Ready or Not: Boiling Point 2026 — 9-Bang vs. Flashbang Guide

When Ready or Not dropped the Boiling Point DLC on March 12, 2026, it completely flipped the script on how SWAT teams approach room clearing. While the trusty Flashbang has been the go-to tool since day one, the 9-Bang, introduced in version 1.4.1, is changing the game, especially in the DLC’s most brutal missions, like A New America and No Good Deed.

In this guide, we’ll break down the tactical differences between the two devices so you can make the best call for your next breach. Whether you’re playing solo or coordinating with AI teammates, choosing the right grenade can make the difference between a smooth operation and an epic fail.

Quick Comparison: 9-Bang vs. Flashbang

1. The Flashbang: The Reliable Veteran

The Flashbang is the classic grenade, and for good reason. It’s versatile, it’s reliable, and it’s been the bread and butter for SWAT teams ever since the game launched. Its main advantage? The massive 10-meter blast radius. That’s twice the range of the 9-Bang, making it perfect for medium-to-large rooms where suspects might be scattered or behind partial cover.

When to Use:

• Medium to large rooms: The Flashbang is your go-to in these scenarios, especially if suspects are spaced out or hiding behind cover.
• Room clearing: It’s ideal for rooms with a lot of angles, as its wide blast radius is more likely to catch multiple enemies in one go.

Tactical Edge:

The Flashbang’s single burst makes it more consistent when it comes to blinding enemies who are facing the device at the moment of detonation. If you’ve got an enemy in your line of sight and you land that toss right, the Flashbang’s gonna do its job.

S-Rank Meta:

Flashbangs still reign supreme when it comes to S-rank speedruns. Many pro players swear by the MGL Flashbang Launcher, which lets you deploy them from a distance without the risks that come with manual throws. In these speedruns, precision and speed are key, and the Flashbang is the best tool for the job.

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2. The 9-Bang: The Crowd Control Specialist

Enter the 9-Bang, which is a beast in a different way. This grenade doesn’t rely on a single, massive burst. Instead, it detonates 9 sequential flashes and bangs, creating a disorienting storm that keeps enemies stunned for much longer than a Flashbang would. If you want your suspects to stay off their game for a while, this is the one to use.

Duration Advantage:

The 9-Bang has a longer stun duration, lasting up to 10 seconds on standard difficulty, making it perfect for taking multiple suspects down in one go. In situations where you need to keep enemies disoriented for a longer period, this is a game-changer.

Short Fuse:

The 9-Bang has a shorter fuse, meaning you can toss it quickly and catch enemies who are attempting to retreat or regroup. It’s all about fast responses, especially in tight spaces.

Drawback:

However, it’s not perfect. The 9-Bang only has a 5-meter radius, and if a suspect is standing in a larger, more open area, the grenade may miss or fail to suppress them. Plus, some players have reported inconsistency with the 9-Bang—it can sometimes fail to disorient enemies even when tossed at close range in certain environments. Definitely something to consider before you pick this up.

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3. Boiling Point DLC: When to Use Each Grenade

The Boiling Point DLC introduces environments where your choice of grenade can make or break your mission. Let’s take a quick look at two of the most challenging missions in this update:

A New America:

9-Bangs are highly effective here. The finale of the mission features aggressive MLO suspects, often catching slow-moving teams off guard. Having your AI pointman equipped with 9-Bangs can give your team a critical stun window, allowing them to clear rooms quickly. Just keep in mind that AI teammates aren’t always perfect with them, so don’t expect miracles.

No Good Deed:

This mission features lethal gas mechanics, and the indoor areas can be chaotic. The 9-Bang is perfect for these tight, hazardous spaces, as you can deploy it through cracks in doors or windows to suppress enemies before your team enters. The consistent long stun duration gives your team a fighting chance in a situation where every second counts.

4. Pro Tips for 2026 Gameplay

Here are a few advanced tactics to make the most of your grenades in the latest update:

• Check Line of Sight: Both Flashbangs and 9-Bangs are most effective when the target is in direct line of sight. If a suspect is behind cover or facing away, the effect can be significantly reduced. Make sure you’ve got a clear line to your target before deploying.
• Mix Your Loadout: Pro players recommend bringing a mix of both grenades. Have a couple of officers with Flashbangs for large, open rooms, and one with a 9-Bang for small spaces like bathrooms or tight corners. This strategy helps ensure that you’re prepared for anything the mission throws your way.
• Watch for Friendly Sun: A word of caution: AI teammates can sometimes be a liability when it comes to 9-Bangs. If you’re moving through tight spaces together, there’s a chance your AI could accidentally blind the entire squad. Always make sure that your team isn’t too close when you’re using this grenade.

Final Thoughts: Flashbang or 9-Bang?

When it comes to Ready or Not: Boiling Point, both grenades have their place, but they excel in different scenarios. The Flashbang is perfect for large, open rooms and is a consistent choice, especially for seasoned players who prefer its wide blast radius and quick effect. Meanwhile, the 9-Bang shines in tight spaces and provides longer stun durations, making it ideal for crowd control and disorienting enemies who are trying to recover.

Ultimately, your choice should depend on the mission you’re tackling and the layout of the environment. Mixing and matching these grenades based on your team composition and the map layout will