How to Unlock the Sturmwolf 45 SMG in Black Ops 7

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Season 1 Reloaded update has brought a thrilling crossover with the Fallout universe, and at the center of this collaboration is the highly sought-after Sturmwolf 45 SMG. Reminiscent of the iconic UMP 45, this weapon stands out for its extremely low recoil, strong headshot damage, and ease of use-making it a perfect addition to any close-quarters loadout in Multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone.

The best part? Unlocking the Sturmwolf 45 doesn't require spending a dime. Unlike some premium weapons locked behind store bundles, this SMG is available entirely for free via the Fallout Event Pass. Whether you're a casual player or a grind-focused operator, this guide will walk you through every step to add the Sturmwolf 45 to your armory, plus tips to speed up progression before the event ends.

The Core Unlock Method: The Fallout Event Pass Free Track

The Sturmwolf 45 is the crown jewel of the Fallout Event Pass's free track-a 10-tier reward system introduced with the Season 1 Reloaded update on January 8, 2026. Unlike complex weapon challenges that demand specific feats (like getting X number of headshots or objective kills), unlocking this SMG boils down to one simple task: earning Player XP by playing the game. 

First, you need to locate the Fallout Event Pass in the main menu. No matter which game mode you're in-Multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone-navigate to the dedicated "Fallout Event" tab. This will bring up the event pass interface, where you'll see two tracks: Free and Premium. 

Focus exclusively on the Free Track. The Sturmwolf 45 is the 10th and final reward here, meaning you'll need to progress through nine prior milestones to unlock it permanently. The good news is that every match you play contributes to your event pass progression, regardless of the game mode.

What You'll Earn Along the Way (Free Track Tiers)

Progression toward the Sturmwolf 45 isn't just a grind-you'll unlock fun Fallout-themed rewards at every step. Here's a breakdown of the Free Track tiers to keep you motivated: 

Instant Unlock: Dweller Operator Skin (David Mason, dressed in Fallout's iconic blue vault suit) 

"Enjoy Your Stay" Loading Screen 

1-Hour Double Weapon XP Token 

"Power Pose" Animated Emblem

1-Hour Double XP Token 

Wanderer Operator Skin (Zaveri) 

"Smoothes" Weapon Sticker

Vault Boy Weapon Charm 

Additional XP Milestone 

Sturmwolf 45 SMG 

These rewards are automatically added to your inventory as you progress, so you'll get tangible benefits even before unlocking the final weapon.

Pro Tips to Unlock the Sturmwolf 45 Faster

The Fallout Event ends on January 29, 2026, so efficiency is key if you want to secure the Sturmwolf 45 before it's too late. Use these strategies to maximize your XP gain and speed up event pass progression: 

1. Activate Double XP Tokens

This is the single most effective way to cut down grind time. Double XP tokens (including the one you earn at Free Track Tier 4) double the Player XP you earn from every match, challenge, and kill. Save these tokens for longer play sessions to get the most value. 

2. Play High-XP Game Modes

Not all game modes are created equal when it comes to XP. Prioritize modes that reward objective play and longer matches: 

In Warzone: Plunder is ideal. It offers unlimited respawns, easy-to-complete contracts, and cash collection that all contribute to massive XP gains. Even casual Battle Royale matches work well if you focus on completing objectives. 

In Multiplayer: Stick to objective modes like Domination, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed. Capturing points, holding hardpoints, and collecting dog tags yield far more XP than just chasing kills in Team Deathmatch. The new Fallout-themed "Vault Town" map (a Nuketown variant) and "Takeover" mode are also great options for fast-paced, high-XP matches.

In Zombies: Try the new "Project Rads" LTM. This Fallout-themed mode features feral ghouls and deathclaws, with increased XP drops for taking down enemies and completing in-mode objectives. 

3. Complete Daily & Weekly Challenges

Challenges are XP goldmines. Check the "Challenges" tab in the Career menu for daily and weekly objectives-these often require simple tasks like getting a certain number of kills with SMGs, completing contracts, or winning matches. Completing a single weekly challenge can give you enough XP to skip multiple event pass tiers.

Alternative Unlock: The Paid Bundle Option

If you don't want to grind and prefer to unlock the Sturmwolf 45 instantly, there's a paid alternative. Activision offers the "X-Ray Tango Reactive Bundle" for 2,400 COD Points (approximately $20) in the in-game store. 

This bundle includes a reactive blueprint for the Sturmwolf 45 called "Ultraviolet," which features custom tracers and death effects. You'll also get a blueprint for the X9 Maverick Assault Rifle, an Operator skin for Jurado, a finishing move, and other cosmetic items. Keep in mind this is purely optional-you can get the base Sturmwolf 45 for free without spending any real money.

Post-Unlock: Getting the Most Out of the Sturmwolf 45

Once you unlock the Sturmwolf 45, you'll need to level it up to access its full potential. The weapon has 38 levels, with attachments like optics, muzzles, barrels, and underbarrels unlocking as you progress. 

For a meta-ready loadout, try these attachments for aggressive playstyles: 14.8" Perigee Barrel (extends damage range), Envoy Foregrip (reduces recoil), Locus Extended Mag (increases ammo capacity), Corpus-X3 Stock (improves stability), and Bolt Carrier Group (boosts fire rate). Pair this with perks like Lightweight, Scavenger, and Cold-Blooded for maximum mobility and survivability. 

If you're chasing camos, the Sturmwolf 45's challenges are straightforward. For Military Camos, focus on headshots. For Special Camos like Diamondback, you'll need to get kills shortly after sliding, diving, or wall-jumping 15 times.

Final Notes Before You Grind

Remember, the Fallout Event ends on January 29-don't wait until the last minute to start progressing. Even if you only play a few matches a day, consistent XP gain will get you to the Sturmwolf 45 in no time. 

Another key point: Progression is shared across all game modes. You can mix and match Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone matches to keep things fun while grinding. There's no need to stick to one mode if you get bored. MMOexp also provides players with considerate Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies, BO7 Boosting and other services to help players grow quickly!

The Sturmwolf 45 is shaping up to be one of the best SMGs in Black Ops 7's meta, thanks to its low recoil and strong close-quarters performance. With this guide, you'll unlock it for free and start dominating matches in no time. Now grab your vault suit, activate those XP tokens, and get grinding!

MMOexp COD Black Ops 7 Team