Cloaked Kills: Cracking the “Smoke Screen” Achievement in Marvel Rivals

Among the myriad challenges presented in Marvel Rivals, the “Smoke Screen” achievement stands out as a true test of skill and patience, notorious for its exceptionally low completion rate.

This elusive trophy demands that players, while embodying the relentless Punisher, land three KOs (knockouts) on enemies who are actively enveloped within the smoke cloud of their Scourge Grenade, all within the confines of a single match. For those determined to add this rare accolade to their collection, here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the art of the smoky kill.

Understanding the Elusive Objective

Before diving into the fray, it’s crucial to fully grasp the precise requirements of the “Smoke Screen” achievement:

• The Core Task: You must secure three KOs. The critical caveat is that the defeated enemies must be inside the smoke cloud generated by your Scourge Grenade at the moment of their elimination.
• The Chosen Hero: This achievement is exclusively tied to playing as The Punisher. Frank Castle’s tactical toolkit is essential for its completion.
• Optimal Modes: While achievable in any game mode, Doom Match or casual matches are highly recommended. Their more chaotic and less structured nature often provides easier opportunities for setting up the necessary kills.

Step-by-Step Strategy: Hunting in the Haze

Executing the “Smoke Screen” achievement requires a calculated approach that combines aggression with precision:

1. Select The Punisher: This is the non-negotiable first step. Ensure you’ve chosen Frank Castle before the match begins.
2. Weaken Your Targets: Before deploying your smoke, it’s paramount to soften up your enemies. Use your assault rifle or shotgun to chip away at their health, bringing them down to a critically low state – ideally 20% or less. Prioritize “squishy” heroes with smaller health pools, such as supports or other duelists, as they are much easier to finish off quickly.
3. Deploy the Scourge Grenade: Once an enemy is severely weakened, throw your smoke grenade directly at them or into their immediate vicinity. The critical factor is that the enemy must be within the smoke cloud when they are knocked out.
4. Secure the Knockout: Immediately after deploying the smoke, swiftly finish off the weakened enemy. This can be done with a final spray from your rifle, a well-placed shotgun blast, or even the grenade’s initial impact damage if it’s enough. The KO must occur while the target is still enveloped in the smoke, not after they’ve managed to escape it.
5. Repeat for Three KOs: You need to successfully execute this sequence three distinct times within the same match. These three KOs do not need to be consecutive, nor do they need to occur within a single life; they simply need to accumulate over the course of one game.

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Tips for Streamlining Your Success

Given the achievement’s difficulty, leveraging these tips can significantly increase your chances:

• Embrace Doom Match or Team Up: Queueing into Doom Match often presents more frequent chaotic engagements and weakened targets, making it easier to set up your smoky kills. Alternatively, if playing with friends, you can coordinate with a teammate playing a low-health hero and have them “allow” you to finish them inside your smoke for quick progress.
• Patience is Key: Don’t be disheartened if the achievement doesn’t pop up instantly after securing your third kill. There can often be a slight delay, and sometimes the achievement only registers and unlocks at the very end of the match.
• Grenade Kills Count: Remember that both direct KOs from the Scourge Grenade itself and follow-up weapon KOs that occur while the enemy is in the smoke will count towards your progress.
• Consider Larger Targets (with Caution): Some players report finding success by severely whittling down larger, more durable heroes like Hulk or The Thing, then using the smoke grenade for the final, decisive blow. This can provide a larger target area within the smoke.
• Monitor Your Progress (Unofficially): While there’s no official in-game tracker for this specific achievement during a match, if you’re unsure, try to secure an extra KO in the smoke as a buffer to ensure you’ve met the requirement.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be wary of these common mistakes that can derail your “Smoke Screen” attempts:

• The Final Hit Requirement: While some might hope an assist counts, most evidence suggests you must land the final blow on the enemy while they are within the smoke cloud.
• Crucial Timing: The timing of your kill is paramount. Ensure the enemy is unequivocally still inside the smoke when they are knocked out. A split-second too late, and the kill won’t register.
• Anticipate Achievement Delay: As mentioned, don’t panic if the achievement doesn’t unlock immediately. It frequently appears at the end of the match in the post-game summary.

A Trophy Earned Through Tactical Precision

To unlock the highly sought-after “Smoke Screen” achievement as The Punisher in Marvel Rivals, a disciplined approach is essential: weaken enemies, deploy your Scourge Grenade strategically, and then secure three KOs while your targets are still inside the smoke, all within a single match. 

Leveraging the chaotic nature of Doom Match or coordinating with friends can streamline the process. Remember to exercise patience, as the achievement may not register instantly. With persistence, precise timing, and a clear understanding of Punisher’s kit, you will eventually add this rare and impressive trophy to your Marvel Rivals collection.