The introduction of Reaper as a specialist in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 brought fresh excitement to both Multiplayer and Blackout modes. This experimental war robot, known for its menacing design and devastating abilities, quickly became a fan favorite. Players eager to wield its Scythe minigun and deploy Radar Shroud for tactical advantages needed to follow specific unlock paths tied to seasonal events and in-game challenges.
Reaper’s Core Abilities and Why It’s Essential
Before diving into unlocks, understanding Reaper’s toolkit is key. The Scythe specialist weapon unleashes a high-rate-of-fire barrage, ideal for suppressing enemies or clearing rooms in close-quarters combat. Paired with Radar Shroud equipment, which conceals areas from enemy mini-maps, Reaper excels in ambush setups and objective defense. In Blackout, these tools shine in late-game circles, allowing squads to control high-traffic zones undetected.
Reaper’s lore as Experimental War Robot-115 adds thematic depth, portraying it as a relentless hunter in the Black Ops universe. Its default appearance is gritty and operator-themed, but variants like Arctic, Jungle, and Stalker heads or bodies require accumulating kills while equipped—ranging from 50 to 400.
Primary Unlock Method: Operation Apocalypse Z Contraband
The most straightforward way to gain access to Reaper is through the Operation Apocalypse Z event’s Contraband stream. Players simply need to progress to Tier 1, which demands minimal effort. A single completed match in Multiplayer, Blackout, or even Zombies (reaching wave 15) grants the initial merit, propelling most users to this tier instantly.
No purchases are required for the base unlock—it’s free for all platforms once the event activates. Post-unlock, Reaper becomes available across modes, enabling immediate use of its arsenal. This accessibility ensured rapid adoption during the event, with players reporting unlocks after just a few games.
- Play any mode: Multiplayer, Blackout, or Zombies.
- Complete one match or hit wave 15 in Zombies for free tier progress.
- Reach Tier 1 to claim Reaper at Tier 0 (default outfit).
Exclusive Numbers Outfit: Blackout Challenge Guide
For those seeking cosmetic flair, the Numbers outfit transforms Reaper into a cryptic, numbered aesthetic inspired by Cold War conspiracies. This default rarity skin requires a specific Blackout mission involving the Ocular Sensor item.
The process starts with locating the Ocular Sensor, a rare collectible spawning in fixed map spots, primarily in Blackout’s Fog of War playlist. Common locations include:
- Fracking Tower: On a table inside the structure, often near enemy hotspots.
- App Factory: Scattered on workbenches or crates in industrial areas.
- Additional spawns: Rotates across the map, so check multiple runs.
Once picked up, hold the sensor in your inventory and tackle two challenges:
| Challenge | Requirement | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Kills | 115 lifetime kills with Reaper (tracked pre-item) | Grind Multiplayer or Blackout; most players hit this quickly. |
| Placement | Top 2 in Solo/Duo; Top 2 squads in teams |
Players have shared footage of snagging the sensor within 30 seconds and securing 18-kill victories to complete it swiftly. Persistence pays off—multiple drops may be needed if spawns elude you.
Advanced Customizations and Black Market Options
Beyond base and Numbers outfits, Reaper offers progression-based and premium variants. Kill milestones unlock themed heads and bodies:
| Part | Variant | Kills Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Heads | Arctic | 100 |
| Jungle | 250 | |
| Stalker | 400 | |
| Bodies | Arctic | 50 |
| Jungle | 175 | |
| Stalker | 325 |
Black Market exclusives like Mach 3 (Legendary) demand 300 COD Points for a contract (win 15 games) or 600 for instant access. Maggot body comes via Supply Drops. Note: Some content, like early Blackout characters, tied to Black Ops Pass ($50), but Reaper’s core was event-based.
Platform Availability and Event Timing
Operation Apocalypse Z rolled out first on PS4, with PC following closely; Xbox users joined later per standard beta windows. The event’s Contraband tiers refreshed seasonally, so timing mattered. Even years later, legacy unlocks persist in private matches or remastered playlists.
For current players, check Black Market archives or community servers recreating events. Reaper remains viable in custom games, where its Scythe dominates.
Tips for Maximizing Reaper in Gameplay
To leverage Reaper effectively post-unlock:
- Multiplayer: Pair Scythe with Trophy Systems for room locks; Radar Shroud flanks objectives.
- Blackout: Drop hot for sensor hunts, then rotate to circle edges for shroud ambushes.
- Combine with high-mobility perks like Dead Silence for silent approaches.
- Grind kills in low-stakes modes like Team Deathmatch for variants.
Community videos highlight 18-kill Fog wins, proving Reaper’s dominance in skilled hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need the Black Ops Pass for Reaper?
No, base Reaper unlocks via free Contraband Tier 1. Pass was for other exclusives.
Where exactly is the Ocular Sensor in Blackout?
Primarily Fracking Tower tables and App Factory benches; spawns rotate.
How many games for Tier 1?
Typically 1-3 matches, thanks to free merits.
Is Numbers outfit permanent?
Yes, once earned via Blackout mission.
Can I unlock Reaper variants today?
Kill challenges work in supported modes; Black Market via points.
Evolving Legacy of Reaper in CoD
Reaper’s impact extended beyond BO4, influencing specialist designs in later titles. Its robot aesthetic and suppressive firepower set benchmarks for mechanical operators. Players nostalgic for Blackout often revisit via private lobbies, keeping the unlock hunts alive.
Mastering these steps not only grants access but immerses you in BO4’s event-driven ecosystem, blending grind with reward.
References
- Blackout: How to UNLOCK Reaper! (Ocular Sensor Location) — YouTube (Prima Games channel). 2018-10.
- How to Unlock Reaper in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 — Prima Games. 2018-10-12. https://primagames.com/tips/How-to-Unlock-Reaper-in-Call-of-Duty-Black-Ops-4
- HOW TO UNLOCK THE NUMBERS OUTFIT FOR REAPER — YouTube. 2018-10.
- HOW TO UNLOCK THE REAPER NUMBERS SKiN! (18 … — YouTube. 2018-10.
- HOW TO UNLOCK NEW CHARACTERS IN BLACK OPS 4 — YouTube. 2018-10.
- Experimental War Robot-115 “Reaper” — Call of Duty Wiki. Last updated 2023. https://callofduty.fandom.com/wiki/Experimental_War_Robot-115_%22Reaper%22

