Season 5 of Call of Duty: Warzone is still fresh, and the first weapon balancing is already on the way. On August 16, the developers released an update with a total of 5 weapon nerfs and 2 buffs. Two of the best weapons were affected by the nerf: the MP5 from CoD MW and the AS VAL. Details can be found on MeinMMO.
What’s going on in Warzone? The battle royale entered its 5th season with Black Ops Cold War on August 13 and introduced new weapons, new locations, and a new battle pass. However, weapon changes did not come at the season launch.
In the first update of Season 5, Warzone aims to catch up on that. A small update on August 16 brought 7 weapon adjustments, and MeinMMO shows you the changes. Additionally, the developers provided an interesting insight into the type of balancing that is planned for the near future.
Warzone: Update on 16.08. nerfs 5 weapons and buffs 2
Which strong weapons were nerfed? The MP5 and the AS VAL from Modern Warfare have been hit. The “old” MP5 was considered a very strong option in close combat in Season 4, while the AS VAL was a fan-favorite weapon that exchanged a small magazine for massive damage.
- MP5 Nerf
- Base damage of the first damage range decreased from 34 to 31
- Range decreased by 5.4%
- Chest damage multiplier increased from 1 to 1.1
In the first important damage range, the MP5 is now slightly harder to play. To achieve the strong time-to-kill of 526 milliseconds (8 hits), you now need to aim a little better. Body and limb hits are now weaker. However, if you primarily hit your enemies in the body or chest, not much changes for you. 7 body hits and one chest hit are enough for the strong time-to-kill. However, the first damage range is half a meter shorter.
In the second and last damage range, the increased chest multiplier even provided a buff, but it doesn’t have a big impact. Overall, the nerf was very cautious and should only slightly affect the overall strength of the weapon. You can still use the MP5 from CoD MW without worries.
- AS VAL Nerf
- Base damage in the first damage range decreased from 30 to 27
With Season 4, the developers started to increase the average time-to-kill of assault rifles across the board, and the AS VAL has not been affected until now. But now the damage monster with the small magazines is in focus and has lost significantly in the first damage range. Chest hits now yield a TTK of 475 milliseconds (previously 407) – instead of 7 hits, you now need 8. With 3 headshots, you can once again achieve the 407 milliseconds.
The AS VAL was already a niche weapon before the nerf. The small magazines make the assault rifle difficult to play in modes with larger teams. However, the stats remain good – even top-notch. In the category of automatic weapons, nothing can currently compete with the time-to-kill. If you are a fan of the AS VAL, you often need one more bullet in close combat now, but you still hold your own even against submachine guns.
By the way: If you want to be part of the MeinMMO team, we are now looking for support for our “Multiplayer Shooter” team:
Strong pistols under review – nerf hit hard
Which weapons were further weakened? 3 of the weakened weapons are pistols. The developers state that the nerfed pistols should come closer to the other weapons in these classes. The 3 secondary weapons were too strong compared to the competition:
- AMP 63
- Base damage in the first damage range decreased from 33 to 31
- New second damage range with 28 base damage
- Base damage in the third damage range decreased from 23 to 20
- M19
- The changes only apply with Akimbo perk
- Base damage in the first damage range decreased from 33 to 29
- Base damage in the second damage range decreased from 28 to 25
- Base damage in the third damage range decreased from 23 to 20
- Sykov
- The changes only apply with the “Sorokin 140mm Auto” barrel
- Base damage in the first damage range decreased from 27 to 24
- Base damage in the second damage range decreased from 23 to 20
- Base damage in the third damage range decreased from 19 to 17
Due to the strengths of the weapons before the update, there were certain situations where the pistols could adequately replace a primary weapon. However, the pistols are intended to be secondary weapons and should also deal corresponding damage. Especially the Sykov with the auto barrel is likely to scare away the last fans after the now third nerf.
For a deeper insight into the nerfs, check out the English YouTuber and Warzone expert “JGOD” (via YouTube).
Two SMGs receive minor buffs
Which weapons were strengthened? Although there is no increase in damage for the two submachine guns, their handling is intended to be improved with the adjustments:
- Fennec
- Bullet speed slightly increased by 13.4%
- OTs 9
- Sway when aiming down sights decreased
The Fennec is more of a weapon in the second or third tier in Warzone due to its small magazines. However, its high rate of fire shakes enemies with hits and the damage is right. The buff doesn’t turn the Fennec into a top caliber, but hitting from a distance should be easier.
The OTs 9 came in Mid-Season 4 and definitely has its charm. With good control and strong damage, it has appeared more frequently in loadouts in recent weeks. However, aiming with iron sights had some issues. In quick movements, the optics would overlap, causing issues when aiming. With a reduced idle sway when aiming down sights, this problem should be resolved.
You can view the full English patch notes here (via ravensoftware.com).
Developers discuss balancing – Want new weapons in the meta
What did the developers announce? An interesting announcement from the developers in the patch notes provided insight into future changes with a statement about the current balancing in Warzone:
We are generally satisfied with the balancing and believe that nothing needs to be changed immediately. However, we believe that there are some outliers in the assault rifle category that have been in the top tier for long enough. Therefore, we feel it is appropriate to reduce the strength of some assault rifles to give other weapons a bit of time in the spotlight.
These changes will come very soon.
Weapons like the Krig, the C58, or older mainstays like the M4A1 or the Grau 5.56 could be affected. Warzone has more than 20 assault rifles, and some of them have never been part of the meta. Therefore, an exciting season awaits us regarding balancing.
What do you think of the state of balancing in Warzone? Do you have a weapon that absolutely needs to be weakened or strengthened? Share your thoughts with us in the comments on MeinMMO.
