Weapon Balance Changes in MW2 & Warzone 2 Season 5 Reloaded

Over the past few seasons of Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2, the development team at Infinity Ward has been actively altering the weapon selection. Their goal is to maintain a dynamic gameplay experience and allow a diverse meta to evolve.

They have consistently focused on reducing the power of the Cronen Squall, boosting the effectiveness of SMGs and LMGs in Warzone 2, and introducing minimum armor damage values to mix things up. While the Cronen Squall remains popular among players, a wide array of weapons now stand in a competitive position.

As Season 5 Reloaded begins, the CoD developers introduce new weapons: the Lachmann Shroud SMG and 9mm Daemon Pistol, alongside the Pickaxe as a melee option. Additionally, there are several adjustments to existing weapons to be aware of.

New weapons in season 5 — Credit: Activision

Comprehensive List of Weapon Changes in Warzone 2 & Modern Warfare 2 Season 5 Reloaded

Indeed, Season 5 Reloaded showcases a range of modifications tailored for both Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2. Specific changes have been made to certain weapons such as the M4, Cronen Squall, and Sakin MG.

Regarding the Cronen Squall, all of its damage multipliers have been decreased, including those for head and neck shots. On the other hand, the M4 has received increases to its damage profiles for close and close-mid ranges.

Another notable alteration is that all launchers now deal reduced damage against players. This could potentially bring some relief when you're confronted with an incoming RPG.

The Cronen Squall, once again, has been the focus of adjustments.

Looking ahead to Season 6, the developers haven't provided official confirmations yet. However, considering the significant time gap between the conclusion of Season 5 Reloaded and the release of Modern Warfare 3, there's a chance for further updates.

Below, you'll find the comprehensive list of weapon buffs and nerfs for Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 Season 5.

Call of duty operator aiming down sights — Credit: Activision

Patch Notes: Weapon Changes in Warzone 2 & MW2 Season 5 Reloaded:

» Handguns « 

FTAC Siege
- Increased close-mid distance damage range | MWII only

» Submachine Guns « 

Lachmann Sub
- Adjusted stats on FT Mobile Stock to increase mobility

PDSW 258
- Minor adjustment to ironsights to better align with bullet trajectory

ISO 45
- Increased damage range | MWII only

Lachmann Sub
- Reduced close distance damage range | MWII only

» Assault Rifles « 

FR Avancer
- Increased damage range | MWII only
- Reduced hip spread

Tempus Razorback
- Increased damage range | MWII only

M16
- Increased close-mid distance damage range | MWII only

Kastov 74u
- Reduced damage range | MWII only

ISO Hemlock
- Reduced mid-far distance damage range | MWII only

» Battle Rifles « 

TAQ-V
- Increased damage range | MWII only

Cronen Squall
- Increased damage range | MWII only

SO-14
- Increased damage range | MWII only

Lachman 762
- Increased damage range | MWII only

» Shotguns « 

Lockwood 300
- Reduced mid distance damage range | MWII only
- Slugs and HE slugs attachments:
  - Increased damage range | MWII only
  - Increased long range damage amount | MWII only

Bryson 890
- Slightly reduced damage range | MWII only
- Slugs and HE slugs attachments:
  - Increased damage range | MWII only

Bryson 800
- Slightly reduced mid-distance damage range | MWII only
- Slugs and HE slugs:
  - Increased damage range | MWII only
  - Increased long range damage amount | MWII only

» Marksman Rifles « 

SA-B 50
- Increased ADS speed
- Increased ADS movement speed
- Increased damage range | MWII only

Lockwood MK2
- Increased ADS speed
- Increased ADS movement speed

SP-R 208
- Increased long-distance damage range | MWII only

EBR 14
- Reduced damage range | MWII only

» Light Machine Guns « 

HCR 56
- Increased mid distance damage range | MWII only

Rapp H
- Increased mid distance damage range | MWII only

» Sniper Rifles « 

Carrack .300
- Increased close range damage | MWII only
- Increased upper arm location damage | MWII only
- Increased long distance damage range | MWII only
- Increased ADS to hip transition speed
- Increased hip movement speed
- Increased sprint speed

FJX Imperium
- Increased ADS speed
- Increased ADS movement speed
- Small reduction to hip spread

Signal 50
- Reduced close distance damage range | MWII only

SP-X 80
- Reduced damage range | MWII only

We are generally pleased with Weapon diversity and viability in Warzone. For example, the Submachine Gun category is very healthy, with a staggering six SMGs falling within a 10-percentage point difference in Kill Death Ratio at the highest skill levels. Among them, the Vaznev-9K, VEL 46, and at the top—perhaps surprisingly, the PDSW 528. While this is great news, we recognize that not all categories are enjoying that same level of competition. This update is focused on introducing further viability into the long-range engagement space. This update also includes a reduction in Launcher damage against Players. We will be monitoring their performance following the launch of Season 5 Reloaded and if they continue to be problematic anti-personnel Weapons, we will make further adjustments.