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The Power of The Call of Duty KN-44: Tips and Strategies
The KN-44 is one of the most iconic assault rifles in Call of Duty: Black Ops III and its prequel comic. Initially called the ARAK in the alpha build and the ARK-7 in the beta, this weapon became a fan favorite for its reliability and versatility.
Though it was planned for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, it was replaced by the KN-57. The KN-44 also appears in Call of Duty: Mobile, where it continues to serve as a dependable option for many players.
Overview of the KN-44
The KN-44 is a fully automatic assault rifle with moderate recoil and a fast fire rate. This weapon is known for its balance of damage, handling, and customization. Its effectiveness across various game modes, including campaign missions, multiplayer, and Zombies, makes it a staple for both new and experienced players.
In Black Ops III, the KN-44 is the signature weapon for major factions, including the 54 Immortals and the Egyptian Army. It also features prominently in Call of Duty: Mobile, where players can equip numerous attachments to enhance its performance.
KN-44 in Black Ops III
Campaign Use
The KN-44 is available early in the campaign after the "New World" mission. It’s the primary weapon for characters like Jacob Hendricks and John Taylor, and it features prominently in every mission. Players can access it from the Field Ops Kit, making it a versatile choice for most scenarios.
The weapon's design prioritizes ease of production, allowing widespread use across factions. However, variations in manufacturing mean no two KN-44 rifles perform identically, adding an interesting dynamic to its lore.
Multiplayer Performance
The KN-44 is available to players immediately in multiplayer, making it a popular weapon choice from the outset. Its ease of use and balanced performance allow it to adapt to many playstyles, whether players favor aggressive pushes or more calculated engagements.
With a damage profile of three shots to kill within 17.5 meters and four shots beyond that range, the KN-44 thrives in mid-range skirmishes. While it lacks the rapid fire of SMGs like the Vesper, its consistent accuracy and damage at range provide a distinct advantage.
Attachments
The Quickdraw Grip is invaluable for players who prefer faster engagements, as it reduces aim-down-sight time, creating an edge in close-range encounters. For those who value mobility, the Stock attachment allows quicker strafing while aiming, helping players dodge incoming fire.
The Laser Sight also plays a pivotal role in boosting hip-fire accuracy, making it a great option for aggressive players who push objectives or engage in tight spaces.
Fast Mag reduces reload times to 0.77 seconds, ensuring downtime between engagements is minimized. This makes the KN-44 ideal for high-pressure situations, such as defending an objective or pushing through enemy lines.
High Caliber, another key attachment, increases headshot damage, lowering the time-to-kill when aiming for the upper body. While not as effective in Hardcore modes, High Caliber shines in standard multiplayer, giving players a significant edge in mid-range duels.
Versatility
The KN-44’s versatility extends to its movement stats as well. Players retain 95% of base movement speed, dropping only slightly to 90% while firing and 38% when aiming down sights. This makes the weapon a flexible choice for both mobile and stationary playstyles.
Compared to other assault rifles in its category, the KN-44 offers a balanced package of speed, damage, and adaptability, making it a mainstay in loadouts for players of all skill levels.
Zombies Mode
In Zombies, the KN-44 stands out as a reliable choice for surviving early rounds. Available as a wall weapon for 1,400 points on maps such as Shadows of Evil and The Giant, it offers accessibility and dependable performance. Its combination of manageable recoil, decent damage, and an accessible ammo source makes it a go-to weapon for players aiming to conserve resources while building up points.
When upgraded through the Pack-a-Punch Machine, the KN-44 transforms into the Anointed Avenger, increasing its magazine size to 50 rounds and reserve ammo to 350. The enhanced damage and added mobility make the Anointed Avenger comparable to fan-favorites like the Galil or AN-94. Its reliability during hectic waves of zombies is unmatched, especially for players who prioritize headshots to maximize point gains.
Maps like Der Eisendrache highlight the weapon’s utility, where the KN-44 is conveniently placed near key areas such as Juggernog. Players often incorporate it into their strategies for both camping and training. For instance, in tight spaces, the KN-44’s precision allows players to pick off zombies without wasting ammo.
The Double Tap Root Beer perk enhances its firepower significantly, allowing for faster zombie elimination in later rounds. This perk pairs well with the Anointed Avenger’s already impressive damage output, making it one of the most efficient assault rifles for high-round gameplay.
KN-44 in Black Ops 4
Although planned for Black Ops 4, the KN-44 was cut from the final game. Instead, its successor, the KN-57, took its place. Despite this, remnants of the KN-44 remain in the game files, and it appears in some promotional artwork, like the poster for Blood of the Dead.
Golden KN-44 models can also be spotted in multiplayer maps like Hacienda.
KN-44 in Call of Duty: Mobile
The KN-44 returns in Call of Duty: Mobile, offering high performance across multiplayer and battle royale modes. It has low recoil and consistent damage at range, making it a favorite for mid-range engagements.
Attachments
Players can customize the KN-44 with a wide array of attachments, including:
- Muzzle: Tactical Suppressor for stealth or Light Compensator for recoil control.
- Barrel: OWC Ranger for better range and recoil management.
- Optic: Red Dot Sight for improved target acquisition.
- Stock: YKM Combat Stock for increased mobility.
- Laser: OWC Laser - Tactical for improved ADS speed.
Multiplayer and Battle Royale
In multiplayer, the KN-44 is ideal for balanced gameplay. Its damage and fire rate make it effective at mid-range, though it struggles against faster SMGs in close combat. In battle royale, the KN-44 is a dependable option for players who value precision and adaptability.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The KN-44's design originates from Russian military concepts, yet "Belfast, UK" is engraved on its model in Black Ops III.
- When equipped with Diamond Camouflage, the weapon flashes in Morse code spelling "Time."
- In Zombies mode, the KN-44's upgraded form, the Anointed Avenger, boasts one of the highest headshot multipliers.
- Despite being cut from Black Ops 4, the KN-44 is still visible in pre-alpha footage and some in-game assets.
Final Thoughts on the KN-44
The KN-44 remains a standout assault rifle across multiple Call of Duty titles. Its balanced stats, versatile attachments, and strong presence in both campaign and multiplayer make it a go-to choice for many players. Whether you're mowing down enemies in Zombies or engaging in heated multiplayer battles, the KN-44 is a reliable companion.
Would you choose the KN-44 for your next match, or do you prefer other weapons? Let us know your favorite loadouts and strategies!
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Featured image credit: Activision
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