Black Ops 7 features the most extensive camo grind in Call of Duty history. We’re talking hundreds of unique camos spanning Multiplayer, Zombies, Co-Op Campaign, and Weapon Prestige systems—not to mention the upcoming Warzone integration when Season 1 drops.
If you’re chasing that ultimate completionist status or just want specific mastery camos to flex in-game, this guide breaks down every single unlock requirement across all modes. The grind is real, but understanding exactly what you need makes it significantly more manageable.
What makes Black Ops 7’s camo system unique:
- Separate progression paths for each mode (Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign)
- Weapon Prestige camos that reward long-term dedication
- Cursed Mode Pack-a-Punch camos exclusive to Zombies
- Promotional camos for pre-orders and special challenges
Before diving into the grind, familiarize yourself with efficient leveling strategies and decide whether Weapon Prestige is worth pursuing for your playstyle.
Understanding Black Ops 7’s Camo Categories
The camo system is divided into several distinct categories, each with its own progression requirements:
Military Camos: Basic unlock challenges that progress naturally (headshots, kills, eliminations)
Special Camos: Mode-specific challenges requiring particular playstyles or conditions (hipfire kills, using specific attachments, objective kills)
Mastery Camos: Prestige-level rewards requiring completion of Special camos across multiple weapons within a class
Weapon Prestige Camos: Ultra-rare camos earned by reaching max level and continuing through Prestige ranks with individual weapons
Pack-a-Punch Camos (Zombies Only): Exclusive rewards from Cursed Mode on the Ashes of the Damned map
Multiplayer Camos: Complete Unlock Guide
Multiplayer offers the most traditional camo grind focused on combat performance and challenge completion.
Military Camos (Multiplayer)
These nine camos form the foundation of your Multiplayer progression. Requirements scale progressively:
| Camo | Standard Weapons | Melee Weapons | Launchers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underbrush | 5 headshots | 5 kills | 5 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Woodland | 10 headshots | 10 kills | 10 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Slate Digital | 20 headshots | 20 kills | 15 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Redwood | 30 headshots | 30 kills | 20 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Poison | 40 headshots | 40 kills | 25 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Toxic | 50 headshots | 50 kills | 30 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Mountain | 60 headshots | 60 kills | 35 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Stalker | 70 headshots | 70 kills | 40 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
| Ruby Snake | 80 headshots | 80 kills | 50 kills or Scorestreak destructions |
Efficiency tips:
- Headshots come naturally but can be accelerated in Hardcore modes where time-to-kill is faster
- Check out our easy headshot guide for optimal strategies
- Launcher challenges benefit from playing objective modes with lots of Scorestreaks
- Melee weapons progress fastest in close-quarters maps
Special Camos (Multiplayer): Diamondback, Raptor, and Mainframe
Special camos require weapon-specific challenges. Each weapon has three distinct challenges (one for each Special camo tier).
Challenge Type Examples:
Movement-Based Challenges:
- 50 kills while moving
- 30 kills while/after sprinting
- Sliding, diving, or wall jumping kills
Combat Style Challenges:
- 30 hipfire kills
- 30 objective kills
- 50 eliminations with 5+ attachments
- 50 eliminations without attachments
Precision Challenges:
- 15 longshot medals (check our longshot guide)
- 30 one-shot kills
- Kill without taking damage 30 times
- 2 kills without reloading 10 times
Tactical Challenges:
- Kill 30 enemies affected by your Tactical Equipment
- 50 eliminations with Suppressor
- 15 kills shortly after switching weapons
- Destroy 10 Aerial Scorestreaks or vehicles
Important note: Special camo challenges vary significantly between weapons. The tables in the source material show exact requirements for each weapon, but they follow these general patterns.
Strategic approach:
- Focus on one weapon category at a time (all ARs, then all SMGs, etc.)
- Use Custom Loadouts to optimize for specific challenges
- Equipment selection matters—match tactical equipment to challenge requirements
- Some challenges stack naturally (suppressor kills while getting objective kills)
Mastery Camos (Multiplayer): The Prestige Rewards
Mastery camos represent the pinnacle of Multiplayer grinding. Each tier builds on the previous:
Shattered Gold
- Requirement: Unlock all Special camos on the weapon
- Challenge: Get 3 kills without dying 10 times
Arclight
- Requirement: Unlock Shattered Gold on the weapon + reach threshold for weapon class
- Class Thresholds:
- 6 ARs/SMGs for ARs/SMGs
- 3 Shotguns/Marksman Rifles/Snipers/Pistols for those classes
- 2 LMGs/Launchers/Melee for those classes
- Challenge: Get 10 double kills or better
Tempest
- Requirement: Unlock Arclight + complete Arclight on 30 total weapons
- Challenge: Get 5 kills without dying 3 times
Singularity (Ultimate Mastery)
- Requirement: Unlock Tempest on 30 weapons
- Reward: The rarest Multiplayer camo, showing true dedication
Mastery grind reality check: Singularity requires completing Special camos on 30 different weapons across all classes. This is easily 100+ hours of focused grinding. Plan your progression path carefully and consider which weapons you actually enjoy using.
