The Call of Duty Sheiva is a semi-automatic assault rifle from Black Ops III. Known for its slow fire rate but extremely high damage, it stands out as a weapon that rewards accuracy and patience. This guide covers its use across campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies, including specifications, strengths, weaknesses, and best attachments.
Sheiva Overview
The Sheiva is described in-game as a “Semi-auto marksman assault rifle. Eliminates enemy infantry in 2 shots.” It has the lowest fire rate in its class but can defeat enemies with just two accurate shots. In Hardcore, it is usually a one-shot kill, making it one of the most lethal rifles in its category.
Campaign Use
The Sheiva can be equipped in custom classes during the campaign. A unique version called the Sheiva SSW is featured in the mission Vengeance. This variant includes a built-in suppressor and a Recon Sight. It uses five-round magazines instead of the standard 20-round setup and occupies the equipment slot instead of a primary weapon slot. The Sheiva SSW emphasizes stealth and precision, providing a different way to use the rifle in story missions.
Specifications
The Sheiva is chambered in 7.8x54mm and weighs 7.3 kilograms. It measures 780mm in length, with a 515mm barrel. The rifle has been in production since 2047 and originates from India. These details highlight its design as a heavy, precise weapon built for accuracy rather than speed.
Multiplayer Performance
Unlocked at level 43, the Sheiva is a late-game weapon in Black Ops III. It offers the highest damage per shot among assault rifles. Two body shots, or one headshot, are enough to eliminate most targets. This gives it damage potential similar to the Gorgon or even the Drakon at long range.
The rifle fires at 257 rounds per minute, the lowest rate of fire in its category. Despite this, its accuracy is excellent. Low recoil and semi-auto mechanics allow it to re-center between shots, making it one of the most stable assault rifles in the game.
The Sheiva’s handling traits are slower than most assault rifles. It has a slightly slower aim-down-sight speed, a wider hip-fire spread, and the slowest reload speed in its class. Its 20-round magazine is also smaller than average, though still enough given the weapon’s efficiency. Players spawn with 80 rounds in reserve.
Strengths
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Two-shot kill potential at most ranges
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Consistent accuracy with low recoil
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High penetration, rivaled only by the MX Garand
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Deadly in Hardcore, often one-shot
Weaknesses
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Very slow fire rate
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Long reload time
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Weak hip-fire accuracy
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Small magazine compared to other assault rifles
Attachments
The Sheiva offers a wide range of attachments. Optics are useful for long-range engagements, as the iron sights can obstruct vision. High Caliber is a standout option, raising the headshot multiplier from 1.1 to 1.8, turning the Sheiva into a one-shot headshot weapon at close to medium range.
Long Barrel extends its two-shot kill range to the entire map, making it highly effective at long range. Fast Mags can reduce the weapon’s slow reload, while Extended Mag allows players to fire longer before needing to reload. Rapid Fire increases output slightly, though shooting too quickly can hurt accuracy.
Attachments like Foregrip are unnecessary due to the rifle’s already low recoil. Suppressor is also discouraged, as it cuts into the Sheiva’s two-shot range. FMJ increases penetration, which may be useful in Hardcore modes, though its default penetration is already strong.
Zombies Mode
The Sheiva is a wall-buy weapon available in all Black Ops III Zombies maps. It costs 500 points and is found early in Shadows of Evil and The Giant. With a 10-round magazine, it is considered a weaker option compared to other assault rifles. Its low fire rate and limited ammo make it less effective in later rounds.
However, it has utility in the early game for building points. The Sheiva’s damage output pairs well with melee strategies, where a few body shots followed by a knife can secure kills and maximize point gain.
When Pack-a-Punched, the rifle becomes the Cumulus Struggle. This version upgrades its damage, magazine size, and reserve ammo. It delivers strong headshots in mid-rounds and carries 30 rounds per magazine. Even with upgrades, it begins to lose power past round 20, requiring multiple headshots to kill zombies.
Sheiva vs Cumulus Struggle
The difference between the base Sheiva and its upgraded version is significant. The Cumulus Struggle increases magazine capacity to 30 rounds and raises max ammo reserves to 270. It also provides higher damage and penetration, making it usable deeper into the game. While not the strongest Pack-a-Punch weapon, it provides a solid mid-game option.
Trivia
The Sheiva features several unique design elements. The number “86” is marked on the weapon, along with “Made in India” and a trident-like logo. Interestingly, the stock lists “7.62x45mm” despite the in-game Data Vault listing the caliber as 7.8x54mm. Many of its attachments, such as Stock, Grip, and FMJ, appear in polished wood, giving the rifle an antique look.
Its Pack-a-Punch name, Cumulus Struggle, references Final Fantasy VII protagonist Cloud Strife, tying the weapon to gaming culture outside Call of Duty.
Final Thoughts
The Call of Duty Sheiva is a weapon built for players who value precision and patience. In multiplayer, it is one of the strongest two-shot rifles available, dominating long-range fights when handled correctly. In Zombies, it begins as a weak starter weapon but can transform into the Cumulus Struggle for short-term power in mid-rounds.
Its slow fire rate and handling issues make it less forgiving, but for players who can land accurate shots, the Sheiva offers unmatched efficiency in its class.
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