The Crossbow in Call of Duty is a unique weapon with high damage, slow reload speed, and a wide range of functionality across different games. It’s silent, powerful, and often fits into the Special or Marksman class. This article covers how the Call of Duty Crossbow works, its versions in various campaigns, bolt types, attachments, and special uses in different modes.

What Makes the Crossbow Unique

The Crossbow is a silent weapon that uses bolts instead of bullets. It usually appears as a single-shot weapon that requires reloading after every shot. Most versions of the Crossbow shoot explosive bolts, which can stick to enemies or surfaces and then detonate. Unlike most firearms, it’s a projectile weapon—bolts have travel time and are affected by gravity.

The Crossbow is not hitscan. You have to account for drop over distance. It’s quiet, but not suppressed in most games, and can be deadly when used with precision. Some versions allow bolt recovery. Others support attachments, special ammo, or zombie crowd control features.

Campaign Appearances

Black Ops

In Black Ops, the Crossbow appears in missions like “Executive Order” and “WMD.” It can fire both regular and explosive bolts. Some versions include a zoom scope. It can kill with a direct hit or with its explosive damage, but it’s slower than most firearms.

Modern Warfare Mobilized

This version includes explosive-tipped bolts with unlimited range and wide splash damage. Found in hidden spots across campaign missions, it’s useful against groups but has limited ammo. You only get 10 shots.

Black Ops II and III

In Black Ops II, the Crossbow features a “Tri-Bolt” configuration, firing three bolts before reloading. It’s effective in both single-player and Sticks and Stones mode. The bolt travel is slower, and aiming requires compensation for arc.

Modern Warfare II and III

The Crossbow returns as a Marksman Rifle. It has multiple bolt types: explosive, thermite, tear gas. It can be equipped with a wide range of scopes and stocks. This version is highly customizable but still uses one bolt per reload.

Multiplayer Mechanics

Direct Hits and Explosions

In most multiplayer versions, a direct hit from a Crossbow bolt won’t always kill. The damage on impact is usually lower than the explosive damage. Once the bolt sticks, it beeps briefly and explodes, often guaranteeing a kill unless the enemy has Flak Jacket or similar perks.

In Hardcore modes, direct hits are usually lethal. Splash damage from explosions can also kill multiple players if they’re close together.

Rate of Fire and Reload Speed

The Crossbow is slow. You fire once, then reload. In Black Ops, the reload time is about 2.75 seconds. Advanced Warfare reduces this to 1.85 seconds. Modern versions allow reload time to be reduced with perks or attachments.

Reload cancels and perks like Sleight of Hand improve usability in fast-paced matches.

Visibility and Indicators

Crossbow bolts are color-coded. Enemy bolts usually glow red, friendly bolts green. After sticking to a surface, the bolt triggers a warning indicator, similar to a grenade. Players can be damaged or killed by their own bolt if they fire too close.

Zombie Mode Functionality

Black Ops Zombies

The Crossbow can be found in the Mystery Box. When Pack-a-Punched, it becomes the Awful Lawton. Bolts draw zombies like Monkey Bombs before exploding. This can help revive teammates or clear large groups.

PhD Flopper is recommended to avoid self-damage. Speed Cola shortens reload times. Quick Revive increases how long bolts distract zombies.

Advanced Warfare Exo Zombies

The Crossbow reloads faster and allows movement without slowdown. It becomes especially useful after upgrades, able to kill even in high rounds. Stick bolts to enemies for best effect. It’s less risky than rocket launchers but still powerful.

Modern Warfare Zombies

When upgraded, the Crossbow becomes Insane Bolt. It’s usable in Operation Deadbolt. Like older versions, it works best with upgrades and perks that boost ammo, damage, and fire rate.

Call of Duty Mobile

This version is classified as a pistol. It uses different bolt types including sticky grenade, thermite, and gas grenade. Bolt speed, drop, and damage vary by setup. It doesn’t allow bolt recovery and has no penetration. Still, it’s lethal when aimed at the upper body or head.

The Crossbow is also available in Zombies and Battle Royale modes. Upgrading and Pack-a-Punching improves fire rate and damage. With the right build, it can even outperform other pistols in boss rounds.

Modern Attachments and Variants

Bolt Types

• Explosive: Default in most multiplayer and zombies modes. Deals splash damage.
• Regular: Used in older campaigns. No explosion.
• Thermite: Adds burn damage.
• Tear Gas / Gas Grenade: Slows or weakens enemies.
• Sticky Grenade: Attaches to surfaces or players before exploding.
• Zipline: Campaign only.
• Flaming Tip: Wii version only.

Attachments

Depending on the game, attachments include:

• Scopes (Reflex, ACOG, Thermal, Zoom)
• Custom Limbs and Cables (affect bolt speed)
• Lasers and Grips (improve hip-fire and handling)

Variants and Blueprints

Across Modern Warfare, Cold War, and Mobile, the Crossbow has many blueprint skins like Heart Stopper, Lovemaker, and Raining Death. These change appearance and sometimes include unique tracers or perks.

Achievements and Challenges

One notable challenge is the Sacrificial Lamb trophy in Black Ops. You must shoot or be shot by a Pack-a-Punched Crossbow and kill six zombies in one explosion. This showcases the crowd control potential of the weapon.

Why Players Still Use It

The Crossbow is quiet, strong, and rewarding. It forces players to think about timing, range, and reload windows. It doesn’t suit every playstyle, but in the right hands, it can change the pace of a match or clear out a zombie horde.

It has appeared in nearly every major Call of Duty title, in some form. Whether you’re fighting AI or real players, the Crossbow always offers a different kind of challenge.

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