Zombies Camos: Complete Unlock Guide
Zombies camos focus on critical kills and survival-based challenges, offering a different flavor from Multiplayer progression.
Military Camos (Zombies)
The Zombies Military camos scale dramatically compared to Multiplayer:
| Camo | Standard Weapons | Melee / Launchers |
|---|---|---|
| Char | 100 Critical Kills | 100 Eliminations |
| Tundra | 200 Critical Kills | 200 Eliminations |
| Flood Digital | 300 Critical Kills | 300 Eliminations |
| Cedar | 400 Critical Kills | 400 Eliminations |
| Marshland | 500 Critical Kills | 500 Eliminations |
| Mire | 600 Critical Kills | 600 Eliminations |
| Ravine | 700 Critical Kills | 700 Eliminations |
| Skulk | 800 Critical Kills | 800 Eliminations |
| Emerald Snake | 1,000 Critical Kills | 1,000 Eliminations |
Critical kill requirements: You need to hit zombie weak points (heads). Our critical kills guide covers optimal techniques.
Efficiency strategies:
- Dead Wire ammo mod makes critical kills significantly easier
- Training spots on Ashes of the Damned allow for efficient farming
- Pack-a-Punching weapons accelerates progress on higher rounds
- Consider Essence farming techniques to maintain ammo and upgrades
Special Camos (Zombies): Mutilate, Slither, and Pathfinder
Zombies Special camos require diverse challenges beyond simple critical kills:
Common Challenge Types:
Ammo Mod Challenges:
- 300 kills with Dead Wire
- 300 kills with Napalm Burst
- 300 kills with Brain Rot
- 300 kills with Cryo Freeze
Learn which ammo mod augments work best for each weapon type.
Gameplay Style Challenges:
- 300 hipfire kills
- 300 Point Blank kills
- 300 eliminations at Rare rarity or higher
- 300 eliminations while Pack-a-Punched
Tactical Challenges:
- 75 Shadow Rift activation kills
- 300 Fire Works activation kills
- 75 Armored Zombie eliminations
- 100 kills shortly after using Field Upgrade
Check our best Field Upgrades tier list for challenge optimization.
Precision Challenges:
- 2 critical kills with single shot 15 times
- 3 critical kills consecutively 5 times
- 5 critical kills rapidly 15 times
- 10 kills without reloading 15 times
Survival Challenges:
- 10 kills without taking damage 5 times
- 150 eliminations with Tier 2+ Armor equipped
- Kill 100 enemies affected by Tactical Equipment
Strategic tips for Zombies Special camos:
- Set up custom weapons as wall buys for easy reobtaining if downed
- Use Gobblegums strategically for difficult challenges
- Complete TEDD tasks while grinding camos for bonus rewards
- Salvage farming keeps you stocked for equipment challenges
Mastery Camos (Zombies): Golden Dragon, Bloodstone, Doomsteel, and Infestation
Zombies Mastery camos parallel the Multiplayer system with survival-focused challenges:
Golden Dragon
- Requirement: Unlock all Special camos on the weapon
- Challenge: Get 10 kills rapidly 15 times
Bloodstone
- Requirement: Unlock Golden Dragon + reach class thresholds (same as Multiplayer: 6 for ARs/SMGs, 3 for Shotguns/Marksman/Snipers/Pistols, 2 for LMGs/Launchers/Melee)
- Challenge: Get 20 or more consecutive kills without taking damage 5 times
Doomsteel
- Requirement: Unlock Bloodstone + complete on 30 total weapons
- Challenge: Eliminate 30 Elite Zombies (like Zursa bears)
Infestation (Ultimate Zombies Mastery)
- Requirement: Unlock Doomsteel on 30 weapons
- Reward: The rarest Zombies camo, proving mastery across all weapon classes
Mastery reality check: The Bloodstone challenge (20+ consecutive kills without damage) is significantly harder than it sounds on high rounds. Use permanent perks and optimal training routes.
