How to Defeat Harper in Black Ops 7: A Comprehensive Guide
The colossal Harper, a formidable, Godzilla-esque figure in Black Ops 7, presents a significant challenge even for seasoned players. His immense size, devastating attacks, and seemingly impenetrable armor can quickly overwhelm unprepared teams. However, with the right strategy, weapon loadouts, and tactical coordination, victory is within reach. We have meticulously analyzed the mechanics of this encounter and developed a comprehensive guide to help you emerge triumphant against Harper. This guide details optimal strategies, weapon choices, perk selections, and communication protocols to maximize your team’s chances of success.
Understanding Harper’s Attack Patterns and Weaknesses
Before engaging Harper, a thorough understanding of his attack patterns and vulnerabilities is crucial. Harper’s attacks are telegraphed, albeit with limited time to react, and understanding those signs is paramount to survival.
Devastating Melee Attacks
Harper primarily utilizes powerful melee attacks that can instantly eliminate players.
Ground Pound: Harper will rear back and slam his fists into the ground, creating a shockwave that deals significant damage. The range of this attack is considerable, so evasive maneuvers, such as sprinting and sliding, are essential to avoid the impact. Look for the subtle tell of him shifting his weight backwards and the ground rumbling faintly.
Swipe Attack: Harper will swipe his claws across the battlefield, covering a wide area. The swipe attack is typically preceded by a distinct growl and a slight pause in his movement. Dodging perpendicular to the swipe direction is the most effective way to evade this attack. Maintaining distance and utilizing cover can minimize the risk.
Tail Whip: A sweeping tail attack that can knock players off their feet and inflict considerable damage. Harper will usually execute this attack when players are positioned behind him. Constant awareness of your positioning relative to Harper is crucial to avoid being caught off guard. The animation before the whip will see him shift his weight to one side and a slight bend in the tail.
Ranged Elemental Attacks
In addition to melee attacks, Harper also possesses devastating ranged attacks using various elemental powers.
Fire Breath: Harper will unleash a torrent of flames that can incinerate anything in its path. The fire breath attack has a relatively long range, but it is slow-moving, allowing players to potentially dodge it with sufficient warning. Prioritize finding cover or utilizing tactical equipment, such as smoke grenades, to obscure Harper’s vision. This attack is preceded by a deep inhale and a glowing in his chest.
Ice Beam: A concentrated beam of ice that freezes players in place, making them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. The ice beam is very fast and precise, making it challenging to dodge. Staying mobile and using cover strategically are the best ways to avoid getting frozen. He will slightly tilt his head down and the area around his mouth will glow blue just before using this attack.
Electric Surge: Harper can unleash a wave of electrical energy that spreads across the battlefield. The electric surge attack has a wide area of effect and can deal continuous damage. Utilizing cover and maintaining distance from Harper are essential to minimize exposure to this attack. The wind will suddenly pick up and his eyes will glow brightly before this attack.
Identifying Weak Spots
While Harper’s body is heavily armored, he does have vulnerable weak spots that players can exploit.
Exposed Chest: When Harper roars, he momentarily exposes his chest, revealing a glowing core. This is the prime opportunity to unleash concentrated fire on this weak spot. Coordinating attacks during this window is crucial to maximizing damage output.
Damaged Limbs: As Harper takes damage, his limbs will become increasingly vulnerable. Focus fire on these weakened areas to cripple his movement and reduce his attack effectiveness. You’ll be able to see arcing electricity on the damaged limb.
Head: While generally well-armored, focused sustained fire on the head can trigger a stun state, briefly rendering him vulnerable for higher damage shots. This requires excellent accuracy and coordination.
Optimal Weapon Loadouts and Tactical Gear
Selecting the right weapons and tactical gear is essential for maximizing damage output and survivability against Harper. We recommend focusing on weapons with high damage per shot and armor-piercing capabilities.
Primary Weapons
Railguns: These weapons excel at delivering massive damage to Harper’s weak spots. They are particularly effective during the brief window when Harper exposes his chest. Ensure you have enough reserve ammo.
High-Caliber Sniper Rifles: Sniper rifles with armor-piercing rounds can inflict significant damage from a safe distance. Focus on landing headshots and targeting damaged limbs.
Light Machine Guns (LMGs): LMGs with high magazine capacities can provide sustained fire on Harper’s weak spots. Use attachments that improve accuracy and recoil control.
Secondary Weapons
Rocket Launchers: Rocket launchers can inflict massive burst damage to Harper. Save them for critical moments, such as when Harper is stunned or exposing his chest.
Grenade Launchers: Grenade launchers can deal area-of-effect damage and stagger Harper. Use them to disrupt his attacks and create openings for your team.
