Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Black Ops 2 M8A1

Assault RiflesUnlocked at Level 49Takes camo
Assault RiflesM8A1 — Call of Duty: Black Ops II weapon render

How do you unlock the M8A1?

The M8A1 unlocks at Level 49 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. It fires a four-round burst and rewards fast, accurate placement as opponents cross medium sightlines. Its burst can feel decisive, but the reset punishes poor centering. Reaching a weapon's level makes it available, but purchasing it in Create-a-Class costs one Unlock Token. A token is earned at each level-up. Its camo track finishes at Skulls (10 Bloodthirsty medals with the weapon). Complete every camo challenge on it and Gold unlocks. Earn Gold on the whole class for Diamond.

UnlockLevel 49 · 1 Unlock Token
Takes camoYes
Gold camoComplete every camo challenge on this weapon
Diamond camoEarn Gold on every weapon in the class

Reviewed July 27, 2026. Game identity, Pick 10, weapon leveling and the Peacekeeper's post-launch status were checked against Activision material. Current PlayStation availability and the 25-pack bundle were checked against PlayStation Store listings. Class and weapon-specific camouflage requirements were cross-checked against recorded in-game challenge wording. Base multiplayer capacities and weapon identifications were checked against a dedicated BO2 stat reference and IMFDB, with fictional or uncertain designs labeled as such. Crossbow mechanics and legacy camo access were separately checked against historical references and the current Steam Digital Deluxe listing. Setup advice and weapon comparisons are editorial and avoid unsupported damage or time-to-kill claims.

Sources: Activision — Call of Duty 20th anniversary franchise recap · PlayStation Store — Call of Duty: Black Ops II · PlayStation Store — Ultimate Customization Bundle · Activision — archived Black Ops II Personalization Pack release notice · Steam — Call of Duty: Black Ops II · GameFAQs — launch-era Black Ops II multiplayer camo matrix · Call of Duty Wiki — Black Ops II weapon camouflage catalog · Steam — Black Ops II Digital Deluxe content announcement · Black Ops II multiplayer weapon stats reference · IMFDB — Black Ops II weapon identification reference · Call of Duty Wiki — Crossbow mechanics

How does the M8A1 play in Black Ops 2?

RoleFour-round-burst assault rifle
Real-world basisFuturized Heckler & Koch XM8 with game-specific rail and magazine-well details
StrengthsA centered burst places several rounds on target before the sight must be reset; Burst discipline supports accurate headshot and Longshot attempts
TradeoffsMissing the opening burst exposes the delay before the next one; Point-blank tracking is less forgiving than a continuous automatic stream
Attachments and setup notesQuickdraw Handle helps win the race to the first burst; Stock supports pre-aimed movement; A Reflex Sight can simplify burst placement when the default sight feels busy
Challenge noteFinish 100 headshots, then 10 Longshot medals, 150 kills with no attachments, 150 kills with no perks, 20 Double Kill medals and 10 Bloodthirsty medals. Completing all 14 challenges earns Gold on this rifle.
Progression tipKeep the reticle at head level before firing so one burst can advance the early ladder without unnecessary follow-ups.
Camo tipWait for the target to cross the center of the sight instead of dragging a burst after a fast-moving opponent.
Compared withThe SWAT-556 fires three-round bursts and unlocks earlier; the M8A1 adds a fourth round and a more aggressive late-game burst profile.

Every camo, exact unlocks — see the full Black Ops 2 camo directory.

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M8A1 — common questions

What level does the M8A1 unlock at in Black Ops 2?

The M8A1 unlocks at Level 49 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer. Reaching a weapon's level makes it available, but purchasing it in Create-a-Class costs one Unlock Token. A token is earned at each level-up. The level cap is 55, and prestige is up to 10, followed by Prestige Master at Level 55.

How do you unlock camos on the M8A1?

Camo progress is per-weapon. Black Ops II camo progress is tracked separately on every weapon. The first nine finishes run from DEVGRU through Kryptek: Typhon, followed by Carbon Fiber, Cherry Blossom, Art of War, Ronin and Skulls before per-weapon Gold and class-based Diamond. Assault rifles, SMGs, LMGs and pistols begin with headshots. Snipers use One Shot, One Kill medals; shotguns use one-hit kills; launchers and Specials have weapon-specific ladders. Every camo page lists the exceptions. On the M8A1 the final tier is Skulls — 10 Bloodthirsty medals with the weapon. After that, Gold needs every camo challenge on the weapon done, and Diamond needs Gold on the full class.

Can you unlock the M8A1 for me?

Yes — our Black Ops 2 Unlock All service covers any prestige up to Prestige Master, max Level 55, weapons, camos and Create-a-Class unlocks handled on supported legacy console accounts, from $19.99. See the service.

Skip the grind

Our Black Ops 2 Unlock All service includes any prestige up to Prestige Master, max Level 55, weapons, camos and Create-a-Class unlocks handled on supported legacy console accounts, from $19.99.

See Black Ops 2 servicesSee exact inclusions on the service page