Pack-a-Punch Camos (Zombies Only): Cursed Mode Exclusives
These six camos are exclusive to the Ashes of the Damned map and require Pack-a-Punching weapons at different levels:
Tier 1 Pack-a-Punch Camos:
- Caustic Ash: Unlocked through Cursed Mode
- Runic: Kill 1,000 zombies with Pack-a-Punch Level I weapon
Tier 2 Pack-a-Punch Camos:
- Molten Ash: Unlocked through Cursed Mode
- Necromancer: Kill 1,000 zombies with Pack-a-Punch Level II weapon
Tier 3 Pack-a-Punch Camos:
- Putrid Ash: Unlocked through Cursed Mode
- Incantation: Kill 1,000 zombies with Pack-a-Punch Level III weapon
Accessing Cursed Mode: Complete the Ashes of the Damned main Easter egg, then select “Continue” and interact with the Mysterious Object in western Blackwater Lake.
Pack-a-Punch camo tips:
- These stack with other challenges—grind them simultaneously
- Level III Pack-a-Punch deals enough damage for high-round efficiency
- Use best training spots to maximize kill counts
- Check our Pack-a-Punch guide for location and upgrade strategies
Co-Op Campaign Camos: Complete Unlock Guide
Campaign camos mix PvE elements with unique enemy-type challenges. The requirements differ significantly from Multiplayer and Zombies.
Military Camos (Campaign)
Campaign Military camos scale more moderately than Zombies:
| Camo | Standard Weapons | Melee Weapons | Launchers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foliage | 10 Critical Kills | 25 kills | 10 kills or Guild equipment / VTOL destructions |
| Desert | 25 Critical Kills | 50 kills | 20 kills or destructions |
| City Digital | 50 Critical Kills | 75 kills | 30 kills or destructions |
| Pine | 75 Critical Kills | 100 kills | 40 kills or destructions |
| Forest | 100 Critical Kills | 125 kills | 50 kills or destructions |
| Sludge | 125 Critical Kills | 150 kills | 60 kills or destructions |
| Plateau | 150 Critical Kills | 175 kills | 70 kills or destructions |
| Nocturne | 200 Critical Kills | 200 kills | 80 kills or destructions |
| Topaz Snake | 250 Critical Kills | 250 kills | 100 kills or destructions |
Campaign-specific tips:
- Play through the full campaign first to understand enemy spawns
- Critical kills on human enemies are easier than zombies (larger hitboxes)
- Launcher challenges benefit from targeting Guild equipment frequently
- Claim campaign rewards while grinding camos
Special Camos (Campaign): Cinder, Caiman, and Network
Campaign Special camos focus on versatility and enemy-type elimination:
Enemy Type Challenges:
- Eliminate 100 Fear Enemies
- Eliminate 100 Human Enemies
- Eliminate 50 Guild Tech enemies
- Eliminate 20/10 Special Enemies (Mastery tier)
Combat Style Challenges:
- 50 kills shortly after sprinting
- 50 hipfire kills
- 50 Point Blank kills
- Get 50 kills with weapon while ADS and moving
Equipment Challenges:
- 100 eliminations with 8 attachments (requires Gunfighter wildcard concept)
- 100 eliminations at Rare rarity or higher
- 100 eliminations with 4.0x or higher scope
- 100 eliminations with Suppressor
Weapon-Specific Challenges:
- 10 kills without reloading 10 times
- 3 kills rapidly 10 times
- 3 kills without releasing trigger 10 times (LMGs)
- 25 Direct Hit Kills (launchers)
Destruction Challenges:
- Destroy 25 Guild D.A.W.G.S, Sentry Turrets, or Drones
- Kill 3 enemies with same shot 10 times (launchers)
Campaign grinding advice:
- Replay missions with high enemy density
- Enemy types vary by mission—choose appropriate maps
- Endgame mode offers infinite enemy spawns for farming
- Coordinate with teammates to maximize efficiency in Co-Op
Mastery Camos (Campaign): Molten Gold, Moonstone, Chromaflux, and Genesis
Campaign Mastery follows similar structure to other modes with unique challenges:
Molten Gold
- Requirement: Unlock all Special camos on weapon
- Challenge: Eliminate 20 Special Enemies
Moonstone
- Requirement: Unlock Molten Gold + class thresholds (6 ARs/SMGs, 3 Shotguns/Marksman/Snipers/Pistols, 2 LMGs/Launchers/Melee)
- Challenge: In Endgame, eliminate 100 Zone III or Zone IV enemies
Chromaflux
- Requirement: Unlock Moonstone + complete on 30 total weapons
- Challenge: Eliminate 10 Elite Enemies
Genesis (Ultimate Campaign Mastery)
- Requirement: Unlock Chromaflux on 30 weapons
- Reward: The rarest Campaign camo
Weapon Prestige Camos: The Long-Term Grind
Weapon Prestige camos represent the ultimate dedication to individual weapons. Unlike mode-specific camos, these require maxing out a weapon and continuing through Prestige levels.
