Dbltap Logo

Assault Rifle Changes for Call of Duty Black Ops and Warzone Season 5

By Noam Radcliffe

All the assault rifle changes included in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Season 5 can be found here.
All the assault rifle changes included in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Season 5 can be found here. / Photo courtesy of Activision

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Warzone Season 5 brings a bevy of balance changes for the game's many weapons, and many of those changes focus on the game's assault rifles.

As the most versatile weapons in the game, assault rifles need to be able to cover a wide range of combat situations. They also require the most attention from Treyarch, as changes to assault rifles will often be the most closely scrutinized in the game.

See all the assault rifle changes for Season 5 below, plus Treyarch's thinking for each, drawn from the developer's preview of the upcoming patch.

Assault Rifle Changes for Call of Duty Black Ops and Warzone Season 5

All

  • Reduced Bullet Velocity penalty on Agency Suppressor attachment from -30% to -15%.
  • Reduced Bullet Velocity penalty on Suppressor attachment from -15% to -8%.

XM4

  • Increased Reload Quickness from 2.6 sec to 2.5 sec.
  • Increased Vertical Recoil Control bonus on Infantry Compensator from +12% to +15%.
  • Reduced Horizontal Recoil Control penalty on Infantry Compensator from -8% to -5%.
  • Increased Reload Quickness on Jungle-Style Mag from +20% to +30%.
  • Removed ADS Time penalty from 40 Rnd Speed Mag.
  • Reduced extra ammo of 40 Rnd Speed Mag from +10 to +5.
  • Changed Salvo 50 Rnd Fast Mag attachment to 45 Rnd Fast Mag.
  • Reduced ADS Time penalty on 45 Rnd Fast Mag from -25% to -12%.
  • Replaced SAS Mag Clamp with unique "B-Ops Mini Clamp" attachment. This attachment increases Reload Quickness by 50%, improves ADS Time by 10%, and provides an additional starting magazine, but reduces magazine ammo from 30 to 25.

The XM4 is getting several new adjustments to assist with its handling, as well as a unique attachment. As one of our more popular weapons, the XM4 sees plenty of usage from experts and less experienced players alike, so we’ve made changes to specific attachments to appeal to players of all skill levels. Players may want to experiment with new attachment combinations after this update to find the sweet spot that works for them.

QBZ-83

  • Reduced vertical recoil by 10%.

Though the QBZ-83 is a solid performer, it’s been underused compared to the rest of its class. We’ve reduced its recoil to help more players explore this weapon, develop a feel for it, and find success with it in-game.

FFAR 1

  • Now deals 30 damage out to 12.7 meters for higher damage at short range.
  • Increased Hip Fire Accuracy by 14%.
  • Reduced Sprint to Fire Time penalty on Tiger Team Spotlight from -10% to -5%.
  • Reduced Aim Walking Movement Speed penalty on 21.2” Ranger Barrel from -20% to -5%.
  • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 19.5” Reinforced Heavy Barrel from +100% to +40%.
  • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 19.5” Task Force Barrel from +50% to +20%.
  • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 20.3” Takedown Barrel from +150% to +80%.

As the fastest-firing AR, the FFAR 1 should be serviceable in a more aggressive, close-quarters play style. To accomplish this, we’ve given the weapon additional high-damage potential at short range while retaining its original damage values for mid- to long-range combat. Hip fire has also been improved to help with short-range encounters. As a result, several of its Barrel attachments have also been adjusted. These changes allow a skilled player to leverage the FFAR 1’s shorter-range capabilities for a more versatile play style.

Groza

  • Reduced vertical recoil by 15%.
  • Reduced weapon movement when walking in ADS.
  • Moved Iron Sights view farther away from the player camera.
  • Increased Horizontal Recoil Control bonus on Spetsnaz Grip from +17% to +25%.
  • Increased Vertical Recoil Control bonus on Spetsnaz Grip from +7% to +15%.
  • Increased ADS Time bonus on Spetsnaz Field Grip from +15% to +30%.
  • Reduced Flinch Resistance mitigation on Spetsnaz Field Grip from +80% to +70%.
  • Increased Sprint to Fire Time bonus on KGB Pad from +30% to +50%.
  • Reduced Hip Fire Accuracy penalty on KGB Pad from -30% to -20%.

With the Groza, handling speed is key. We’ve made visual improvements to help players take better advantage of this weapon’s quick handling, as well as attachment changes to lean into the Groza’s unique personality as a bullpup AR.

FARA 83

  • Reduced initial recoil when firing the weapon.
  • Moved Iron Sights view farther away from the player camera.

Mid- and long-range combat are important factors for the FARA 83. Currently boasting the best range of any AR as well as a fast fire rate, this weapon requires consistency for success. As such, we’ve improved recoil and visibility while firing. While this AR was originally concepted to fill more a marksman-like role on larger maps, it has proven to be reliable in most game modes. Developing a sense for controlled firing will lead to even more success with this weapon.

C58

  • Overhauled recoil system.
  • Improved weapon visibility when initially firing.
  • Increased Effective Damage Range from 25.4m to 30.48m.
  • Reduced Effective Damage Range penalty on Suppressor attachment from -15% to -8%.

While the C58 is a powerful weapon in capable hands, some of its handling characteristics initially created a high barrier for proficiency. We’ve addressed this by improving the recoil, feel, and visibility while firing the weapon. The C58 isn’t recommended for close quarters, but with proper ammo management, this weapon can perform much like an LMG with the handling of an AR.

Home/Call of Duty