Let me tell you something straight up – grinding for Long Shot medals in Black Ops 7 can be one of the most frustrating parts of the camo challenge journey. I’ve spent countless hours staring down scopes, missing shots by inches, and screaming at my screen when enemies dance just out of range. But after hundreds of games and way too much caffeine, I’ve cracked the code.
I’m going to share everything I’ve learned about getting Long Shot medals efficiently in BO7. Whether you’re working on Diamond camos for your marksman rifles or trying to unlock that sweet Shattered Gold for your sniper, this guide will get you there faster than you can say “one more shot.”
What Are Long Shot Medals Anyway?
Before we dive into the strategies, let’s get on the same page about what we’re actually chasing. Long Shot medals are exactly what they sound like – you get them for killing enemies from… well, long distances. But here’s where it gets interesting: the distance requirement changes depending on what weapon you’re using.
When I first started grinding these, I assumed every weapon had the same range requirement. Boy, was I wrong! I wasted so much time trying to get pistol long shots from sniper distances, only to realize I was making it way harder on myself.
The game doesn’t exactly spell this out for you, which is why I’m here to break it down. Each weapon class has its own sweet spot for earning Long Shot medals, and understanding these distances is half the battle.
Long Shot Distance Requirements by Weapon Class
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I’ve tested these distances extensively, and I can tell you that knowing these numbers will save you hours of frustration. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Weapon Class | Long Shot Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shotguns | 12.5 meters | Close-range maps, aggressive play |
| Pistols | 20 meters | Mid-range engagements |
| Submachine Guns | 30 meters | Flanking positions |
| Assault Rifles | 38 meters | Versatile combat |
| Light Machine Guns | 38 meters | Holding down lanes |
| Marksman Rifles | 38 meters | Precision shooting |
| Sniper Rifles | 50 meters | Long-distance dominance |
I remember when I finally figured out that my shotgun only needed 12.5 meters for a Long Shot. I was trying to snipe people across the map like an idiot! Now I know that for shotguns, I just need to find those medium-range sightlines and I’m golden.
Which Weapons Actually Need Long Shot Medals?
Here’s something that tripped me up early on – not every weapon in the game requires Long Shot medals for their camo challenges. I spent way too much time grinding long shots with weapons that didn’t even need them. Don’t make my mistake!
Based on my research and personal experience, here are the weapons that actually require Long Shot medals for their camo progression:
Marksman Rifles:
- M8A1: Needs 15 Long Shot Medals for the Raptor camo
- M34 Novaline: Requires 15 Long Shot Medals for the Diamondback camo
Sniper Rifles:
- XR-3 Ion: Needs 15 Long Shot Medals for the Diamondback camo
- Shadow SK: Requires 15 Long Shot Medals for the Raptor camo
That’s it! Just four weapons total. I wish I’d known this when I started – would have saved me dozens of hours grinding unnecessary long shots with other weapons. Focus your energy on these four, and you’ll be much more efficient.
My Favorite Maps for Long Shot Medals
After playing hundreds of matches across all the launch maps, I’ve developed some strong opinions about which maps give you the best opportunities for Long Shot medals. Here are my top picks, ranked from best to worst:
1. Arctic Base
This map is an absolute dream for long-range engagements. The frozen Soviet facility design means there are tons of long sightlines, and the blizzard events actually work in your favor by reducing visibility for everyone else (except if you’re using thermal optics).
My go-to spots:
- The central control room windows overlooking the main courtyard
- The elevated sniper positions near the satellite dishes
- The long corridor connecting the east and west wings
2. Coastal Run
I love this map for mixed combat situations. The beachside town design with wide open rooftops gives you plenty of elevated positions to pick off enemies from distance.
Pro tip: Rotate between the rooftops near the objective points. Enemies will naturally funnel toward these areas, making them predictable targets for your long shots.
3. Havana Redux
This reimagined classic brings back those sweet, sweet long sightlines from the original Black Ops. The central balcony is your best friend here – it gives you sightlines across both spawn zones.
