How to unlock the Longbow in MW3

There are several options.

A first-person point of view of a player inspecting the Longbow in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Screenshot by Dot Esports

When it comes to ease of use and mobility within Modern Warfare 3’s array of new sniper rifle offerings, one option seems to be well worth unlocking—the Longbow.

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Of course, while its lightweight handling, superb recoil control, and hefty magazine capacities are sure to appeal to a lot of players, the Longbow’s 31 unlockable attachments certainly also headline the list of other incentives that make it worth earning.

For those looking to waste little time grinding out their weapon arsenals, here’s how to unlock the Longbow in MW3.

Longbow unlock requirements in Modern Warfare 3

A screenshot of the Longbow sniper rifle in MW3.
“A lightweight, heavily modified sniper rifle designed for precision shooting and repeat shots.” Screenshot by Dot Esports

There are three ways to unlock the Longbow in Modern Warfare 3:

  • Unlock the Longbow through Armory Challenges (requires level 25).
  • Extract a Longbow in Modern Warfare Zombies.
  • Purchase the Vault Edition of MW3.

What level do you unlock the Longbow in MW3?

To unlock the Longbow the “traditional” way via multiplayer, players must reach level 25, the same milestone that also unlocks the Armory Unlocks system.

At that point, you’ll then be able to set it as your active Armory Unlock challenge, which requires you to complete five Daily Challenges.

How to unlock the Longbow in MW3 through Zombies

An alternative for players either disinterested in engaging with MW3’s new unlock system or multiplayer altogether is by playing Zombies. Regardless of whether or not players are level 25, all you need to do to unlock the Longbow in this mode is extract it at the end of a match. Leaving in an exfil helicopter with a Longbow in your possession—or any other looted piece of equipment or weapon—will allow you to use it in other game modes across MW3 and Warzone.

A screenshot of a map showing where The Rook is in MW3.
The Rook can be found in the western part of Urzikstan. Image via Activision

Aside from relying on luck to stumble upon it in a Loot Cache or Mystery Box, the Longbow is guaranteed to drop after taking down the The Rook mini-boss on the fourth floor of the Ghalia Seaside Hotel. When making your way up to them, be sure to exercise some caution as they will have Proximity Mines and a Sentry Turret set up around the stairway. Once they’re in sight, they actually don’t have much health so eliminating them should be a breeze.

How to unlock the Longbow in MW3 through the Vault Edition

Lastly, thanks to the FATE Weapon Vaults part of the Vault Edition, all owners of that MW3 add-on will automatically have the Longbow unlocked, as well as all of its attachments. If you’re looking to skip any sort of headache when it comes to unlocking the base or attachments of the Longbow, SVA 545, AMR9, or the Riveter, look no further than purchasing the Vault Edition.

Author
Image of Ralston Dacanay
Ralston Dacanay
Ralston joined Dot Esports as a freelance writer in February 2023, and covers everything from VALORANT, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends, to NBA 2K and trending releases. His all-time favorite video games include NBA 2K11, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Halo 3. A class of 2020 alum of California State University, Long Beach, he graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Finance.