How Weapon Prestige Works
- Max out the weapon through normal use
- Enter Weapon Prestige 1 (unlocks first two Prestige camos)
- Reach max level again in Prestige 1
- Enter Weapon Prestige 2 (unlocks third Prestige camo)
- Enter Weapon Prestige Master (unlocks four Master camos at levels 100, 150, 200, and 250)
Universal Weapon Prestige Camo Structure
Every weapon follows this pattern:
Prestige 1 Camos (Two unique designs per weapon)
- First camo: Enter Prestige 1
- Second camo: Reach max level in Prestige 1 and enter Prestige 2
Prestige Master Camos (Four camos, shared designs across weapons)
- Cobalt Circuit: Reach Prestige Master Level 100
- Vermilion Cypher: Reach Prestige Master Level 150
- Violet Network: Reach Prestige Master Level 200
- Final Unique Camo: Reach Prestige Master Level 250
Notable Weapon Prestige Camos (Examples)
Each weapon gets unique designs for early Prestige levels:
M15 MOD 0: Graffiti → Aces → Cobalt Circuit → Vermilion Cypher → Violet Network → Obscured
AK-27: Carbon Fibre → Shackled → Cobalt Circuit → Vermilion Cypher → Violet Network → Lotus
Peacekeeper MK1: Prowler → Ocean → Cobalt Circuit → Vermilion Cypher → Violet Network → Cyborg
Echo 12: Zombies → Pack-a-Punch → Cobalt Circuit → Vermilion Cypher → Violet Network → Weaponized 115
Knife: Vivid → Tangerine → Cobalt Circuit → Vermilion Cypher → Violet Network → Igneous
The Echo 12’s “Weaponized 115” and “Pack-a-Punch” camos are clear callbacks to Zombies history, making it a popular choice for completionists.
Should you Weapon Prestige? Check our detailed Weapon Prestige guide to weigh the pros and cons. The investment is substantial—reaching Prestige Master Level 250 on a single weapon takes dozens of hours.
Promotional and Special Unlock Camos
Beyond the standard progression, Black Ops 7 includes exclusive camos from special sources:
Guild Override Camo
Unlock Method: Pre-order any edition of Black Ops 7
Availability: All weapons
Design: Themed around the Guild faction from Campaign
If you didn’t pre-order, this camo is unobtainable through gameplay—it’s a true exclusive for early adopters.
Coin Operator Camo
Unlock Method: Defeat the Papaback boss in Dead Ops Arcade 4 on Normal difficulty or higher
Challenge Type: Arcade mode completion
Difficulty: Requires mastering the top-down arcade gameplay
Dead Ops Arcade has always featured unique rewards, and this camo continues that tradition. It’s obtainable but requires time investment in a completely different game mode.
Warzone Camos (Season 1)
The source mentions additional Warzone-exclusive camos arriving with Season 1. These will likely require Warzone-specific challenges and won’t be earnable in Black Ops 7 proper.
Efficient Camo Grinding Strategies
After understanding every camo category, here’s how to approach the grind intelligently:
Mode Selection Strategy
Choose Your Primary Focus:
Multiplayer: Fast-paced, diverse challenges, heavy emphasis on headshots and combat variety. Best for players who enjoy PvP.
Zombies: Repetitive but predictable, excellent for focused grinding sessions. Critical kills become second nature. Best for PvE fans and solo players.
Campaign: Middle ground with unique enemy-type challenges. More structured than Zombies, less competitive than Multiplayer. Best for co-op teams.
Hybrid Approach: Grind Military camos in your preferred mode, then tackle Special/Mastery camos where they’re easiest for each weapon.
Weapon Class Prioritization
Start with weapons you enjoy. Camo grinding takes time—using weapons you hate makes the process miserable.
Consider class thresholds for Mastery camos:
- ARs and SMGs need 6 weapons completed (largest investment)
- Shotguns, Marksman Rifles, Snipers, and Pistols need 3 each
- LMGs, Launchers, and Melee only need 2 (fastest Mastery path)
Launchers and melee weapons should be progressed passively throughout your entire grind. Equip a launcher as secondary and chip away at destructions during normal gameplay.