Tactical Gear
EMP Grenades: Disrupts Harper’s electrical attacks and briefly stuns him, creating opportunities for focused fire.
Smoke Grenades: Provides cover and obscures Harper’s vision, allowing players to reposition and heal.
Stun Grenades: Briefly stuns Harper, interrupting his attacks and creating opportunities for focused fire. These are especially effective when used in conjunction with coordinated attacks.
Perk Selection for Maximum Effectiveness
Choosing the right perks can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness against Harper.
Armor Piercing: Increases the damage dealt to armored targets, allowing you to penetrate Harper’s defenses more effectively.
Extra Ammo: Provides additional ammunition for your weapons, ensuring you have enough firepower to sustain prolonged engagements.
Fast Reload: Reduces reload time, allowing you to maintain consistent fire on Harper.
Quick Revive: Reduces the time it takes to revive teammates, ensuring that your team can recover quickly from casualties.
Evasive: Increases movement speed and reduces damage taken while sprinting, allowing you to dodge Harper’s attacks more effectively.
Effective Team Communication and Coordination
Clear and concise communication is crucial for coordinating attacks and avoiding casualties.
Designated Roles
Assign specific roles to each team member based on their strengths and weapon loadouts.
Damage Dealers: Focus on maximizing damage output by targeting Harper’s weak spots.
Support Players: Provide cover, heal teammates, and disrupt Harper’s attacks with tactical equipment.
Reconnaissance: Communicate Harper’s attack patterns and warn teammates of incoming threats.
Communication Protocols
Establish clear communication protocols to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Call out Harper’s attack patterns: Warn teammates of incoming attacks, giving them time to react and avoid damage.
Coordinate attacks on Harper’s weak spots: Focus fire on the exposed chest and damaged limbs to maximize damage output.
Communicate your position and status: Let your teammates know where you are and if you need assistance.
Strategic Positioning and Movement
Maintaining strategic positioning and utilizing coordinated movement patterns are essential for maximizing survivability and damage output.
Maintain a safe distance: Stay far enough away from Harper to avoid his melee attacks, but close enough to effectively target his weak spots.
Utilize cover: Use cover to protect yourself from Harper’s ranged attacks and reposition when necessary.
Move as a team: Coordinate your movements to avoid being isolated and vulnerable to attack.
Stage-Specific Strategies and Tactics
The arena where you fight Harper may have variations that influence your strategy. Adapting to these changes is critical.
Leveraging Environmental Assets
Identify and utilize environmental assets to your advantage.
Explosive Barrels: Detonate explosive barrels to inflict additional damage on Harper. Coordinate with your teammates to ensure that Harper is within the blast radius.
Turrets: Utilize mounted turrets to provide sustained fire on Harper’s weak spots. Be mindful of Harper’s attacks and reposition frequently to avoid being targeted.
Elevated Platforms: Use elevated platforms to gain a vantage point and target Harper’s weak spots from a safe distance. Be aware that Harper can destroy these platforms, so be prepared to relocate.
Managing Environmental Hazards
Be aware of and manage any environmental hazards that may pose a threat.
Falling Debris: Avoid being crushed by falling debris caused by Harper’s attacks. Pay attention to the environment and move to a safe location when necessary.
Electrified Floors: Avoid stepping on electrified floors that can inflict significant damage. Utilize cover and strategic positioning to avoid these hazards.
Poisonous Gas: Avoid entering areas filled with poisonous gas, which can quickly drain your health. Utilize gas masks or find a safe route to avoid these areas.
Exploiting Harper’s AI and Glitches
While not always reliable, exploiting certain AI patterns or potential glitches can provide an advantage.
Strategic Baiting
Manipulate Harper’s AI by strategically baiting his attacks.
Use a decoy: Deploy a decoy to draw Harper’s attention and create an opening for your team to attack.
Position yourself strategically: Position yourself in a way that encourages Harper to use a specific attack, such as the ground pound, which can be easily dodged.
Glitch Exploitation (Use at Your Own Risk)
If discovered, cautiously exploit any known glitches that may exist in the encounter. Be aware that utilizing glitches may be considered cheating and could result in penalties. These are constantly patched so community resources are the best source of up-to-date information.
Conclusion: Achieving Victory Against Harper
Defeating Harper in Black Ops 7 requires a combination of skill, strategy, and teamwork. By understanding Harper’s attack patterns and weaknesses, selecting the right weapon loadouts and tactical gear, and communicating effectively with your team, you can overcome this formidable challenge. Remember to adapt your strategies based on the stage layout and environmental conditions. Through meticulous planning and coordinated execution, you will emerge victorious against the colossal Harper and claim your hard-earned rewards.