How to Unlock the New Machete in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
At the start of Season 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offered two new weapons for players to unlock through the Battle Pass; the FARA 83 and the LC10. However, there are a further four new weapons coming throughout the season, and the first of these is now available to unlock; the Machete.
Black Ops Cold War: Unlocking the Machete
Just like the mid-season weapons from Season 1, players wanting to unlock the new Machete in Black Ops Cold War will need to complete a specific challenge. Typically, these challenges aren’t necessarily difficult, but are more exercises in repetition; i.e. you’ll need to complete a certain task several times. In this case, the challenge is to earn a Back Stabber medal in at least 15 different matches. Earning such a medal is simple – you just need to score a melee kill from behind.
Of course, as per usual, there is another way to get your hands on the Machete. Alongside the new challenge, a new store bundle is also now available, which includes a specific Machete in its contents. This is the “River Slasher” Store bundle, which includes seven separate items. The “Backwater Blade” Legendary Weapon Blueprint is foremost among these; a unique Machete with a crocodile leather handle. The bundle also includes the “Wetlander” skin for Adler, the “Struggle Bust” Finishing Move, “Boomerang” Reticle, “Equalizer” Legendary Watch, and “Gator’s Smile” Weapon Charm.
Of course, the River Slasher bundle does effectively grant you immediate access to the Machete. However, players may still wish to complete the challenge anyway. This is because the Machete cannot be levelled up without unlocking it through the normal route. (Nor can players access its camo challenges.) As such, players who want to add the Machete to their armoury should prepare a quick, stealthy loadout for getting backstab kills. Consider using tools like Stun Grenades to open up windows of opportunity for a close-range ambush.