Challenge Stacking
Always pursue multiple challenges simultaneously:
Example Stack (Multiplayer AR):
- Headshots for Military camos
- While using 5+ attachments for Special camo
- While attempting objective kills
- With Suppressor if required
- In modes that give longshot opportunities
Example Stack (Zombies):
- Critical kills for Military camos
- While using specific Ammo Mod
- With Pack-a-Punch active
- In high-traffic training spot
- While completing Easter egg steps
Time-Saving Tips
Multiplayer:
- Play Hardcore for faster headshots
- Use Nuketown or Shipment-style maps for close-quarters challenges
- Enable crossplay for faster matchmaking
- Learn point-blank kill techniques
Zombies:
- Create optimal training routes
- Use best Scorestreaks for challenge efficiency
- Manually apply armor for “no damage” challenges
- Focus on best perk combinations
Campaign:
- Replay high-enemy-count missions
- Farm specific enemy types on appropriate levels
- Use Endgame mode for infinite spawns
Community Resources
Stay connected with the community for efficiency tips:
- Official Call of Duty Website
- Black Ops 7 Reddit for meta discussions
- COD Community Discord for team coordination
- Black Ops 7 Wikipedia for reference data
Optimal Loadouts for Camo Grinding
Different challenges require different loadout approaches:
Headshot Grinding Loadout
Attachments:
- Optic with clear sight picture (Reflex or Holographic)
- Barrel for improved accuracy
- Grip for recoil control
- Laser for faster ADS
Perks (Multiplayer):
- Best Slot 1 perks for mobility
- Best Slot 2 perks for survivability
- Best Slot 3 perks for utility
Specific Challenge Loadouts
For “No Attachments” Challenges:
- Obviously use base weapon
- Focus on CQC maps where raw gunfights matter most
- Pair with strong equipment to compensate
For “8 Attachments” Challenges:
- Requires Gunfighter wildcard
- Max out useful attachments (don’t waste slots on cosmetic changes)
- Typically makes weapons very strong—good time to pursue multiple challenges
For “Suppressor” Challenges:
- Suppressor obviously required
- Build around stealth playstyle
- Ghost-type perks complement well
Recommended weapon-specific builds:
- Best MPC-24 loadout
- Best Peacekeeper MK1 loadout
- Best M15 MOD 0 loadout
- Best Ryden 45k loadout
- Best Dravec 45 loadout
- Best M8A1 loadout
- Best pistol builds
- Best sniper loadouts
Tracking Your Progress
Black Ops 7 includes in-game tracking for all camo challenges, but external tracking helps maintain motivation:
In-Game Tracking:
- View current challenge progress in Gunsmith
- Check overall completion percentage per mode
- See which weapons need attention
External Tracking Tips:
- Create spreadsheet tracking completed weapons per class
- Note which Mastery thresholds you’ve hit (6/6 ARs, 3/3 Shotguns, etc.)
- Track Weapon Prestige progress separately
- Set daily/weekly goals to maintain momentum
Milestone Celebrations:
- First Mastery camo unlock
- First weapon to Prestige Master
- Completing an entire weapon class
- Unlocking Singularity/Infestation/Genesis
The grind is long—celebrate progress milestones to stay motivated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t ignore launchers and melee until the end. These are the most tedious to grind exclusively. Run them passively throughout your entire camo journey.
Don’t forget mode-specific mechanics. Zombies critical kills work differently than Multiplayer headshots. Campaign enemy types require familiarity with missions.
Don’t neglect Weapon Prestige decisions early. If you plan to Prestige weapons, start immediately—waiting means redoing progress.
Don’t skip Special camo optimization. Some weapons have brutally difficult Special challenges. Research beforehand and save nightmare weapons for when you’re experienced.
Don’t burn out on one mode. Switch between Multiplayer, Zombies, and Campaign to keep things fresh. The variety helps maintain long-term motivation.
Is the Camo Grind Worth It?
Honestly? It depends entirely on your goals and playstyle.
Reasons to pursue camos:
- Visual rewards for dedication and skill
- Long-term goals that extend gameplay value
- Community recognition (especially for Mastery camos)
- Personal satisfaction from completion
Reasons to skip the grind:
- Time investment is massive (hundreds of hours for completion)
- Some challenges force suboptimal playstyles
- Mode-specific requirements may not align with preferences
- Weapon Prestige resets weapons temporarily
My take: Focus on the modes and weapons you genuinely enjoy. Chasing every single camo is a full-time commitment. If you love Zombies, go for Infestation. If Multiplayer is your home, pursue Singularity. Completionist status is admirable, but enjoyment matters more.
Consider checking our prestige guide and all prestige rewards to understand the broader progression system.
