Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Black Ops 2 S12

ShotgunsUnlocked at Level 4Takes camo
ShotgunsS12 — Call of Duty: Black Ops II weapon render

How do you unlock the S12?

The S12 unlocks at Level 4 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. It is a semi-automatic shotgun that can deliver quick follow-up shots. That flexibility helps in a fight, but its camo ladder still counts one-hit kills rather than ordinary multi-shot eliminations. 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 Crossbow mechanics and legacy camo access were separately checked against historical references and the current Steam Digital Deluxe listing.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 S12 play in Black Ops 2?

RoleSemi-automatic close-range shotgun
Real-world basisFuturized Saiga-12K with LSA Saiga 12 Signcutter design cues
StrengthsRapid follow-ups can recover from a partial first hit; It can pressure several close targets without a pump cycle
TradeoffsFollow-up kills do not solve the one-hit requirement for the first nine camos; Fast firing can empty the magazine before a second room is cleared
Attachments and setup notesLong Barrel improves the usable edge of a close lane; Extended Clip supports multi-target pressure; Laser Sight helps when a route depends on quick hip-fire entries
Challenge noteFinish the one-hit-kill ladder through 250 kills, then 30 Revenge medals, 50 kills with no attachments, 50 kills with no perks, 5 Double Kill medals and 10 Bloodthirsty medals. Completing all 14 challenges earns Gold.
Progression tipAim and move closer than ordinary survival requires so the first shot, not the follow-up, earns each one-hit milestone.
Camo tipDo not spam at the doorway; center one close shot first, then use the semi-auto follow-up only if needed.
Compared withThe M1216 also offers rapid follow-ups with a different magazine cycle; the S12 is the simpler conventional semi-auto.

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

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S12 — common questions

What level does the S12 unlock at in Black Ops 2?

The S12 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 S12?

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 S12 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 S12 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