Game-Changing Update: Decimating the Dominance of a Fan-Favorite Sniper Rifle in Call of Duty: Warzone

Highlights

In the most recent update of Call of Duty: Warzone 2, weapon balance adjustments have been implemented. The powerful Signal 50 sniper and TAQ-V battle rifle have received a nerf, while the M16 and FR Avancer assault rifles have been improved with buffs.

In Warzone 2, the MCPR-300 and Signal 50 snipers are highly favored due to the game's expansive maps and emphasis on long-range combat. Additionally, the latest patch brings multiple bug fixes, specifically targeting DMZ-related issues and exploits, while also addressing concerns with the battle pass and buy stations. However, it is worth noting that the haunting floating door on the Vondel map has not been rectified.

The latest update for Call of Duty: Warzone 2 is now live, making a number of adjustments to improve gameplay. This includes reducing the power of some overperforming weapons, including a favorite sniper among players, as well as enhancing lesser-used weapon platforms and addressing critical bugs. Balance updates are crucial for online games like Call of Duty: Warzone 2, where the effectiveness of weapons is just as important as player skill.

Sniper Rifles play a vital role in long-range combat in most shooter games, although they do have certain drawbacks such as slow firing rates and longer reload times. Skilled players have often utilized snipers to perform impressive trick shots and unique kills in previous Call of Duty titles. With modern games featuring larger maps and incorporating Battle Royale modes, Snipers have become the weapon of choice for extreme long-range engagements. According to player statistics, the MCPR-300 and Signal 50 snipers are among the most popular weapons in Call of Duty: Warzone 2, and are frequently used in all game modes.

In preparation for the upcoming Shadow Siege reveal event for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the latest patch of Call of Duty: Warzone 2 brought more than just bug fixes. A surprise weapon balance pass was included, making adjustments to improve gameplay. The Signal 50 sniper and TAQ-V battle rifle have both received nerfs, with reduced upper body damage for the former and an overall damage reduction for the latter. Additionally, the .300 Blackout ammunition for ISO Hemlock assault rifles saw a decrease in its damage potential.

However, it's not all negative as the M16 and FR Avancer assault rifles have been boosted in terms of damage across all ranges. Other weapons, such as the Fennec 45, MX Guardian, and Chimera, have also received updates and improvements.

As with any weapon balance changes, the community's response has been mixed. Renowned Call of Duty content creator JGOD has revealed that the increased time-to-kill (TTK) for the TAQ-V may lead to players considering a new battle rifle for mid to long-range engagements, possibly the Cronen Squall, while others may opt for the Lachmann-762. However, many players still believe that despite the nerfs, the TAQ-V and ISO Hemlock will continue to dominate Warzone 2's meta.

The patch brought several bug fixes, particularly addressing DMZ-specific problems and an exploit that allowed players to go prone instantly. Furthermore, it resolved an issue where players were not receiving the battle pass despite spending COD points, as well as fixing the Battle Royale pre-lobby that displayed buy stations prematurely. While the unsettling floating door on Warzone 2's Vondel map continues to bewitch unsuspecting players, it will likely persist as the Lockdown game mode returns this week.

Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 August 16 Update

GENERAL

Events

This patch contains necessary updates and content for the Shadow Siege event. Tune in for the global reveal of Modern Warfare III at 10:30am PT on August 17th in Warzone.

Weapon Tuning

The benefit of tuning for Recoil Control related stats has been reduced slightly

BUG FIXES

Fixed an issue where some Players could not access the Battle Pass, but would still lose CP after purchasing it

Fixed an exploit allowing Players to go prone instantly

- Resolved an issue with incorrect tracking of Akimbo challenge progress for the FTAC Siege.

- Addressed a bug where an unseen object could interact with lethals, tacticals, and explosives on Mercado Las Almas.

Resolved a problem with key bindings when including settings in Quick Settings.

Fixed an issue that caused the buttons for 'Preview' and 'Quick Equip' to become hidden when attempting to click them using mouse input on the Events tab.

Fixed an issue where the Tonfa melee weapon had outdated unlock conditions

Fixed an issue where the SFX from the Semtex dropped by the Chain Reaction modifier in Havoc would not play as intended

Fixed an issue where equipping the “Battle Buddy AI” Gun Screen could cause an error

WARZONE

WEAPONS

The following Weapon and Attachment changes are reflected in Warzone only.

Weapon Balancing

» Assault Rifles «

ChimeraMid Damage increased

Neck Damage Multiplier increased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

FR AvancerMaximum Damage decreased

Close-mid Damage increased

Head Damage Multiplier increased

Neck Damage Multiplier increased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

Lower Torso Damage Multiplier increased

Lachmann-556Head Damage Multiplier increased

M16Maximum Damage increased

Close-mid Damage increased

Limb Damage Multipliers increased

» Battle Rifles «

FTAC ReconMaximum Damage increased

Maximum Damage Range increased

Lachmann-762Limb Damage Multiplier increased

SO-14Head Damage Multiplier increased

Neck Damage Multiplier increased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

TAQ-VMaximum Damage decreased

Close-mid Damage decreased

Minimum Damage decreased

Neck Damage Multiplier decreased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Lower Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Limb Damage Multipliers decreased

» Marksman Rifles «

Lockwood MK2Mid Damage increased

Minimum Damage increased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

Lower Torso Damage Multiplier increased

Limb Damage Multipliers increased

» Shotguns «

Expedite 12Mid Damage increased

Mid-far Damage increased

Close-mid Damage Range increased

Lockwood 300Close-mid Damage increased

Mid Damage increased

Maximum Damage Range increased

Close-mid Damage Range increased

MX GuardianMaximum Damage increased

Close-mid Damage increased

Mid-far Damage Range decreased

» Submachine Guns «

Fennec 45Maximum Damage increased

Close-Mid Damage increased

Minimum Damage increased

» Sniper Rifles «

Signal 50Neck Damage Multiplier decreased

Upper Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Attachments

AmmunitionISO Hemlock.300 Blackout (All Types)Close-mid Damage decreased

Mid Damage decreased

BUG FIXES

Fixed an issue preventing some players from entering DMZ

Resolved a problem where certain PS4 players encountered a game freeze in a particular area of Al Mazrah.

Resolved an issue where the Buy Station icons could appear on the Tac Map during the Battle Royale pre-lobby.

Fixed an issue in DMZ where a Tac Map image could display on the ground near Al-Safwa Quarry in Al Mazrah

Fixed an issue where Players could become stuck in an ATV near a UAV tower in DMZ

The Player's screen no longer remains affected by the Plutonium element even when not near it.

Players will now be kicked for being idle in Vondel Lockdown (look out for this mode in this week's Playlist update).

Fixed an issue in Warzone Ranked Play where the Top 250 button was locked

Call of Duty Warzone 2 are now available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Source: Call of Duty