A significant update landed earlier than anticipated for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone, addressing player feedback and implementing crucial changes. This January update focuses on weapon balancing, particularly for the XM4 Assault Rifle and the PPSh-41 SMG, alongside key improvements to cross-play functionality and numerous bug fixes.
Initially slated for early February, this update demonstrates a responsive approach from developers Treyarch and Raven Software to community concerns. The changes aim to refine the gameplay experience and ensure a more balanced competitive environment.
The XM4 Assault Rifle has received several nerfs, primarily targeting its damage range and sprint-to-fire penalties. Both maximum and medium damage ranges have been reduced, while the sprint-to-fire penalty for the 100 Round Mag attachment has been increased. Further adjustments to the Buffer Stock attachment include increased sprint-to-fire penalty and a reduction in recoil control. These changes should address concerns about the XM4's dominance in certain scenarios.
Conversely, the PPSh-41 SMG has been buffed with an increased overall damage range, improved leg damage multipliers, and better horizontal recoil control with foregrip attachments. These enhancements aim to make the PPSh-41 a more viable option at longer ranges and enhance its overall performance.
Cross-play functionality in Ranked Play has been significantly improved. Players in a party on the same console will now matchmake based on the party leader’s cross-play preferences. Mixed platform parties with cross-play disabled will have their settings temporarily enabled to ensure smooth matchmaking. Developers acknowledge potential queue time impacts and are investigating an issue causing cross-play settings to reset after game relaunches.
Beyond weapon balancing and cross-play improvements, the update also introduces a range of bug fixes across multiple game modes. Muzzle flash visibility has been reduced for all SMGs, addressing a prominent complaint, especially with the PPSh-41. Hardcore modes now feature spawn protection, and various issues related to pinned challenges and the user interface have been resolved.
The Zombies mode also benefited from this update. A glitch related to the Staff of Ice Wonder Weapon upgrade has been fixed, enhancing the overall gameplay experience in this popular mode.
