Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Black Ops 2 PDW-57

Submachine GunsUnlocked at Level 4Takes camo
Submachine GunsPDW-57 — Call of Duty: Black Ops II weapon render

How do you unlock the PDW-57?

The PDW-57 unlocks at Level 4 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. It is a fully automatic SMG built around sustained pressure and a generous standard magazine. It fits aggressive routes where several opponents can appear before there is time to reload. 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 4 · 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 Crossbow mechanics and legacy camo access were separately checked against historical references and the current Steam Digital Deluxe listing.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 PDW-57 play in Black Ops 2?

Also written asPDW 57
RoleHigh-capacity close-range SMG
Real-world basisFictional futurized design strongly influenced by the FN P90 TR
StrengthsA large ammunition reserve per magazine supports multi-target pushes; The mobile SMG role suits flag runs and repeated room entries
TradeoffsSustained fire becomes harder to keep precise over distance; The larger magazine does not fix poor target selection or exposed reloads
Attachments and setup notesFast Mag shortens the longer downtime after an extended push; Fore Grip helps when bursts stretch outward; Suppressor is useful on a flank route where staying off the minimap matters more than reach
Challenge noteFinish 100 headshots, then 30 Revenge 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 SMG.
Progression tipUse the magazine depth to survive follow-up fights while building headshots, Double Kills and Bloodthirsty medals.
Camo tipStop firing as soon as a target drops so the extra capacity remains available for the next doorway.
Compared withThe Skorpion EVO fires much faster, while the PDW-57 trades urgency for longer sustained pressure.

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

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PDW-57 — common questions

What level does the PDW-57 unlock at in Black Ops 2?

The PDW-57 unlocks at Level 4 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 PDW-57?

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 PDW-57 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 PDW-57 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