How to Defeat Harper in Black Ops 7: Your Complete Boss Fight Guide
Facing off against a giant, enraged version of Harper, voiced by Michael Rooker, is one of the toughest challenges in the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 campaign. During the story, your entire Joint Special Operations Command squad is forced to relive their worst memories. Harper loses control during his flashback, transforming him into a massive, mindless giant.
This epic boss battle takes place during "Fracture," the seventh mission in the Black Ops 7 campaign. It’s a significant fight that might give you some trouble, but with the right strategy, you can easily bring him back down to size. Get ready to tackle this unique boss before you unlock the Endgame mode.
Harper boss fight strategy
Just like the intense fight against The Nightmare in Black Ops 7, we highly recommend equipping the Grapple Hook minor ability and the Crash Cart major ability. The Grapple Hook is crucial for quickly dodging Harper’s explosive attacks and moving around the arena. Crash Cart will help you resurrect fallen teammates, keeping your squad in the fight.
First phase
Right from the start, Harper is vulnerable to your gunfire. Use this initial window to unleash as much damage as possible. While any Black Ops 7 weapon can hurt him, we strongly suggest picking up light machine guns (LMGs), sniper rifles, and anti-vehicle RPGs, which can be found as ground loot around the battlefield.
In this phase, Harper has two main attacks: an Area-of-Effect (AoE) slam and a barrage of bombs. The AoE slam creates a pulsing shockwave you need to jump over. To completely avoid this, simply stand on any of the raised objects or platforms spread across the arena. You'll only need to move off your platform briefly for his other attacks and can quickly return.
His bomb attack is easily identified as Harper slowly raises his hand before slamming it down to produce the shockwave. This attack forces you to move from your position. After you've taken away about a quarter of his health bar, Harper will fall to the ground, triggering a wave of infected mobs that you must defeat.
Second phase
While the infected mobs are spawning, quickly look for helpful items in crates near where Harper was previously attacking. This is a perfect opportunity to switch to more effective weapons if needed, and to grab a Self-Revive Kit, which can be a lifesaver if you get knocked out.
After clearing all the enemies, Harper will reappear. Get back onto one of the nearby platforms and continue to blast him with your weapons. In addition to his bomb attack, Harper now gains a new move: a mortar strike. This attack rains down deadly explosives on your location, but thankfully, it shows a clear outline of where each mortar will hit, giving you plenty of time to dodge to safety.
Third phase
Once Harper's health drops to about a third, he unleashes his final trick: a red gas cloud that fills the entire arena, forcing you to move closer to him. A red outline will show you the safe zones where you won't take damage. Make your way towards Harper, keeping an eye out for a platform you can use for cover and to stay above his shockwave attacks.
Harper's attacks become much more lethal and harder to avoid in this phase because you're closer to him. This is where the Grapple Hook truly excels, allowing you to quickly escape incoming projectiles. Alternatively, the Flicker ability can also help you zoom past danger. Other than adapting to the red gas and increased lethality, the core strategy remains the same: stay on a platform to avoid shockwaves and keep shooting until his health bar is completely depleted.
