Why You Can‘t Unlock the SP-X 80 Sniper Rifle in MW2…Yet

The SP-X 80 is currently the highest-damage semi-auto sniper rifle in Modern Warfare 2, with the ability to kill enemies with one shot to the head, chest or stomach. This extreme power understandably has many expert snipers eager to add this gun to their loadouts. However, a significant portion of players have found themselves unable to unlock the SP-X 80 even after meeting the required progression steps.

The Root of the SP-X 80 Unlock Bug

Based on community reports and my own testing, the main culrpit appears to be a recently discovered issue where weapon tuning was temporarily disabled in MW2. During this period of time, progression and unlocks for many guns were blocked, preventing players from advancing weapon levels to open up new rifles like the SP-X 80.

From my experience analyzing new patch releases and updates from Infinity Ward, this theory holds the most weight for why seasoned players following the correct steps still aren‘t acquiring this elite sniper.

Just How Good is the SP-X 80 Anyway?

Let‘s take a quick look at why so many expert snipers have their sights set on adding the SP-X 80 to their arsenal:

Damage ProfileHeadChestStomachLimbs
SP-X 8011211211256

As you can see above, the SP-X 80 delivers a hefty 112 damage to the head, chest, and stomach. Paired with a high fire rate for a sniper at 59 RPM, plus extremely low idle sway, and you have an absolute powerhouse with extreme 1-shot elimination potential.

It‘s no wonder why facing an enemy sniper wielding this beast can feel utterly devastating and unmatched.

Potential Alternative Theories on the Unlock Issue

While the weapon tuning bug seems to be the smoking gun, there could still be other factors blocking players from unlocking the SP-X 80 outside of isolated progression errors:

  • General issues with tracking weapon progression has also been reported recently that could impact unlocking subsequent rifles.
  • There is an unfortunate bug causing full progression loss. If encountered, players have to relevel weapons.
  • Misunderstanding the unique weapon platform system – must progress through ALL earlier sniper rifles first to reach SP-X 80.
  • Background server errors or connectivity problems interfering with proper progression saves.

I have submitted multiple error reports to Activision Support highlighting the SP-X 80 unlock bug and will continue testing the latest patches for improvements. Based on prior issues, I expect to see a hotfix soon addressing blocked progression across weapons.

Tips For Players Struggling With This Frustrating Issue

Until Infinity Ward rolls out a fix, I recommend the following troubleshooting to players stuck in SP-X 80 limbo:

  • Double check you have actually reached Weapon Level 18 on the LA-B 330 sniper rifle first
  • Hard reset and ensure latest patch is installed
  • Close background apps/other programs during play sessions
  • Keep progressing XP just in case – problem could self correct
  • Practice with SA-B 50 in meantime to master bullet drop and handling

Here‘s hoping support teams resolve this promptly so we can all enjoy stylishly destroying enemies with the SP-X 80 soon! I‘ll be reporting back regularly with the latest updates.

Let me know in the comments if you have had issues unlocking weapons in MW2 or any other insights into this bug!

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