Quick Reference: Camo Unlock Hierarchy
Use this flowchart to understand the unlock path:
Military Camos → Special Camos (3 tiers) → Mastery Camos (4 tiers) → Ultimate Mastery
Multiplayer Path:
- Complete 9 Military camos (headshots/kills)
- Complete Diamondback challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Raptor challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Mainframe challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Shattered Gold (3 killstreak, 10 times)
- Complete Arclight across class (double kills)
- Complete Tempest across 30 weapons (5 killstreak, 3 times)
- Unlock Singularity (complete Tempest on 30 weapons)
Zombies Path:
- Complete 9 Military camos (critical kills)
- Complete Mutilate challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Slither challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Pathfinder challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Golden Dragon (10 rapid kills, 15 times)
- Complete Bloodstone across class (20+ consecutive no-damage kills, 5 times)
- Complete Doomsteel across 30 weapons (30 Elite kills)
- Unlock Infestation (complete Doomsteel on 30 weapons)
Campaign Path:
- Complete 9 Military camos (critical kills)
- Complete Cinder challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Caiman challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Network challenges (weapon-specific)
- Complete Molten Gold (20 Special Enemy kills)
- Complete Moonstone across class (100 Zone III/IV kills in Endgame)
- Complete Chromaflux across 30 weapons (10 Elite kills)
- Unlock Genesis (complete Chromaflux on 30 weapons)
Weapon Prestige Path (Per Weapon):
- Max level weapon → Enter Prestige 1 → First unique camo
- Max Prestige 1 → Enter Prestige 2 → Second unique camo
- Enter Prestige Master → Unlock Master tier
- Reach PM Level 100 → Cobalt Circuit
- Reach PM Level 150 → Vermilion Cypher
- Reach PM Level 200 → Violet Network
- Reach PM Level 250 → Final unique camo
Mode-Specific Grind Time Estimates
Based on average player experience, here are rough time estimates:
Multiplayer
Single Weapon to Mastery: 8-12 hours (varies by weapon class and skill)
Full Class to Mastery (6 ARs): 50-75 hours
Singularity Unlock (30 weapons): 250-400+ hours
Factors affecting time:
- Player skill level (higher K/D = faster progression)
- Map selection (smaller maps = more engagements)
- Game mode choice (objective modes vs TDM)
- Challenge difficulty for specific weapons
Zombies
Single Weapon to Mastery: 6-10 hours (more consistent than Multiplayer)
Full Class to Mastery (6 ARs): 40-60 hours
Infestation Unlock (30 weapons): 200-300+ hours
Factors affecting time:
- Round survival efficiency
- Training spot optimization
- Pack-a-Punch timing
- Field Upgrade and perk synergy
Campaign
Single Weapon to Mastery: 10-15 hours (depends on mission replay efficiency)
Full Class to Mastery (6 ARs): 60-90 hours
Genesis Unlock (30 weapons): 300-450+ hours
Factors affecting time:
- Mission selection for enemy types
- Endgame mode proficiency
- Co-op team coordination
- Enemy density per mission
Weapon Prestige (Individual Weapon)
Prestige 1: 3-5 hours
Prestige 2: 3-5 hours
Prestige Master Level 100: 15-20 hours
Prestige Master Level 250: 40-60+ hours total
Reality check: Reaching Prestige Master Level 250 on just ONE weapon takes as long as getting an entire weapon class to Mastery. Choose wisely which weapons deserve this investment.
Season 1 and Future Camo Additions
Black Ops 7 will continue expanding the camo ecosystem:
Confirmed Additions:
- Warzone-exclusive camos (requires Warzone gameplay)
- Seasonal camo challenges
- Event-specific limited-time camos
- Potential battle pass rewards
Speculation Based on Past COD Titles:
- Holiday-themed camos
- Collaboration camos (brand partnerships)
- Reactive camos that change based on performance
- Mastercraft variants for popular weapons
What this means for grinders: The camo chase never truly ends. New additions will continuously provide fresh goals. If you’re a completionist, pace yourself—burnout from grinding every single camo immediately isn’t sustainable when new ones release regularly.
Community Tips from Experienced Grinders
Based on community feedback and veteran camo grinders:
“Start launchers on Day 1.” – Every completionist agrees: launcher camos take longest. Equip a launcher secondary from the beginning and chip away at Scorestreak destructions passively.
“Don’t sleep on Double XP weekends.” – Weapon Prestige benefits enormously from 2XP events. Save your Prestige grinding for these windows to accelerate progress.
“Hardcore is king for headshots.” – Lower TTK means landing the first headshot typically secures the kill. Hardcore modes trivialize Military camo headshot requirements.
