Ready or Not: How Does C2 Work? (March 2026) Master Guide

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a locked door in Ready or Not, frantically pressing buttons trying to figure out how to use that C2 explosive in your inventory, I’ve got your back. C2 explosives are one of the most powerful breaching tools in your SWAT arsenal, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood mechanics in the game.

C2 (Composition C-2) is an explosive breaching charge in Ready or Not that allows you to blow open locked doors with devastating force. Unlike lockpicks or breaching shotguns, C2 creates a loud, violent entry that can stun or eliminate threats on the other side while completely destroying the door. To use C2, you need to equip it from your tactical slot, place it above the door handle, back away to safety, then switch to your detonator and trigger the explosion.

C2 Key Features	Details
Damage Radius	2.56m lethal / 12m stun radius
Placement Time	2-3 seconds
Detonation Method	Remote detonator
Intimidation Factor	Highest among all breaching tools
Door Compatibility	Locked doors only
Team Usage	Any officer can remove placed C2

How Does C2 Work in Ready or Not?

The Basics of C2 Mechanics

C2 explosives in Ready or Not function as a remote-detonated breaching charge that serves dual purposes: door destruction and suspect suppression. When I first started using C2, I thought it was just a fancy door opener, but it’s so much more than that.

The explosive creates three distinct zones when detonated:

• Lethal Zone: Within 85 degrees and 2.56 meters of the door
• Stun Zone: 100-degree cone extending 12 meters
• Morale Reduction: Affects suspects within the stun radius

Placement and Controls

Here’s exactly how to place C2 in Ready or Not:

1. Equip the C2: Press 4 on PC (or L1 on console) to open your tactical device wheel
2. Approach the Door: Get close to a locked door
3. Aim Properly: Position your crosshair about 2 inches above the door handle
4. Plant the Charge: Hold F (PC), R2/RT (console), or Left Mouse Button when the prompt appears
5. Verify Placement: You’ll see “Press [button] to Plant C2 Explosive” if the door is breachable

For double doors, I always aim between the two door panels for optimal placement. The placement sweet spot is crucial – too high or too low, and the prompt won’t appear.

Detonation Process

Once you’ve planted the C2, detonation requires switching to your detonator:

1. Back Away: Move at least 3-4 meters from the door
2. Switch to Detonator: Press Right Mouse Button to swap from C2 charges to detonator
3. Find Cover: Position yourself behind a wall or around a corner
4. Check for Civilians: Use the mirror gun to ensure no innocents are near the blast
5. Detonate: Press Left Mouse Button to trigger the explosion

Ready or Not: When to Use C2 Effectively?

Ideal Scenarios for C2

Through hundreds of hours playing Ready or Not, I’ve identified the perfect situations for C2:

1. Barricaded Suspects When intel suggests armed suspects are camping directly behind a door with weapons drawn, C2’s stunning effect can save your team from walking into an ambush.

2. Time-Sensitive Operations In missions like Elephant with its 11-minute bomb timer, C2 provides the fastest entry method.

3. High-Threat Rooms Areas likely containing multiple armed suspects benefit from C2’s wide stun radius and intimidation factor.

4. Reinforced Doors Some doors resist standard breaching methods – C2 guarantees entry regardless of door strength.

When NOT to Use C2

I’ve learned the hard way that C2 isn’t always the answer:

• Stealth Operations: The explosion alerts the entire map
• Civilian-Heavy Areas: Risk of collateral damage is too high
• Unknown Room Contents: Without intel, you might kill hostages
• S-Rank Attempts: Non-lethal approaches score higher

Advanced C2 Strategies

Multiple Charge Technique

One of my favorite advanced tactics involves placing multiple C2 charges:

1. Plant your first C2 charge normally
2. Press Right Mouse Button to switch back to charges
3. Move to another door and plant a second charge
4. Detonate both simultaneously for coordinated breaches

This technique works brilliantly when clearing connected rooms or executing multi-team operations.

The Ram-and-Boom Strategy

Here’s a risky but effective technique I discovered:

1. Place C2 on a door
2. Have a teammate ram the door open
3. The C2 falls inside the room
4. Detonate for an interior explosion

This catches suspects completely off-guard but requires perfect timing and coordination.

AI Team Integration

When playing with AI teammates, C2 becomes even more versatile:

• Order AI to “Stack up with mirror gun” first
• Check for traps and civilian positions
• Place C2 while AI maintains overwatch
• Execute breach with AI rushing immediately after detonation

Common Problems and Solutions

Bug Workarounds

Ready or Not’s early access nature means C2 sometimes misbehaves. Here are fixes I’ve discovered:

Problem: C2 and detonator disappear from hotbar Solution: Drop and re-equip your tactical devices, or restart the mission

Problem: Can’t place C2 on seemingly valid doors Solution: Ensure the door is actually locked – C2 won’t attach to unlocked doors

Problem: Detonator won’t appear after placing charge Solution: Cycle through your equipment wheel completely, then try again

Placement Issues

If you’re struggling to place C2:

1. Adjust your distance – too close or far prevents placement
2. Look for the exact sweet spot above the handle
3. Try crouching for better angle on lower doors
4. Ensure you’re facing the door straight-on

Safety Considerations and Best Practices

Protecting Your Team

C2’s power demands respect. I always follow these safety protocols:

1. Clear Communication: Announce “C2 planted” and countdown to detonation
2. Safe Distance: Maintain at least 5 meters clearance
3. Corner Coverage: Never detonate while in direct line of sight
4. Equipment Check: Ensure all team members have moved clear

Civilian Protection

Avoiding civilian casualties with C2 requires careful planning:

• Always mirror under doors before breaching
• Listen for civilian voices or crying
• Consider alternative breaching for unknown rooms
• Remember: door debris can kill civilians on the other side

