It has been a few weeks since the beta of Call of Duty: Vanguard was released in September. Just before the official release, developer Sledgehammer Games has now listed many changes. MeinMMO explains what to expect on November 5.
The open beta split the community between enthusiasts and disappointed players. But even the biggest supporters have criticized 3 things specifically: visibility, spawns, and audio.
These issues are expected to be resolved by release, along with many others. In the developers’ blog (via sledgehammergames.com), players can now find a comprehensive list of changes. MeinMMO explains the most important ones.
The Ninja Perk returns
This popular perk, which allows for quieter sprinting, has been added to Vanguard. Inconspicuous has been removed in its place. With the perk, players in the beta did not lose speed when shot. Instead, the Dauntless perk will incorporate the functions of Inconspicuous.
Stunning news
This has been changed about the sun: The lens flare effect has been reduced on all maps. In the beta, the sun was so bright that players were blinded and could not see enemies. This should no longer be a problem. As Sledgehammer Games states in the blog: “We nerfed the sun.”
Fewer obfuscating and distorting elements: In the beta, players complained that shooting made visibility difficult. Too much smoke from the muzzle and strong distorting heat effects frustrated players. These issues should not occur at release.
The developers have also removed the raindrop effects on the screen and improved the line of sight on the maps. HUD elements, such as names, should also no longer be visible at unwanted times.
Stealth becomes easier
Quieter players: One of the most important changes from the beta is the volume of footsteps. Crouched and running while aiming, players are now completely silent. The return of the Ninja perk at release will also help aggressive players stay undetected.
The overall sound mixing has also been improved, and minor audio bugs have been fixed.
Movement is more aggressive
Faster players: Many changes ensure that players can move faster on the maps:
- Grenades are thrown faster.
- Throwing grenades no longer slows the player down.
- Players lose less speed when shot.
- Weapons can be switched faster.
- After sprinting, players can shoot again faster.
Spawns are less chaotic
The developers are talking about overall improvements for spawns. This especially concerns the patrol game mode. These adjustments were already made in the beta.
Melee weapons are being adjusted
Changed melee weapons: In the listed changes to weapons, melee weapons have been particularly affected. This has both positive and negative effects on these weapons:
- Shotguns have become deadlier.
- The range of submachine guns, shotguns, and pistols has been reduced.
- The precision when firing from the hip has been adjusted for many weapons.
Adjustments to attachments: The developers do not provide many details here. Muzzle attachments, magazines, and stocks are said to have fewer disadvantages, while ammunition types have more.
Less frustration with killstreaks and field upgrades
There is also a list of changes for these game elements:
- Spy planes and counter-spy planes from your own team are no longer visible in the sky; enemy ones are easier to hit and faster to destroy.
- The minigun and grenade launcher, which can be unlocked through killstreaks, have swapped their costs.
- The glide bomb is now easier to control.
- The disruptor and the directional microphone now have a timer after which they are automatically destroyed.
- The dog killstreak no longer has graphical glitches.
What do the changes mean? Aside from the annoying glitches that are no longer present, the trend is clear with these pre-release patch notes: Vanguard wants to make aggressive gameplay simpler and promote a ‘run and gun’ playstyle. The faster and quieter soldiers, along with the Ninja perk, provide a significantly faster gaming experience.
What do you think of these changes? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments!
When the preload starts and how Vanguard is expected to continue changing and evolving after release is detailed in our article: CoD Vanguard & Warzone Pacific show roadmap with events and season start.
