“Desperately chasing an ounce of what Fortnite has”: Black Ops 6’s Most Humiliating Finisher Involves a Unicorn

SUMMARY

• Black Ops 6 is releasing a bizarre unicorn fart finisher which has gotten mixed reactions from fans.
• Call of Duty is moving towards wacky cosmetics, reflecting a shift towards Fortnite-style humor and away from military realism.
• Call of Duty’s attempt to emulate Fortnite’s success raises concerns about monetization and aesthetic direction.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has been no stranger to weird skins that feel out of place, but its latest addition might be the most absurd yet. A new leaked finisher involving a unicorn, rainbow vapors, and a fart laser has left players scratching their heads.

Fans aren’t liking the direction this franchise is taking. | Image Credit: Treyarch

Yes, it’s cool and funny and all but why does it have to be in a Call of Duty game? Something like this is the furthest we can get from the franchise’s original identity. So is this quirky direction just for giggles, or has Call of Duty lost its identity?

Black Ops 6 is going even further from Call of Duty‘s roots

Why is Activision trying to imitate the likes of Fortnite? | Image Credit: Treyarch

The leaked finisher, dubbed “Refraction Action,” features a player summoning a unicorn, grabbing its tail, and unleashing a rainbow-hued fart laser on an opponent. Part of the “Tracer Pack: Brightmare Mastercraft Ultra Skin Bundle,” the animation includes a unicorn-themed helmet and colorful weapon skins.

#CallOfDuty is adding a finisher move where you can kill people with a unicorn fart 🦄pic.twitter.com/4ojRLxclwX

Remember when COD was a highly beloved franchise with consistent integrity and quality? Those we’re good times.

"GUYS BLACK OPS 6 IS GONNA BE DIFFERENT"
Lads please stop buying these games every year and they might actually get better

For years, Call of Duty has leaned increasingly into wacky content, from Vanguard’s King Kong-inspired executions to MW2’s supernatural pentagram finishers. Black Ops 6 has taken this trend to new extremes, releasing Operator skins and cosmetics that include anything from a rave cat in a baseball bat, to whatever this new stuff is.

The backlash to the unicorn finisher echoes a growing sentiment among fans that Call of Duty is chasing Fortnite’s success. Fortnite’s colorful, comedic approach has proven wildly popular, with its free-to-play model and frequent collaborations drawing in millions of players.

The community response has been sharply polarized. Some players enjoy the whimsical execution, seeing it as a lighthearted addition to an otherwise intense game. Others feel alienated, arguing that the franchise has lost its identity. A Reddit comment sums it up: “What is this game’s visual identity? 90’s CIA thriller but also farting unicorns? It’s incoherent.”

It doesn’t seem like Activision has plans of stopping

There’s even a Squid Game collab coming soon. | Image Credit: Treyarch

Despite the criticism, Treyarch and Activision show no signs of slowing their push toward extravagant cosmetics. With collaborations like the upcoming Squid Game event, featuring its own Event Pass and premium rewards, the franchise continues to blur the lines between grounded gameplay and whimsical spectacle.

The unicorn finisher has also reignited debates about Black Ops 6’s increasing reliance on microtransactions. The cosmetic bundle housing the finisher is one of many premium offerings available for purchase. It feels like it’s not even about gameplay anymore, it’s about how much you’re willing to spend to stand out.

As Black Ops 6 heads into 2025, more updates are expected, including classic map remasters and additional cosmetics. While the unicorn finisher is divisive, it highlights the studio’s willingness to experiment. It’s a big gamble from the developers but only time will tell if it works. For now, players hate it.

The unicorn finisher represents more than just a quirky cosmetic; it’s a symbol of the ongoing debate over Call of Duty’s identity. As the franchise evolves, it must navigate the tension between catering to its loyal fanbase and adapting to trends popularized by competitors.

Do you think Activision will change anything anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Daniel Royte

Articles Published: 651

Daniel is a gamer through and through with a passion for gaming in his veins. His current adventures have taken him into the world of Elden Ring, Wuthering Waves, and Genshin Impact, amongst others.