Loadout Optimization

For C2-heavy missions, I recommend this loadout:

• Primary: GA416 or SR-16 assault rifle
• Secondary: High-capacity pistol
• Tactical: 3x C2 charges
• Armor: Heavy ceramic for explosion protection
• Grenades: Flashbangs for post-breach clearing

C2 vs Other Breaching Methods

Breaching Method Comparison

Method	Noise Level	Speed	Lethality	Versatility
C2 Explosive	Extreme	Fast	High	Locked doors only
Breaching Shotgun	High	Medium	Low	Most doors
Lockpick	Silent	Slow	None	Locked doors
Battering Ram	Medium	Fast	None	Most doors
Kick	Low	Instant	None	Weak doors

Choosing the Right Tool

Each breaching method serves specific purposes:

• C2: Maximum shock and awe, guaranteed entry
• Shotgun: Balanced approach, less lethal
• Lockpick: Stealth operations, preservation of evidence
• Ram: Quick entry without ammunition use
• Kick: Emergency breaching, element of surprise

Mission-Specific C2 Applications

Best Missions for C2

From my experience, these missions benefit most from C2:

1. Valley of the Dolls: Multiple reinforced doors in the nightclub
2. Ridgeline: Heavy resistance expected in drug lab
3. Port Hokan: Shipping containers with barricaded suspects
4. The Spider: Time-sensitive with armed resistance

Mission Loadout Examples

Aggressive Entry Setup:

• 3x C2 charges
• Flashbangs
• Heavy armor
• Assault rifle with CQB attachments

Balanced Approach:

• 2x C2 charges
• Mix of flashbangs and stingers
• Medium armor
• Versatile carbine

Tips for New Players

Getting Started with C2

If you’re new to Ready or Not, here’s my beginner-friendly C2 progression:

1. Practice in Thank You, Come Again: The gas station mission offers low-stakes C2 practice
2. Start with Single Charges: Master basic placement before attempting multiple charges
3. Watch the Blast Zone: Learn the exact lethal radius through repetition
4. Communicate Constantly: Even in single-player, verbalize your actions

Common Rookie Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls I see new players make:

• Detonating too close to the door
• Forgetting to switch to detonator
• Placing C2 on unlocked doors
• Not checking for civilians
• Wasting C2 on weak doors

Advanced Techniques and Pro Tips

Psychological Warfare

C2’s intimidation factor extends beyond the explosion:

• Plant charges on multiple doors to create uncertainty
• Use verbal warnings before detonation
• Combine with flashbangs for maximum disorientation
• Time detonations with team movements

Speedrun Strategies

For players chasing completion times:

1. Pre-plant C2 on known problem doors
2. Stack multiple breaches for simultaneous entry
3. Use C2 to skip lengthy gunfights
4. Memorize optimal placement spots per map

Team Coordination

In multiplayer, C2 becomes a force multiplier:

• Designate a dedicated breacher role
• Coordinate multiple entry points
• Use countdown timers for synchronization
• Establish clear breach protocols

The Future of C2 in Ready or Not

Recent Updates and Changes

As of March 2026, VOID Interactive has refined C2 mechanics:

• Improved placement detection
• Fixed detonator switching bugs
• Balanced stun radius for competitive play
• Added visual feedback for blast zones

Community Feedback

The Ready or Not community continues discussing C2 improvements:

• Requests for shaped charges for directional breaching
• Desire for timed detonation options
• Suggestions for C2 defusal mechanics
• Ideas for door-specific charge types

Conclusion

Mastering C2 in Ready or Not transforms you from a cautious door-kicker into a dynamic breacher capable of controlling engagement terms. While it’s not suitable for every situation, understanding when and how to deploy C2 effectively gives you a powerful tool for overcoming the toughest tactical challenges Los Sueños throws your way.

Remember, with great explosive power comes great responsibility. Every C2 detonation should serve a tactical purpose – whether that’s stunning dangerous suspects, creating time-pressure advantages, or simply showing criminals that LSPD SWAT means business.

Keep practicing those placement angles, communicate with your team, and always – always – check for civilians before hitting that detonator. See you in the breach, officers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can C2 be used on all doors in Ready or Not?

No, C2 only works on locked doors. If you approach an unlocked door with C2 equipped, the placement prompt won’t appear. You’ll need to check if a door is locked first before attempting to place explosives.

How many C2 charges can I carry per mission?

You can carry up to 3 C2 charges in your tactical equipment slot. Each charge can be placed and detonated independently, allowing for multiple breaches per mission.

Will C2 kill teammates if they’re too close?

Yes, C2 can damage or kill teammates within the lethal blast radius. Always ensure your team is behind cover and at a safe distance before detonating. The 2.56-meter lethal zone doesn’t discriminate between suspects and officers.

Can suspects defuse C2 once placed?

No, suspects cannot interact with placed C2 charges. Once you’ve planted the explosive, it remains until detonated or manually removed by you or a teammate.

Does C2 work differently in multiplayer vs single-player?

The mechanics remain identical, but coordination becomes crucial in multiplayer. Any team member can remove another’s C2, and communication about breach timing prevents friendly fire incidents.

Is C2 affected by difficulty settings?

Higher difficulty settings don’t change C2’s effectiveness, but suspect reaction times and accuracy increase, making proper C2 usage even more critical for survival.

Can I detonate C2 through walls or floors?

Yes, the detonator works through obstacles as long as you’re on the same map level. This allows for safer detonation positions around corners or behind substantial cover.

What happens if I die while C2 is planted?

In single-player, the mission fails. In multiplayer, your teammates can still detonate your placed charges using their own detonators, maintaining tactical flexibility even after losing the breacher.