Unleashing Chaos: Battlefield 2042 Update 501 Reinvents Weapon Meta and Delivers Epic Balance Changes

The recent launch of Battlefield 2042's update 5.0.1 has brought significant balance changes to popular weapons such as the M416 and RM68, prompting competitive players to seek alternatives in the assault rifle category. While this update does not introduce new content, it has shaken up the game's meta and addressed several issues that were impacting players' enjoyment. Since its release in 2021, Battlefield 2042 has provided fans with a futuristic gaming experience that has garnered a dedicated following. Although the game's initial launch was not without flaws, the developers at DICE have been diligent in their efforts to rectify and enhance the gameplay experience over the past few months. This ongoing commitment is evident through the continuous delivery of new content, with a new season recently confirmed for Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield 2042's latest update, version 5.0.1, was released on June 21, introducing a range of significant changes to the game. In addition to addressing issues with AI soldiers, gadgets, and game modes, the update also brought about balance adjustments to popular weapons such as the M416, RM68, and MTAR21. Specifically, the ROM68's bullet velocity was reduced from 790 to 700, and its 4HK range was decreased by 10 meters for Standard and High Power ammo, while being entirely removed for the CQB ammo type. Similarly, the MTAR21 had its 4HK capabilities removed altogether. These alterations were likely implemented by the game's developer to encourage players to try out the new rifles introduced in the recent season of Battlefield 2042.

Moreover, the M416 underwent some changes as well. The weapon's damage has been increased, now dealing 22 damage at 50 meters and 18 damage at 75 meters and beyond. This enhancement positions the M416 as a superior assault rifle for medium to long-range combat. As one of the top weapons available in Battlefield 2042 Portal, players can now engage in more equitable battles against the futuristic alternatives presented in the game.

Unfortunately, update 5.0.1 in Battlefield 2042 brought some unwelcome changes to the SFARM-GL, AK24, and AEK. These weapons have seen a decrease in accuracy, with DICE increasing their dispersion rate by 9%. As a result, they are now less reliable at longer ranges. This alteration will have a significant impact on the majority of players, especially considering the SFARM-GL's popularity in Battlefield 2042.

Battlefield 2042 Update 5.0.1 Patch Notes

AI Soldiers

We’ve once again told the troops to get back to work on the Prologue, and they’ll now correctly spawn in and support you as intended.

Gadgets

Fixed an issue causing some missiles and grenades to appear offset from the weapon while moving and firing.

Fixed an issue that caused the SPH Explosive Launcher's projectile to detonate immediately if the attached player had died.

Modes

Resolved a bug where the Capture Objective Indicator failed to display properly when an objective was being captured.

Addressed a bug that previously hindered the ability to equip unlocks obtained during a game.

Specialists

Dozer

Fixed a bug where Dozer's Ballistic Shield would not display the appropriate animation when hit by heavy projectiles like rockets.

Addressed a problem that caused bullets to pass through Dozer's Ballistic Shield depending on the time of joining the server.

Soldiers

Fixed an issue that made spotting air vehicles above objectives difficult to perform.

Fixed an issue that could sometimes reward you with assists on your kills, or assists on teammates (or even on yourself, but not the Penguins. Stop trying to hurt them!)

Weapons

Fixed an issue that caused Subsonic ammunition on the DM7, AM40, and M5A3 to muzzle flash when equipped with a Suppressor

RM68

RM68 Bullet Speed lowered from 790 to 700

We have lowered the 4HK range on the following Ammo types:Standard Ammo reduced from 40m > 30m

High Power ammo reduced from 50m > 40m

4HK range has been removed from CQB Ammo

M416

M416 damage increased from 18 to 22 at 50m.

M416 damage increased from 15 to 18 at 75m and beyond.

MTAR21

4HK range capabilities have been removed from the MTAR21.

Dispersion & Accuracy

We have taken your feedback into consideration and have decided to make additional adjustments to the dispersion of various Assault Rifles. Our aim is to create a more balanced selection of weapons by reducing the gap between the top and lowest performers. As part of this, we have increased the maximum dispersion by 9% for the AK24, SFARM-GL, and AEK.

Max dispersion lowered by 8% for AC42, M16A3, M416, and MTAR21

Lowered the delay to dispersion reset from 0.2s to 0.1s.

Vehicles

Fixed an issue for the CAV-Brawler unlock requirement that did not properly count teammates deploying on your MAV or EBLC-Ram

Wave lines from the Detection Pulse will now be correctly displayed on the minimap even when the ability is used while inside a vehicle.

In the event that a vehicle is hacked while the CWP is being activated simultaneously, the cooldown will now be properly reset.

Battlefield 2042 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.