“Round 30-40 is the Zombies sweet spot.” – Enemies have enough health to require critical hits but aren’t overwhelming. Too high and you spend more time surviving than grinding.
“Track multiple weapons in one session.” – Instead of focusing exclusively on one weapon, rotate through 2-3 weapons per session. Prevents burnout and keeps gameplay fresh.
“Join the Discord for team challenges.” – Some Campaign and Zombies challenges benefit massively from coordinated teams. Solo players struggle unnecessarily.
“Respect the grind but don’t let it consume you.” – Multiple community members report hundreds of hours invested. Make sure you’re still having fun—camos are cosmetic rewards, not obligations.
Advanced Challenge-Specific Strategies
Hipfire Kill Challenges
Optimal weapons: SMGs and Shotguns (naturally suited to hipfire)
Loadout optimization:
- Hipfire laser attachments
- Reduced ADS speed attachments (forces hipfire habit)
- Steady Aim Laser for tighter spread
Map selection: Close-quarters maps (Nuketown, indoor sections)
Technique: Pre-aim around corners, slide into engagements, use movement to close distance
Longshot Medal Challenges
Optimal weapons: ARs, Marksman Rifles, Snipers
Loadout optimization:
- Long-range optics (4x minimum)
- Barrel for increased range
- Attachments boosting bullet velocity
Map selection: Maps with clear sightlines (lanes, rooftop positions)
Technique: Post up in high-traffic lanes, pre-aim common routes, use cover effectively
Full details in our longshot kills guide.
Point Blank Kill Challenges
Optimal weapons: Shotguns, SMGs
Loadout optimization:
- Movement speed attachments
- Lightweight equipment
- Melee range doesn’t count—must be gun kills
Technique: Aggressive rushing, slide into enemies, utilize corners and doorways
Check our point-blank kills guide for detailed strategies.
Objective Kill Challenges
Best modes: Hardpoint, Domination, Headquarters (high objective player density)
Strategy: Focus on objective locations rather than general map flow. Most players cluster around objectives, creating target-rich environments.
Team benefit: You’re simultaneously helping your team win while grinding camos—win-win situation.
Critical Kill Challenges (Zombies)
Optimal technique: Aim slightly above zombie head level—recoil naturally pulls into headshot zone
Best training spots: Open areas where you can line up zombies
Perk synergies: Deadshot Daiquiri (auto-aims toward critical zones)
Ammo mods: Dead Wire chains through multiple zombies, often securing critical kills on chained targets
Detailed coverage in our critical kills guide.
Settings Optimization for Camo Grinding
Your settings can significantly impact grinding efficiency:
Aim Settings:
- Sensitivity: Personal preference, but higher sensitivity helps track moving targets for headshots
- Aim assist: Ensure it’s optimized for your playstyle
- Deadzone: Minimize for more responsive aiming
Visual Settings:
- FOV: Higher FOV increases peripheral awareness but can make distant targets smaller
- Motion blur: Disable for clearer target acquisition
- Weapon FOV: Preference, but lower values make ironsights easier to use
Audio Settings:
- Enable footstep audio emphasis for Multiplayer
- Adjust for hearing enemy positions before engagements
- Callout audio helps identify Scorestreaks for launcher challenges
Check our comprehensive settings optimization guide for detailed configurations.
Performance optimization: Stable framerate matters more than you’d think for headshot accuracy. If you’re experiencing packet burst, lag, or stuttering, fix those issues before committing to long grind sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do camos carry between modes? A: No. Multiplayer, Zombies, and Campaign camos are separate. However, Weapon Prestige camos work across all modes once unlocked.
Q: Can I unlock camos in Custom/Private matches? A: Generally no for Multiplayer. Zombies solo/private matches DO count. Campaign replay counts.
Q: Do camos transfer to Warzone? A: Black Ops 7 weapons will have their camos available in Warzone, but Warzone will also have exclusive camos requiring Warzone-specific challenges.
Q: What happens if I prestige my weapon mid-camo grind? A: Camo progress is saved. You don’t lose challenge completion by prestiging the weapon.
Q: Are some weapons excluded from camos? A: Wonder Weapons in Zombies (like the Necrofluid Gauntlet) don’t have traditional camos. All standard weapons support the full camo system.
Q: Can I unlock multiple Special camos simultaneously? A: Yes! If a challenge overlaps (like “hipfire kills with suppressor”), both challenges progress simultaneously.
Q: Do I need DLC weapons for Mastery camos? A: Only launch weapons count toward the 30-weapon Mastery requirements. DLC weapons added later can earn camos but aren’t required for Singularity/Infestation/Genesis.
