Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Black Ops 2 SMAW

LaunchersAvailable once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4Takes camo
LaunchersSMAW — Call of Duty: Black Ops II weapon render

How do you unlock the SMAW?

The SMAW is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II. It is a default single-shot launcher that can engage scorestreaks or be free-fired at a target. Its Gold path mixes aircraft destruction, direct impacts and unusual medal objectives. Its camo track finishes at Skulls (SMAW: destroy 1 Dragonfire · FHJ-18 AA: destroy 1 AGR · RPG: earn 1 Triple Kill medal). Complete every camo challenge on it and Gold unlocks. Earn Gold on the whole class for Diamond.

UnlockDefault
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 Crossbow mechanics and legacy camo access were separately checked against historical references and the current Steam Digital Deluxe listing.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 SMAW play in Black Ops 2?

RoleGuided and free-fire launcher
Real-world basisMk 153 Mod 0 SMAW with a fictional aircraft lock-on capability
StrengthsAvailable when Create-a-Class opens; One launcher can answer both aerial streaks and a carefully chosen ground target
TradeoffsA single loaded rocket leaves no immediate follow-up; Several advanced camo objectives depend on rare enemy streaks or grouped opponents
Setup notesThe SMAW has no conventional attachment track; support it with Blind Eye or cover appropriate to anti-streak work; Keep a normal weapon available for routes where no valid launcher target is present
Challenge noteDestroy aircraft through the 100-aircraft ladder, then earn 10 direct-impact kills, destroy 5 aircraft in one match, kill an enemy by exploding a car, earn 5 Double Kill medals and destroy a Dragonfire. Complete all challenges for Gold.
Progression tipListen for scorestreak announcements and keep a safe view of the sky; do not waste the Dragonfire opportunity needed for Skulls.
Camo tipChoose the target before exposing yourself, fire, then move immediately while the launcher is empty.
Compared withThe FHJ-18 AA is lock-on support only; the SMAW is more flexible because it can also be free-fired.

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

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SMAW — common questions

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

The SMAW is available once Create-a-Class opens at Level 4 in Call of Duty: Black Ops II multiplayer. 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 SMAW?

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 SMAW the final tier is Skulls — SMAW: destroy 1 Dragonfire · FHJ-18 AA: destroy 1 AGR · RPG: earn 1 Triple Kill medal. After that, Gold needs every camo challenge on the weapon done, and Diamond needs Gold on the full class.

Can you unlock the SMAW 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