The so-called “strafing” is a simple movement technique in shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone, with which you can achieve great results. What makes the technique so strong and how to use it correctly, we will show you on MeinMMO.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference – so it is in the Battle Royale Call of Duty: Warzone. Because one of the simplest movement techniques in the game can make you much better if you use it correctly: strafing (pronounced in English).
Actually, it’s just the movement to the side, but if you use it skillfully and consistently, you will become much better in Warzone and shooters in general.
However, since I consciously use strafing to gather more information about my firefights, I have much better control over when I put myself in danger. And when I don’t feel like concentrating too hard, at least I know what it was all about.
Sidewalking as a valuable technique in shooters
What is strafing in video games? It only refers to the movement to the side compared to running straight ahead. With a controller, you usually have to move the left analog stick left or right. With a keyboard, you usually “strafe” with A and D.
But especially in shooters, strafing is considered an important technique in firefights.
Your side-to-side movements keep your hitboxes moving, and therefore you are harder to hit than if you just stood still. Especially if you constantly move left and right and back again.
However, this does not apply to all shooters. For example, you worsen your precision in Counter Strike or Valorant if you are moving. In Call of Duty, however, the movement entails fewer disadvantages, and in Warzone, almost none.
The technique comes into play in many gameplay situations. But when you consciously use strafing and combine it with your cover, it becomes really strong, and you are much harder to eliminate. Especially in shooters with a high time-to-kill – like Warzone with its armor system.
Strafing takes you to the next level as a shooter player
How can I use this? Strafing is excellent for combat or traveling across the map because it allows you to gather more information about your opponent without putting yourself at risk of going down directly.
If you are at the edge of a building and want to know what’s going on around the corner, stand in front of the edge, take a step to the side, and then take a step back.
It sounds trivial, but this is one of the main reasons why pro players go down less frequently. They consistently check every corner when they expect enemies and are constantly “strafing”. Thus, you already know beforehand what you are getting into.
In combat, this applies as well. If you’re fighting an enemy who doesn’t use strafing, you are better protected at all times. You “strafe” around the corner, gather information, and go back into cover. An unwary opponent may even remain outside their cover and thus be at a clear disadvantage.
If you “strafe” correctly, the opponent cannot eliminate you at all. As long as you are not very low on health or take a sniper headshot while you are “strafing” around the corner, you are very safe with this technique. Additionally, due to the “Peekers Advantage” in Call of Duty, you have a slight timing advantage when spotting your enemies.
If you are behind a low cover, you should also use the technique. Stand up briefly from a crouch and then go back down. Gather information and use the scouting to your advantage.
Aim-Assist in CoD strengthens strafing
Where else does strafing help? As already mentioned, in every combat, you should “strafe” to keep your body and therefore your hitboxes moving. In Call of Duty, controller players also benefit from another effect: the rotational aim assist.
If you are moving and an opponent runs through your crosshairs, the crosshair follows behind the opponent for a fraction of a second.
You still have to aim yourself; the aim assist is not a perfect “aim-bot” that completely takes the aiming away from you. However, for a short moment, you have a very strong aim assist.
The mechanic only activates when you are in motion. You don’t necessarily have to be “strafing”; movements back and forth also work. However, in combat, side movements are often better.
Important: The rotational aim assist is only activated in the “Standard” setting. Otherwise, you only benefit from the slowdown aim assist, which briefly reduces your input sensitivity.
Concentration is key
What else should I consider? The most important thing about strafing is – always use the technique. There can also be combats where you rush ahead and your submachine gun sprays everything within reach.
But in shooter formats with few or no respawns, such as “Search & Destroy” or a Battle Royale, you should strafe around corners as often as possible, gather information and thus stay a small sideways step ahead of your enemies.
Because even though it is exhausting, and you have to concentrate more – you will become a much better “Call of Duty” player.
If you want to learn more about the mechanics in Warzone now, check this out: CoD Warzone: What is Open-Bolt-Delay and why does it make my weapons worse?
