Unlocking .410 Ironhide & Grav in CoD

The .410 Ironhide shotgun and Grav assault rifle stand out as key additions from Season 6 of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone, offering players versatile firepower for close-quarters dominance and mid-range engagements. These weapons became available on October 7, 2021, as free battle pass rewards, but free-to-play users without prior access face unique in-game challenges to obtain them.

Battle Pass Paths to Weapon Access

Reaching specific tiers in the Season 6 battle pass provides the fastest route for most players. The Grav assault rifle unlocks at Tier 31, while the .410 Ironhide shotgun becomes available at Tier 15, both in the free track. Purchasing the battle pass accelerates progress with a 10% XP boost, but dedicated playthroughs suffice for free earners.

• Tier 15: .410 Ironhide shotgun – Lever-action design with high close-range damage and improved fire rate for reliable two-shot kills.
• Tier 31: Grav assault rifle – Features a 50-meter base range, class-leading bullet velocity, and 35-round magazine without attachments.

Additional blueprints like Gravitas (Tier 24, free rare assault rifle variant) enhance customization options early on.

Challenge-Based Unlocks for Free Players

For those without battle pass progression or Cold War ownership, weapon challenges in Warzone enable unlocking. These require completing matches to track progress across 15 sessions, emphasizing consistency over rushed kills.

Grav Assault Rifle Challenge

To unlock the Grav, use assault rifles to secure three kills on enemies at lower elevations in 15 different completed matches. Caldera’s verticality aids this, with peaks and ridges providing natural high ground.

• Target mountain tops or elevated structures for overlooking sightlines.
• Complete every match to register progress; partial games do not count.

.410 Ironhide Shotgun Challenge

The shotgun demands two point-blank kills using shotguns in 15 different completed matches. Point-blank range allows finishing downed foes easily, counting toward the quota.

• Search for AFK players at match starts for quick executions.
• Use aggressive rushes in close-quarters modes like Team Deathmatch.

Both challenges prove manageable compared to prior seasons, favoring strategic positioning over sheer volume.

Prime Loadouts for Challenge Completion

Optimized setups streamline challenge fulfillment. Pair weapons with attachments boosting handling, recoil control, and mobility.

These configurations prioritize elevation advantage for Grav and hip-fire speed for Ironhide.

Strategic Map Locations in Warzone

Caldera’s terrain excels for these challenges. High-elevation zones like Peak summit allow downward sniping for Grav progress, while bunkers and camps suit Ironhide ambushes.

• Peak Area: Deploy atop ridges; use lifts for repositioning and lower-level picks.
• Airport & Runway: Multi-level buildings for vertical kills; tight interiors for point-blanks.
• Stadium & Hydroelectric: Elevated platforms overlooking chokepoints.

Plunder mode accelerates farming without survival pressure, ideal for iterative testing.

Weapon Stats and Playstyles

Grav Assault Rifle Deep Dive

The Grav excels in sustained fire with rapid bullet velocity minimizing lead time on moving targets. Its base stats support aggressive pushes or defensive holds, adaptable via attachments for long-range precision.

• Damage: High time-to-kill under 50m.
• Mobility: Competitive sprint-to-fire speed.
• Best Mode: Multiplayer TDM or Warzone mid-range.

.410 Ironhide Shotgun Analysis

This lever-action beast delivers devastating close-range output, with two-shot potential and faster cycling than rivals. Short one-shot window demands precise positioning.

• Damage: 2-shot kill reliability.
• Fire Rate: Enhanced post-Season 6 buffs.
• Best Mode: Close-quarters like Shipment or Rebirth Island.

Pack-a-Punch upgrades to Devil’s Broadside in Zombies boost shell capacity to three.

Season 6 Battle Pass Overview

Beyond these weapons, Season 6 offers diverse rewards:

• Tier 5: Lycan Hunter SMG (legendary).
• Tier 21: Final Chapter pistol (free).
• Tier 27: Cemetery Thorn sniper.
• Tier 76: Bonfire assault rifle (legendary).

Free track viability encourages broad participation.

Tips for Rapid Progression

• Play objective modes for kill density.
• Track progress in loadout editor.
• Group up for protected farming.
• Switch modes if stalled (e.g., Plunder to BR).

Consistency across 15 matches typically takes 10-20 hours, varying by skill.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

Avoid abandoning matches, as completions are mandatory. For Ironhide, confirm point-blank via downed finishes. Grav users: Prioritize true height differentials, not minor steps.

FAQs

Can I unlock these without buying the battle pass?

Yes, via weapon-specific challenges in Warzone for free-to-play users.

What’s the exact Grav challenge?

Three lower-elevation kills with assault rifles across 15 completed matches.

Is .410 Ironhide good in Warzone?

Excellent for CQC with two-shot kills, though range-limited.

How long to reach Tier 31?

20-40 hours of focused play; faster with purchase.

Do challenges work in all modes?

Primarily Warzone BR and Plunder; verify in loadout.

Advanced Tactics and Builds

For Grav, pair with Overkill for shotgun secondary, enabling hybrid play. Ironhide thrives with Marathon for extended slides into point-blanks. Test in private matches for refinement.

Community feedback highlights Caldera’s suitability, with Peak yielding 3+ kills per drop.