Call of Duty: Black Ops

Black Ops 1 Crossbow

Special WeaponsUnlocked at Level 332,000 CoD PointsNo camo
Special WeaponsCrossbow — Call of Duty: Black Ops weapon render

How do you unlock the Crossbow?

The Crossbow unlocks at Level 33 in Call of Duty: Black Ops. It loads one explosive bolt at a time with one in reserve; bolts arc over distance, stick to surfaces or targets and detonate after a delay, making the weapon useful for dislodging a defended route. Buying it costs 2,000 CoD Points after the unlock condition is met. It does not take camo.

UnlockLevel 33
Purchase2,000 CoD Points
Takes camoNo

Reviewed July 27, 2026. Sources include Activision's original Black Ops overview, the official Xbox 360 manual, official PlayStation release and Treyarch-authored Prestige documentation, contemporaneous multiplayer tables, and a specialist identification reference for the in-game firearm models. Play advice is editorial. Scope: original 2010 multiplayer progression, not Campaign, Zombies, Black Ops Cold War, later games or mods; the 2026 PlayStation port is only described where official platform information is available.

Sources: Activision — Black Ops · Official Xbox 360 manual · PlayStation Store release listing · PlayStation.Blog — Treyarch Prestige reset facts · Contemporaneous multiplayer weapon table · GameFAQs — purchasable-item Prestige reset · IMFDB — in-game firearm identifications

How does the Crossbow play in Black Ops 1?

RoleSingle-shot explosive-bolt secondary
Real-world basisCompact crossbow configured in-game with explosive bolts
StrengthsSticky delayed explosive can force movement from cover or an objective; Accurate direct placement rewards practiced trajectory judgment
TradeoffsOne shot per reload leaves a long gap after every attempt; Bolt drop and delayed detonation make reactive close defense unreliable
Attachments and setupNone. The multiplayer Crossbow has no selectable attachments; Practice the base trajectory; the campaign scope is not part of the multiplayer weapon
Challenge noteBO1 weapon challenges are separate from camouflage. Camos are bought per eligible primary with earned CoD Points rather than unlocked through a weapon challenge.
Use tipLead moving targets and account for drop on longer shots. Against a defended position, place the bolt where the opponent must move rather than firing into open space.
Compared withIt controls space with delayed explosive bolts; the Ballistic Knife resolves on direct contact, reloads one blade at a time and supports faster melee.

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Crossbow — common questions

What level does the Crossbow unlock at in Black Ops 1?

The Crossbow unlocks at Level 33 in Call of Duty: Black Ops multiplayer. It then costs 2,000 CoD Points. The level cap is 50, and prestige is up to 15.

Does the Crossbow take camos?

No — the Crossbow cannot equip weapon camouflage in Call of Duty: Black Ops. It uses its own weapon challenges instead.

Can you unlock the Crossbow for me?

Yes — our Black Ops 1 Unlock All service covers any prestige 1-15, max level 50, max CoD Points and every weapon unlocked (Xbox 360), from $19.99. See the service.

More Special Weapons

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Ballistic Knife — Call of Duty: Black OpsBallistic KnifeLevel 15 · Special Weapons

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Our Black Ops 1 Unlock All service includes any prestige 1-15, max level 50, max CoD Points and every weapon unlocked (Xbox 360), from $19.99.

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