The Warzone landscape was until this update ruled by the duo of the Kastov 762 and the TR-76 Geist. These guns overshadowed other contenders, carving a warzone meta where their dominance was unchallenged and deemed absolute. However, with the winds of change brought by the October 23 update, the tides have turned. While the TR-76 and Kastov still hold their ground as formidable foes, the nerfs have leveled the playing field, bringing some previously overshadowed long-range weapons into the limelight. Among these are the steadfast Kastov 545, the reliable Taq-56, and the unyielding ISO Hemlock, all of which now stand as strong contenders in the long-range meta.
Warzone Nerfs & Buffs – October 23, 2023
In a bid to balance the playing field, several nerfs were introduced targeting the reigning champions and tweaking the damage parameters to ensure fair play. The changes included:
- TR-76 Geist: Suffered a decrease across various damage ranges and multipliers.
- M13B: Close Damage reduced, albeit with a boost to Head Damage Multiplier.
- Kastov 762: Various damage multipliers and close-mid damage decreased.
Standard Long Range Loadouts:
The staple of long-range combat lies in a well-tuned loadout. Here are some common configurations:
- Muzzle: Choose between the Harbinger for an all-around boost or the Sakin Tread-40 compensator for recoil control with less ADS penalty. There are of course other options but these two are the most common.
- Barrel: A long barrel for increased damage range.
- Optic: Aim-OP V4 or SZ Recharge to minimize visual recoil.
- Magazine: Opt for a big magazine for sustained fire.
- Extra Choice: High velocity ammo for those confident in their recoil control, or the FTAC Ripper underbarrel for a steadier shot.
TAQ-56 Best Loadout – Meta Contender
The TAQ-56 is an epitome of forgiveness with its ease of use, superior accuracy, and a generous 60-round magazine. It provides ample room for errors, making it a great choice for those looking to land their shots accurately without a steep learning curve.
ISO Hemlock Best Loadout – Meta Contender
Mirroring the benefits of the TAQ-56, the ISO Hemlock is a treasure for its ease of use, exceptional accuracy, and almost nonexistent recoil. The comfort it provides to the wielder is unparalleled, making it a solid choice for consistent long-range engagements.
TR-76 Geist Best Loadout – Meta
Despite the nerfs, the TR-76 Geist remains an excellent choice with a balanced combination of crucial stats. Its ease of use hasn’t been tarnished, keeping it a top pick for many.
Sakin MG38 Best Loadout – Meta
The Sakin MG38 stands as the premier LMG in Warzone, boasting zero recoil, an abundance of ammunition, and a commendable time-to-kill ratio. Though a bit on the slower side, the right loadout can mitigate this, keeping you competitive on the battlefield.
Tempus Razorback Best Loadout – Meta
The Tempus Razorback is an extremely underrated AR, flaunting controllable recoil and excellent stats like its time-to-kill ratio. It shines particularly in Resurgence mode, making it a dark horse in the long-range meta.
Kastov 762 Best Loadout – Absolute Meta
Even post-nerf, the Kastov 762 holds its ground firmly at the top. Its excellence in performance has become a habit for many players, and while now more balanced, it continues to be a force to reckon with.
Kastov 545 Best Loadout – Absolute Meta
The Kastov 545 emerges as a new star in the long-range meta, bringing a harmonious balance of great time-to-kill, damage range, mobility, and low recoil. This weapon is the epitome of a well-rounded choice for any long-range engagement, making it a fresh yet dominant player in the meta.
The tweaks in the October 23 update have certainly shuffled the deck, making room for more variety and strategic play. While some old titans remain, new challengers are stepping up, broadening the horizon for different play styles. This shake-up is a welcome change, opening doors to a plethora of strategic evolutions and a richer Warzone experience.
Now, to enhance your gameplay further, consider utilizing the Warzone Loadout CODMunity app on iOS and Android. With over a million downloads, this app is a treasure trove for players seeking the best loadouts for any Warzone mode. It also features rankings, a top 250 ranked play tracker, a unique camo tracker, and much more, making it a must-have tool for the modern Warzone player.
