The Needle Drone provides flexible explosive utility, letting you send a small drone toward enemies or allow it to auto-seek targets. This guide explains what it is, its complete overview, how to unlock it at Level 18, and step-by-step instructions to maximize its effectiveness.
What is Needle Drone in COD Black Ops 7
The Needle Drone is a small throwable drone that activates and flies forward, exploding on contact with enemies or surfaces. It can switch between automatic tracking mode or manual control, making it extremely versatile for both precision takedowns and room clearing.
COD Black Ops 7: Needle Drone overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Lethal Equipment |
| Damage | High explosive (impact detonation) |
| Flight Mode | Auto-seek or manual control |
| Blast Radius | Medium |
| Primary Use | Precision explosive kills, room entry clearing, flanking disruption |
| Unlock Method | Player Level 18 |
| Overclock #1 | High-density explosive material increases lethality |
| Overclock #2 | Boost ability added in manual mode for rapid flight |
How to get Needle Drone
You unlock the Needle Drone once you reach Player Level 18. After this milestone, it appears in the Lethals menu and can be equipped in your loadout.

Step-by-step guide to unlock Needle Drone
Step 1: Progress to Level 18
Play matches consistently to accumulate XP.
Step 2: Choose fast-paced playlists
Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, and TDM help build XP quickly.
Step 3: Activate double XP tokens
Use during long sessions to reach Level 18 faster.
Step 4: Complete match, operator, and equipment challenges
Extra XP rewards accelerate your progression.
Step 5: Equip from the Lethals section
Once Level 18 is reached, the Needle Drone becomes available.
Needle Drone tips
- Use manual mode for precise strikes around corners or into objectives.
- Auto-seek mode is ideal for fast, effortless kills in chaotic fights.
- Overclock #1 significantly boosts kill reliability—prioritize it early.
- Overclock #2 allows dynamic mid-flight boosts for surprise angles.
- Great for clearing rooms before pushing an objective.
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