Personal story: I actually got my first-ever Long Shot medal with a marksman rifle on this map. There’s something satisfying about using a classic map design to dominate with classic gameplay.
4. Blacksite Zulu
While this map is designed for vertical movement and wall-running, there are still some solid long shot opportunities if you know where to look. The key is controlling the elevated positions and using the verticality to your advantage.
Maps to Avoid for Long Shots:
- Metro Siege: Too tight and close-quarters
- Fallout Zone: Too many obstacles and radiation hazards
Hardcore vs Core: Which Mode Is Better?
I’ve spent equal time in both Hardcore and Core modes grinding Long Shot medals, and I can tell you without hesitation that Hardcore is the way to go. Here’s why:
In Hardcore mode, enemies have significantly less health, which means:
- Less time for them to react and move out of your line of fire
- Higher chance of one-shot kills with marksman rifles
- Less bullet drop-off affecting your shots at range
I remember switching to Hardcore after struggling for days in Core mode. Suddenly, Long Shot medals started raining down like candy. The difference was night and day.
However, there is one downside to Hardcore – the 20v20 Skirmish mode includes armor, which can make Long Shots inconsistent. I’d stick to 6v6 Hardcore modes for the best results.
Attachment Recommendations for Long Shot Success
Your loadout setup can make or break your Long Shot grinding experience. After experimenting with hundreds of different attachment combinations, here are my go-to setups:
For Marksman Rifles:
- Optic: 4.0x scope or higher (you need that magnification)
- Muzzle: Muzzle Brake (reduces recoil for follow-up shots)
- Underbarrel: Steady Sway Handstop (improves accuracy)
- Rear Grip: Accuracy Grip (better control when aiming)
- Ammo: Extended Mag I (more shots before reloading)
For Sniper Rifles:
- Optic: Your preferred high-power scope
- Muzzle: Suppressor (stay off the minimap)
- Barrel: Any barrel that improves bullet velocity
- Laser: K-Flash Target Laser (faster ADS speed)
- Stock: For stability improvements
Pro tip: Don’t overlook the importance of bullet velocity attachments. They might not seem like a big deal, but when you’re shooting at targets 50+ meters away, that extra bullet speed can be the difference between a hit and a miss.
Game Mode Strategies That Actually Work
Not all game modes are created equal when it comes to farming Long Shot medals. Here are my personal favorites and why they work so well:
1. Hardpoint
This is my absolute favorite mode for Long Shot grinding. Why? Because enemies are predictable. They have to go to the hardpoint objectives, which means you know exactly where they’ll be.
My strategy: Find a good overwatch position that has sightlines on the current or next hardpoint. Set up shop and wait for the enemies to come to you. It’s like fishing, but with more explosions.
2. Domination
Similar to Hardpoint, Domination forces enemies into predictable locations. The three capture points mean you can set up cross-sights and pick off enemies as they try to capture or defend.
Personal tip: I like to play more defensively in Domination. Let the enemy team push toward the objectives, then pick them off from distance as they expose themselves.
3. Control
This mode can be hit or miss, but when it works, it works beautifully. The concentrated fighting around the objective areas means plenty of targets at various distances.
Modes to Avoid:
- Free-for-All: Too chaotic, enemies come from all directions
- Search and Destroy: Too slow-paced, not enough engagement opportunities
- Team Deathmatch: Enemies are too spread out and unpredictable
My Personal Long Shot Grinding Routine
After hundreds of hours of grinding, I’ve developed a routine that works for me. Maybe it’ll work for you too:
- Warm up in a Bot Match: I always start with a quick match against bots to get my aim dialed in and test my loadout. There’s nothing worse than going into a real match cold and missing easy shots.
- Choose Your Mode: I typically go for Hardcore Hardpoint. It’s the sweet spot between predictable enemy movement and good engagement frequency.
- Play the Objective (Sort Of): I’ll play near objectives but not necessarily on them. I want to be close enough to the action to get targets, but far enough away to maintain my distance advantage.
- Patience is Key: I can’t stress this enough. Some matches I’ll only get 1-2 Long Shot medals. Other matches I’ll get 5-6. Don’t get discouraged – it’s all about playing the long game (pun intended).
