How to Unlock and Use the EMP Grenade in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Jan-20-2026 PST
In Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (BO7), tactical equipment plays a major role in shaping the flow of combat, and few tools are as versatile as the EMP Grenade. Designed to counter enemy technology, this tactical item can completely disrupt gadgets, scorestreaks, and defensive setups when used correctly. Whether you are a new player learning the basics or a veteran optimizing your loadouts, understanding how the EMP Grenade works will give you a meaningful edge in both Multiplayer and Zombies.

 

What Is the EMP Grenade in BO7

 

The EMP Grenade is a Tactical equipment item available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Unlike lethal grenades that deal direct damage to enemies, the EMP Grenade specializes in disabling electronics within its blast radius. When detonated, it emits an electromagnetic pulse that temporarily shuts down or destroys enemy equipment and technology caught in the explosion.

 

This makes the EMP Grenade especially effective against enemies who rely heavily on deployable gear, automated defenses, and electronic scorestreaks. Instead of exposing yourself to danger by rushing fortified positions, you can neutralize threats safely from a distance.

 

How to Unlock the EMP Grenade

 

One of the most beginner-friendly aspects of the EMP Grenade is its accessibility. The EMP Grenade is unlocked by default at Level 1, meaning every player has access to it from the moment they start playing Black Ops 7. However, there is a small progression requirement before you can actively equip it.

 

You will be able to add or swap the EMP Grenade into your custom classes once you unlock Loadouts at Account Level 4. Reaching this level is straightforward and can be achieved quickly by playing matches in Multiplayer or Zombies.

 

XP earned during matches scales with your in-game performance. Actions such as getting eliminations, completing objectives, supporting teammates, and surviving longer all contribute to faster leveling. For players looking to speed things up, activating a Double XP token can significantly increase the amount of XP gained per match, allowing you to unlock Loadouts and refine your playstyle sooner.

 

How to Use the EMP Grenade Effectively

 

EMP Grenades are thrown like other tactical equipment, but their true power lies in strategic use rather than raw aggression. When the grenade explodes, it releases an EMP pulse that disables electronics in its range. This includes enemy equipment such as turrets, sensors, traps, and certain scorestreaks.

 

The key advantage of the EMP Grenade is safety. Instead of directly challenging a heavily defended area, you can toss an EMP Grenade to neutralize threats before pushing forward. This is especially useful in objective-based modes where enemies often rely on gadgets to lock down control points.

 

Timing and placement are critical. Throwing an EMP too early may alert enemies without fully disabling their setup, while throwing it too late could leave you vulnerable. Learning common equipment placements on each map will dramatically improve the effectiveness of your throws.

 

EMP Grenades in Multiplayer and Zombies

 

In Multiplayer, EMP Grenades shine as a counterplay tool. They are ideal for breaking defensive lines, disabling enemy scorestreaks, and clearing objectives. Teams that coordinate EMP usage can dismantle even the most organized setups, creating openings for aggressive pushes.

 

In Zombies, the EMP Grenade offers utility by disrupting electronic-based threats and giving players breathing room during intense rounds. While it may not replace damage-focused equipment, it excels as a support tool that enhances survivability and control.

 

Leveling Faster and Optimizing Progression

 

Since XP gain scales with performance, players aiming to unlock and optimize their gear faster often look for efficient leveling strategies. Some players choose to practice in CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies to learn map layouts, equipment usage, and grenade trajectories in a low-pressure environment. This can be a useful way to master EMP Grenade timing and placement before jumping into competitive matches.

 

Others focus on maximizing match efficiency through CoD BO7 Boosting methods, such as coordinated team play or optimized XP farming sessions. While playstyle preferences vary, understanding how XP works in BO7 is essential for progressing quickly and unlocking the full potential of your loadouts.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The EMP Grenade may not deal direct damage, but its impact on the battlefield is undeniable. Available from the very start of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, it rewards smart positioning, map knowledge, and tactical awareness. By learning when and where to deploy it, you can shut down enemy technology, support your team, and gain control of key engagements.

 

Whether you are leveling naturally through regular matches, refining your skills in bot lobbies, or accelerating progress through efficient XP strategies, mastering the EMP Grenade is a small investment that pays off in every mode BO7 has to offer.