vest for faster reloads in Modern Warfare III. Names change between games, so check the loadout menu in the one you play.

Can you cancel it?

That depends on the game. Modern Warfare II removed reload cancelling and used reload checkpoints, which pick up from the last stage you finished. Modern Warfare III brought cancelling back. Test it in a private match.

Related: PvP, What crosshair placement is, How to hold an angle, Tracking vs clicking aim, and how they differ, Overwatch guides, aim tools.

Common questions

Why do I keep dying while reloading in Call of Duty?

Because reloading leaves you unable to shoot back, and fights end fast. Reloading in the open right after a kill is the most common mistake, since the enemy's teammate is often nearby.

Should I reload after every kill in Call of Duty?

No. If you still have enough ammo to win the next fight, keep moving. Reload when you're low, and do it behind cover or once the area is clear.

Is switching weapons faster than reloading in Call of Duty?

Usually, yes. The official Modern Warfare III weapons guide says switching to your secondary is faster than reloading when you're in a tight spot.

Can you cancel a reload in Call of Duty?

It depends on the game. Modern Warfare II removed reload canceling in favor of reload checkpoints, and Modern Warfare III brought it back. Test it in a private match for the game you play.