- Take Breaks: Grinding Long Shots can be mentally taxing. I usually play 2-3 matches, then take a 10-minute break. It keeps me fresh and prevents me from getting frustrated and making stupid mistakes.
Advanced Tips That Most Players Miss
I’ve picked up some advanced techniques that really separate the good Long Shot grinders from the great ones. These aren’t obvious, but they make a huge difference:
1. Use the Environment
Pay attention to the little details on each map. Windows, doorways, and gaps in cover create natural shooting lanes. I’ve found specific spots on each map where I can consistently get Long Shot medals because I’ve learned these environmental sightlines.
2. Lead Your Targets
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many players don’t do it properly. At long distances, you need to lead moving targets. The amount depends on their speed and distance, but a good rule of thumb is to aim about one body length ahead of where they’re moving.
3. Control Your Breathing
I’m not kidding about this one. In real-life sniping, breath control is crucial, and it matters in BO7 too. Try to take your shots when your character isn’t breathing heavily (after sprinting or jumping). The slight sway reduction can make all the difference.
4. Learn the Spawn System
Understanding how the spawn system works can give you a huge advantage. If you can predict where enemies will spawn based on your team’s position, you can set up in advance and catch them as they appear.
Common Mistakes I See Players Make
After watching countless players struggle with Long Shot medals (and making plenty of mistakes myself), I’ve identified some common errors that hold people back:
1. Wrong Distance Expectations
I already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating – using the wrong distance expectations for your weapon class is the #1 mistake I see. Don’t try to get sniper rifle distances with your SMG!
2. Bad Positioning
Too many players expose themselves trying to get Long Shots. You want to be in a position where you can see long distances but are hard to spot yourself. Corners, windows, and elevated positions are your friends.
3. Impatience
This is my personal weakness. I get frustrated when I’m not getting Long Shot medals and start pushing too aggressively. Remember – patience pays off in the long run.
4. Ignoring the Minimap
The minimap is your best friend for predicting enemy movement. Red dots tell you where enemies are, and where they’re likely to be heading. Use this information to position yourself advantageously.
FAQ: Your Long Shot Questions Answered
How many Long Shot medals do I need per weapon?
For the weapons that require them (M8A1, M34 Novaline, XR-3 Ion, and Shadow SK), you typically need 15 Long Shot medals each for their respective camo challenges.
Can I get Long Shot medals in Zombies mode?
No, Long Shot medals are specifically for multiplayer modes. Zombies has its own set of challenges and medals.
Do suppressors affect Long Shot distance?
No, suppressors don’t change the distance requirement for Long Shot medals. They just keep you off the minimar, which can actually help you get more Long Shots by staying hidden.
What’s the fastest way to get Long Shot medals?
In my experience, Hardcore Hardpoint on Arctic Base or Coastal Run is the fastest method. The combination of predictable enemy movement and reduced health in Hardcore mode makes it ideal.
Do Long Shot medals count if the enemy is damaged by teammates?
Yes, as long as you get the final kill shot from the required distance, it counts as a Long Shot medal, even if teammates damaged the enemy first.
Can I get Long Shot medals with vehicles?
No, vehicle kills don’t count toward Long Shot medals. You need to use your primary or secondary weapons.
Final Thoughts: The Long Shot Journey
Grinding Long Shot medals in Black Ops 7 isn’t easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. There’s something satisfying about finally unlocking that camo after hours of precision shooting. I’ve learned so much about map awareness, weapon mechanics, and patience through this process.
Remember, everyone struggles with Long Shot medals at first. The key is to stay patient, learn from your mistakes, and keep practicing. Before you know it, you’ll be popping off Long Shot medals like it’s second nature.
I hope this guide helps you on your camo grinding journey. If you found it helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference, and check out our other Black Ops 7 guides for more tips and strategies.
Now get out there and start landing those Long Shots! Your camos are waiting.
Want more Black Ops 7 content? Check out our complete weapon guide and map breakdowns to dominate every match!