Q: What’s the fastest single camo to unlock? A: Military camos, specifically early ones (Underbrush, Woodland). They come naturally through basic gameplay.
Q: What’s the hardest camo to unlock? A: Subjective, but community consensus points to Bloodstone in Zombies (20+ consecutive no-damage kills, 5 times) and any Weapon Prestige Master Level 250 camo due to time investment.
Alternative Progression: Black Ops 2 Weapons
Black Ops 7 features returning weapons from Black Ops 2 with their own unlock requirements. Our Black Ops 2 weapons unlock guide covers how to obtain these nostalgia pieces.
Once unlocked, these weapons follow the standard camo progression system. They’re particularly appealing to veteran players who remember grinding these same guns years ago.
Cosmetic Integration: Operators, Emotes, and More
While grinding camos, don’t forget about other cosmetic systems:
Operators: Different characters with unique looks—see our all operators and factions guide
Emotes and Sprays: Learn how to use emotes and sprays to celebrate your camo unlocks
Melee Weapons: Dedicated melee weapons have camo progression—check how to equip melee weapons
Combat Specialties: These gameplay modifiers can help efficiency—see our Combat Specialties guide
Final Thoughts: The Journey vs. The Destination
Black Ops 7’s camo system represents the most ambitious cosmetic grind Call of Duty has ever attempted. Between Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign, and Weapon Prestige systems, completionists are looking at 1,000+ hours of dedicated grinding.
But here’s the thing: those hours should be enjoyable, not torturous. The best camo grinders are players who genuinely love the game and use camos as long-term goals rather than checkbox obligations.
My advice after reviewing this entire system:
Pick one primary focus. Don’t try to chase Singularity, Infestation, AND Genesis simultaneously unless you’re a content creator with unlimited playtime.
Enjoy the weapons you’re using. If you hate shotguns, maybe skip that class for Mastery. Missing one weapon class doesn’t diminish your accomplishments.
Take breaks. The camos aren’t going anywhere. Burnout is real, and taking a few days off to play other games or modes without camo focus refreshes motivation.
Celebrate milestones. First Gold camo? Screenshot it. First Mastery unlock? Share it with friends. The journey has many high points—enjoy them.
Remember it’s cosmetic. Camos don’t improve weapon performance. They’re purely visual flexes. If the grind stops being fun, it’s okay to step back.
The players who successfully complete massive camo grinds aren’t superhuman—they’re simply people who found sustainable approaches that kept the game enjoyable throughout hundreds of hours. Find your pace, enjoy the process, and those Mastery camos will come naturally.
Good luck with your grind, and may your headshots always connect!
Complete Unlock Reference Tables
For quick reference, here are all the comprehensive unlock level requirements across modes:
Complete Multiplayer Level Unlocks
See our full level unlocks guide for Multiplayer and Zombies for exact unlock levels of weapons, perks, equipment, and more.
Permanent Unlock Tokens
When you prestige, you’ll receive tokens to permanently unlock items. Check our best permanent unlock token choices to optimize your selections.
Split-Screen Grinding
Playing with a friend or family member? Learn how to set up split-screen multiplayer to grind together.
Additional Easter Eggs
While grinding Zombies camos, you might want to complete side Easter eggs:
- Ashes of the Damned Music Easter Egg
- Free Klaus guide
- Mr. Peeks Axe Throwing Easter Egg
- Good Soldiers Trophy/Achievement
Twitch Drops
Don’t forget to connect your account for Twitch Drop rewards while grinding—free cosmetics never hurt!
External Resources:
- Official Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Website
- Black Ops 7 Wikipedia
- Black Ops 7 Subreddit Community
- COD Community Discord Server
Quick Takeaways
✅ Black Ops 7 features 4 major camo categories: Military, Special, Mastery, and Weapon Prestige
✅ Each mode (Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign) has independent progression with unique challenges
✅ Ultimate Mastery camos (Singularity, Infestation, Genesis) require completing 30 weapons across all classes
✅ Weapon Prestige camos demand extreme dedication to individual weapons (40-60+ hours per weapon to Level 250)
✅ Launcher and melee challenges should start immediately and be completed passively throughout your grind
✅ Challenge stacking accelerates progress by completing multiple requirements simultaneously
✅ Mode selection should match your playstyle preferences—don’t force yourself into modes you dislike
✅ Community resources and coordination make team-based challenges significantly easier
✅ Sustainable pacing prevents burnout—the grind is a marathon, not a sprint
✅ Cosmetic rewards should enhance enjoyment, not create obligations that diminish fun
Now get out there and start that grind! Your perfect camo loadout awaits.
