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MELEE | 4
Gears of War 3

MELEE | 4

Learn the essential melee techniques in Gears of War 3. Master close-quarters combat to dominate your enemies and achieve victory.

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Learn the essential melee techniques in Gears of War 3. Master close-quarters combat to dominate your enemies and achieve victory.

Hey there! So you're diving into Gears of War 3 and want to get a handle on the melee combat? Smart move. While shooting is obviously key, knowing how to handle yourself up close can be a real game-changer, especially when things get hairy or you run out of ammo. This section is all about getting you comfortable with those brutal close-quarters takedowns.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Basic Melee: This is your bread and butter. When you're right up next to an enemy, a quick melee strike (usually the 'B' button on Xbox) can stagger them or even take down weaker foes instantly. It's fast, uses no ammo, and is great for surprise attacks or finishing off someone who's already downed.
  2. 2
    Bayonet Charge: If you've got the bayonet attachment on your Lancer (which you will for a good chunk of the game), you can perform a devastating charge. Hold down the melee button while sprinting towards an enemy, and Marcus will unleash a brutal bayonet thrust. This is perfect for closing the distance quickly and taking down enemies before they can react. Just be careful, as charging leaves you a bit vulnerable if you miss or if there are multiple enemies.
  3. 3
    Executions: These are the stylish, brutal finishers. Once an enemy is staggered or downed, getting close enough and pressing the melee button will trigger an execution animation. These are incredibly satisfying, take the enemy out permanently, and importantly, they make you temporarily invincible during the animation. This means you can use an execution to safely finish off an enemy even if they're surrounded, without taking damage yourself. Different executions exist, and some are more situational than others, but they're all worth learning.
  4. 4
    Melee in Cover: Sometimes, an enemy will try to melee you while you're in cover. You can often counter this with your own melee strike. If they get too close, a quick jab can push them back or even take them down.
  5. 5
    Melee with Shotguns: While not strictly a melee attack, a point-blank shotgun blast is effectively the same thing in terms of range and impact. If you're in someone's face, a shotgun blast is devastating.
Tips
  • Always be aware of your ammo count. If you're running low, switching to melee can save your life.
  • Use melee to conserve ammo when you can, especially on weaker enemies or those already downed.
  • Don't be afraid to use executions, especially when you need a moment of safety or want to take out a particularly annoying enemy.
  • Listen for enemy cues. Sometimes you'll hear them getting ready to melee you, giving you a chance to counter.
  • Practice the timing! Getting the melee or execution off at the right moment is crucial.

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