Activision promises refunds for pulling crossbow from COD Black Ops

In the continuing twists and turns that have been part and parcel of both Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Activision has once again let the cat out of the bag too early. Both games received a new weapon in the form of the crossbow yesterday, and it was promptly removed shortly after. While not many players would have enjoyed the new weapon, there were definitely players who managed to get themselves one. As a result, Activision has announced that refunds are on the way to players who got the crossbow in Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops Cold War.

As spotted by Eurogamer, the R1 Shadowhunter is the weapon in question. The crossbow made an unannounced arrival in the Call of Duty: Warzone shop to players’ surprise.

 

All you had to do was complete a challenge to get the weapon. Three one-shot, one-kill medals in 15 matches without any attachments, and you were the proud owner of a new R1 Shadowhunter. Players scrambled to get their hands on the weapon, putting in time and effort. While parts of the community may have enjoyed some time with it, Activision soon pulled the plug.

Compensation in the works

For those who bought the crossbow with real money, you are likely to get a refund for the short time you spent with it in Warzone and Black Ops Cold War. However, players who did the hard work may not be so lucky. Refunds are going to be tricky for this one, as technically players only spent precious time and effort.

The removal of the crossbow also resets the progress for the challenge itself. When the R1 Shadowhunter is officially released, everyone will have to start all over.

An issue with the R1 Shadowhunter weapon appearing earlier than planned in Warzone and Black Ops Cold War has been resolved.
Refunds are planned for players who purchased the bundle while it was live in the Store, and the bundle and in-game challenge will return at a later date.

— Activision Support (@ATVIAssist) March 18, 2021

That is a major bummer for everyone involved, and the crossbow might not be worth it in the first place. The crossbow is a definite one-hit kill in Black Ops Cold War, but not so in Warzone. You will have a hard time hitting targets as the bolts drop off at an alarming rate at range. Add to that a long reload time, and it is likely not feasible in the long run.

There is no set release date yet for the arrival of the crossbow. In the meantime, we just have to wait and see when Activision decides to enrage players again.