With the release of bo6 bot lobby, Treyarch has introduced a slew of gameplay adjustments and new perks. Among the most talked-about additions is the “Close Shave” perk. This blog dives deep into the core mechanics of the perk—what it does, how it functions in combat, and how it could reshape close-quarter strategies.
What Is the “Close Shave” Perk?
The Close Shave perk is designed to give players an edge in high-risk, close-quarters engagements. According to official patch notes and early access playtests, this perk grants players a temporary combat buff after a melee or point-blank kill.
How It Works
Upon securing a close-quarters kill—be it through melee, a shotgun blast, or a pistol in tight space—the Close Shave perk activates for 7 seconds, granting the following benefits:
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10% movement speed boost
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Faster weapon swap and reload speed
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Reduced footstep noise
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Mild flinch resistance
These boosts are subtle but significant, especially for aggressive players who rely on movement and momentum to chain kills.
Synergy with Aggressive Playstyles
Players who favor the “run-and-gun” playstyle will find Close Shave particularly rewarding. It pairs naturally with SMGs and shotguns—weapon classes already optimized for close-range engagements. The perk allows for kill chaining, meaning if you can secure a series of close-range eliminations, you maintain your buff and stay one step ahead of your enemies.
For example, a player using a suppressed MP5 with a lightweight loadout can eliminate an enemy at close range, gain the Close Shave buff, quickly round a corner, and challenge another target with boosted movement and quicker reload.
Where It Fits in the Loadout System
In Black Ops 6, the Perk system has returned to the classic 3-category model: Perk 1 (Blue), Perk 2 (Red), and Perk 3 (Yellow). Close Shave falls into the Perk 2 category, competing with other heavy-hitters like Sleight of Hand, Scavenger, and Fast Hands.
While it might not replace Sleight of Hand for all players, those who lean into stealth, speed, and momentum will find it an appealing alternative—particularly in tight maps like Undercroft or Warehouse District where close encounters are frequent.
Tactical Use Cases
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Flanking Roles
The reduced footstep sound makes Close Shave a sleeper pick for flanking enemies in objective modes like Domination or Hardpoint. A silent approach followed by a clean kill activates the buff, helping the player clear out multiple enemies in a room. -
One-Versus-Many Situations
In clutch situations, such as being the last player alive in Search and Destroy, Close Shave gives players a real chance to turn the tide. One well-timed kill can snowball into a full squad wipe. -
Countering Campers
Since the perk rewards initiating close-range combat, it encourages breaking through entrenched enemy positions. After breaching a corner or clearing a building, the bonus mobility gives you the power to reposition quickly.
Limitations and Balancing
Close Shave is balanced in a few important ways:
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It requires proximity to activate—meaning long-range kills won’t trigger it.
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The buff is time-limited, meaning you can’t just rely on it passively.
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You need to keep engaging to sustain the momentum; it’s not a passive advantage like Ghost or Flak Jacket.
This ensures that the perk doesn’t become overpowered and instead remains a tool for skilled, aggressive players.
Final Thoughts
The Close Shave perk is shaping up to be a meta-defining option for players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat. It brings a reward loop to close-range kills that promotes smart movement and decisive engagement. Whether you’re an SMG specialist or a knife-only daredevil, this perk adds fresh depth to the moment-to-moment decision-making in bo6 bot lobbies.