The iconic Ballista sniper rifle is officially making its long-awaited return to Call of Duty, reimagined as the Hawker HX in Black Ops 7. Arriving with the Black Ops 7 Reloaded update, this powerful bolt-action sniper brings classic one-shot potential back into the spotlight, giving long-range specialists a compelling alternative to the VS Recon.

Designed for aggressive, high-skill snipers, the Hawker HX blends nostalgia with modern mechanics, rewarding fast reactions, precision aim, and confident positioning. Below is a complete, the guide covering how to unlock the Hawker HX in Black Ops 7, along with its weapon stats, attachments, and Weapon Prestige camos.

What Is the Hawker HX in Black Ops 7?

The Hawker HX is a modern reinterpretation of the fan-favorite Ballista from Black Ops 2. While it trades some raw stability compared to the VS Recon, it compensates with superior handling, faster ADS speeds, and improved mobility, making it ideal for players who favor quickscoping and constant repositioning.

According to Activision, the Hawker HX features:

·Higher recoil and flinch

·Slightly slower rechamber time

·Faster aim-down-sight (ADS) speeds

·Improved movement and handling

This stat profile makes the Hawker HX perfect for aggressive snipers who like to push lanes, snap onto targets, and keep momentum rather than holding static sightlines.

How to Unlock the Hawker HX in Black Ops 7

The Hawker HX is unlocked through the Quantum Exchange Event, which launches alongside the Black Ops 7 Reloaded update. This limited-time event introduces Fallout-themed rewards and a special event currency tied directly to gameplay across multiple modes.

Quantum Exchange Event Explained

During the event, players must collect Nuka-Cola Quantum Bottle Caps by:

·Eliminating enemies in BO7 Multiplayer

·Killing zombies in BO7 Zombies

·Playing Endgame (Co-Op Campaign)

·Opening loot caches in eligible playlists

Once collected, Bottle Caps can be spent on the Quantum Exchange Event page, where players can unlock weapons and exclusive cosmetics.

Hawker HX Unlock Requirement

To unlock the Hawker HX sniper rifle, you must:

·Collect 100 Nuka-Cola Quantum Bottle Caps

·Exchange them directly for the Hawker HX in the event menu

Unlocking the sniper also contributes toward the ultimate mastery reward: the "Nuka Assault" Dravec 45 SMG blueprint, which caps off the full Quantum Exchange reward track.

Fastest Way to Unlock the Hawker HX

If efficiency is your priority, choosing the right game mode can dramatically speed up your progress.

Best Mode: BO7 Zombies

Zombies are by far the fastest way to farm Bottle Caps. Endless waves of AI enemies allow for consistent eliminations without the unpredictability of PvP matchmaking. As long as you stay alive and keep killing, Bottle Caps accumulate quickly.

This method is especially effective for solo players or anyone looking for a relaxed, low-stress grind.

Best Multiplayer Modes

If you prefer Multiplayer, focus on high-action objective modes:

·Hardpoint - Constant respawns and clustered engagements

·Domination - Predictable rotations and steady kill flow

These modes keep enemies funneling into contested zones, maximizing eliminations per match. Many players also warm up or refine routes in Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies before jumping into live lobbies.

Warzone and Casual Playlists

For players without full access to Multiplayer or Zombies, Casual Battle Royale and Resurgence playlists are viable alternatives. Fewer player encounters make it easier to open loot caches safely and collect Bottle Caps at a steady pace.

Some players even choose to buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies to streamline event challenges, practice sniper mechanics, or efficiently complete unlock requirements without constant interruptions.

Hawker HX Weapon Stats Overview

Here's a breakdown of the Hawker HX sniper rifle's confirmed details:

·Weapon Type: Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

·Weapon Levels: 38

·Magazines: 4

·Magazine Size: 7 rounds

·Mastery Badges: Yes

Attachment Slots

The Hawker HX supports extensive customization, including:

·Optic

·Muzzle

·Barrel

·Underbarrel

·Magazine

·Rear Grip

·Stock

·Laser

·Fire Mods

This flexibility allows players to build the rifle for quickscoping, long-range precision, or experimental hybrid setups.

Hawker HX Prestige Attachment

Reaching Weapon Prestige unlocks a unique classified attachment:

·Damage Barrel: [Classified] Barrel

Early information suggests this barrel enables a Tac Stance sniper build, potentially opening up unconventional playstyles that blur the line between traditional sniping and aggressive lane control.

Weapon Customization Options

The Hawker HX offers full cosmetic support across all major modes:

·Skins

·Camos (Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies, Warzone)

·Reticles

·1 accessory

·1 decal

·3 stickers

These options allow players to fully personalize the rifle while grinding levels and mastery challenges.

Hawker HX Weapon Prestige Camos

Entering Weapon Prestige with the Hawker HX unlocks the following universal Prestige camos:

·Prestige 1: Smoulder

·Prestige 2: Thorns

·Prestige Max: Medley

These camos apply across eligible weapons and serve as a visual badge of dedication and mastery.

Final Thoughts

The Hawker HX is more than a nostalgia-driven return- it's a lethal, fast-handling sniper rifle built for modern Call of Duty gameplay. With its arrival in the Black Ops 7 Reloaded update, players have a clear, event-based path to unlock it through the Quantum Exchange system.

Whether you're grinding Zombies, optimizing Multiplayer routes, or casually farming Bottle Caps, the Hawker HX offers a powerful new option for players who want classic sniper lethality with modern mobility.