After over 10 years of waiting, one of the most iconic snipers in Call of Duty history—the Ballista—is finally back. In Black Ops 7, it goes by the name Hawker HX, but make no mistake: the iron sights, the bolt animation, and the crisp sound are unmistakable.

We unlocked it via the new Quantum Exchange event, took it through the grinder of 10v10 Multiplayer to drop Nukes, and pushed it to Legendary rarity in Zombies to see if it holds up.

The verdict? It is an absolute monster, but it requires precision. It might be the best-feeling sniper we have seen in years. Here is everything you need to know to master it.

• How to Unlock the Hawker HX
• Multiplayer Analysis: The King of Aggression
• 1. The Feel and Stats
• 2. Hawker HX (Ballista) vs. VS Recon (DSR)
• 3. The Nuclear Strategy
• Zombies Analysis: The Headshot Machine
• 1. Damage Breakdown
• 2. The Pandemonium OG Transformation
• 3. Comparison: Is it better than the Shadow SK?
• The Ultimate Meta Loadouts
• 1. Multiplayer Loadout (Aggressive Snap)
• 2. Zombies Loadout (Mobility & Hipfire)
• FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
• Summary

↖ How to Unlock the Hawker HX

Currently, this weapon is tied to the Quantum Exchange event.

The Objective: Collect Bottle Caps dropped by enemies in any game mode.

The Cost: You need 100 Bottle Caps to unlock the sniper.

Pro Tip: While you can farm these in Zombies, we found that Multiplayer and Warzone matches generally yield caps much faster.

↖ Multiplayer Analysis: The King of Aggression

In the PVP landscape, the Hawker HX isn't for campers; it is designed for the quick-scopers and aggressive players who want to relive the glory days.

↖ 1. The Feel and Stats

With the right attachments, we managed to get the Aim Down Sight (ADS) speed down to a snappy 445 milliseconds with a fire rate of 57 RPM.

Handling: It feels incredibly lightweight. You can center your screen, snap onto a target, and fire before they even raise their gun.

Lethality: It is a consistent one-shot kill to the upper chest and head. However, in modes like Special Mayhem where health is buffed, or if you hit the legs, you will get hitmarkers. This is why accuracy is non-negotiable.

↖ 2. Hawker HX (Ballista) vs. VS Recon (DSR)

This is the classic debate reborn.

VS Recon: Heavier, slower, but feels like it has a slightly more forgiving one-shot hitbox. It's the anchor sniper.

Hawker HX: Faster, fluid, and high-risk/high-reward. If you want to hit clips and play fast, the Hawker wins.

↖ 3. The Nuclear Strategy

During our testing, we managed to drop three Nukes. A key (and slightly controversial) strategy involves the War Machine. Currently, War Machine kills seem to count toward your streak. If you get pushed while sniping, don't be afraid to pull out the launcher or a secondary pistol like the KOD 9 to stay alive.

↖ Zombies Analysis: The Headshot Machine

We took the Hawker HX to Exit 115 and spent 6 hours leveling it from Red rarity to Legendary Pack-a-Punch (PaP) Tier 3.

↖ 1. Damage Breakdown

At base, the weapon deals a massive 1,470 critical damage. However, body shots are weak (around 400-500). You must aim for the head.

Here is the damage progression we recorded during our run:

Note: If you use the specific Augment that doubles damage on the first hit, these numbers can theoretically double, making it a one-shot machine well into high rounds.

↖ 2. The Pandemonium OG Transformation

When you Pack-a-Punch this weapon, it becomes the Pandemonium OG.

Mag Size: Jumps from 6 to 24 rounds. This is massive for sustainability.

Mobility: You move significantly faster. It feels like you have Stamin-Up built into the gun.

Collaterals: This is where it shines. We were lining up 3 to 5 zombies and popping all their heads with a single shot. The collateral potential feels better than almost any other sniper.

↖ 3. Comparison: Is it better than the Shadow SK?

Statistically? No. The Shadow SK deals around 76,000 crit damage at Legendary Tier 3.

However, the Hawker HX is arguably the second-best sniper in Zombies. While the Shadow hits harder, the Hawker handles better and is more fun to use for training zombies. It remains a one-shot kill until roughly Round 50-55.

↖ The Ultimate Meta Loadouts

Do not use the same build for both modes. They require completely different setups.

↖ 1. Multiplayer Loadout (Aggressive Snap)

Goal: Maximize ADS speed and rechambering speed.

↖ 2. Zombies Loadout (Mobility & Hipfire)

Goal: Maximize hipfire accuracy (for close calls), ammo capacity, and movement.

↖ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the Hawker HX stop being a one-shot in Zombies?

A: Yes. Around Round 50 to 55, you will notice it stops one-shotting heavy armored zombies, even at Legendary rarity. However, it clears standard zombies easily well beyond that.

Q: Is the Prestige Barrel actually necessary?

A: For Multiplayer? No. For Zombies? Yes. The boost to hipfire accuracy is a lifesaver when you get cornered. It makes the sniper viable at point-blank range.

Q: Why am I getting hitmarkers in Multiplayer?

A: You are likely hitting the lower torso or legs. The Hawker demands upper-chest or head precision. Also, check if you are playing high-health modes like Special Mayhem.

Q: What Perks should I run?

A: In Zombies, Deadshot Daiquiri is non-negotiable because you need critical hits. In Multiplayer, run Scavenger (you will burn ammo) and Lightweight for movement.

↖ Summary

The Hawker HX (Ballista) is a triumphant return for a fan-favorite weapon.

In Multiplayer, it is a high-skill, high-speed tool that rewards precision with satisfying clips. In Zombies, it is a head-popping machine that offers incredible mobility and collateral damage, sitting comfortably as a top-tier choice just behind the Shadow SK.

Whether you are grinding for camos, chasing high rounds, or just want to feel that nostalgia, go collect those 100 bottle caps. It is absolutely worth the grind.