Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded: Weapon balancing and new meta!

May 10, 2023
Detailed guide on weapon changes in Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded. Covering nerfs, buffs, and potential shifts in the meta. Prepare for your next battle with the updated info.

Let’s dive into the detailed changes brought by the new season with a focus on weapon nerfs and buffs, and how they might shape the new meta.

Assault Rifle Changes

ISO Hemlock Warzone 2 – Nerf

  • Maximum Damage decreased
  • Mid Damage decreased
  • Minimum Damage decreased
  • Lower Torso Multiplier increased
  • Extremities Multipliers decreased

Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.99
0.65
Barrel
Fielder-T50
0.19
0.25
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.13
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.64
0.31
Magazine
45 Round Mag

The ISO Hemlock Assault Rifle has been nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded.

TAQ-56 Warzone 2 – Nerf

  • Maximum Damage Range decreased
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.89
0.63
Barrel
17.5" Tundra Pro Barrel
0.3
0.2
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.55
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.56
0.28
Magazine
60 Round Mag

The TAQ-56 Assault Rifle has been nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Kastov 762 Warzone 2 – Nerf

  • Semi-auto Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Extremities Multipliers decreased
Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.48
0.12
Barrel
KAS-10 584MM
0.37
-0.23
Optic
SZ Recharge-DX
-2.26
-1.95
Magazine
40 Round Mag
Ammunition
7.62 High Velocity
0.45
6.97

The Kastov 762 Assault Rifle has been nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Kastov 545 Warzone 2 – Nerf

  • Close-mid Damage Range decreased
  • Mid Damage Range decreased
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.89
0.63
Barrel
IG-K30 406MM
0.18
0.29
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.57
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.6
0.3
Magazine
60 Round Mag

The Kastov 545 Assault Rifle has been nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded.

M13B Warzone 2 – Buff

  • ADS Speed increased slightly
  • Damage Ranges increased
  • Hip Spread Accuracy increased slightly
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.89
0.63
Barrel
14" Bruen Echelon
0.4
0.34
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.84
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.58
0.28
Magazine
60 Round Mag

The M13B Assault Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

M16 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Close-mid Damage Range increased
  • Maximum Damage Range increased
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Cooldown time between bursts decreased
  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.89
0.63
Barrel
14" Carbine Shroud
0.26
0.34
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.57
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.55
0.17
Magazine
45 Round Mag

The M16 Assault Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Lachmann-556 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Close-mid Damage increased
  • Maximum Damage Range increased
  • Mid Damage Range added
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Semi-auto Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Upper Torso Multiplier increased
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
1.06
0.71
Barrel
15.9" Lachmann RAPP
0.35
0.15
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.42
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.19
0.17
Magazine
60 Round Mag

The Lachmann-556 Assault Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Kastov-74U Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Harbinger D20
1.04
0.77
Barrel
KSTV-RPK Factory
0.39
0.34
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.57
-1.65
Underbarrel
VX Pineapple
0.49
0.27
Magazine
45 Round Mag

The Kastov-74U Assault Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Chimera Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Semi-auto Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time

The Chimera Assault Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

SMG Changes

Vaznev-9k Warzone 2 – Nerf

  • Maximum Damage Range decreased

Muzzle
Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
-0.48
0.28
Laser
FSS OLE-V laser
-0.37
-37.76
Stock
Markeev R7
-2.79
-1.97
Magazine
45 Round Mag
Rear Grip
True-TAC Grip
-0.54
-0.18

The Vaznev-9k SMG has been nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded.

MX9 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
-0.61
0.26
Laser
VLK LZR 7MW
-0.45
-41.13
Magazine
32 Round Mag
Rear Grip
Bruen Q900 Grip
-0.81
-0.33
Comb
FTAC C11 Riser
0.18
-0.05

The MX9 SMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Minibak Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Bruen Pendulum
0.52
0.29
Laser
FSS OLE-V laser
-0.37
-37.76
Optic
Cronen Mini Pro
-2.01
-2.25
Stock
Markeev R7
-2.68
-1.71
Rear Grip
True-Tac Grip
-0.71
-0.31

The Minibak SMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Lachmann Sub Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Burst-fire Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
Barrel
L38 Falcon 226MM
0.29
-0.3
Laser
VLK LZR 7MW
-0.31
-21.3
Stock
FT Mobile Stock
-3.56
-1.25
Magazine
40 Round Mag
Ammunition
9MM Hollow Point
0.5
6.95

The Lachmann Sub SMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Bas-P Warzone 2 – Buff

  • ADS Speed increased
  • Headshot Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Maximum Damage increased
  • Maximum Damage Range increased
  • Mid-far Damage increased
  • Mid-far Damage Range increased
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Minimum Damage increased
  • Minimum Damage Range increased
  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time
Muzzle
Lacerta Compensator
0.46
0.21
Laser
VLK LZR 7MW
-0.4
-39.48
Magazine
50 Round Drum
Ammunition
9MM Hollow Point
0.55
6.12
Rear Grip
D37 grip
-0.74
-0.33

The Bas-P SMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

LMG Changes

Sakin MG38 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation timer | Warzone 2.0 Only

Muzzle
SA Leveler 55
0.66
0.27
Barrel
20" Bruen Silver Series
0.42
0.33
Laser
FSS OLE-V laser
-0.34
36.47
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.39
0.33
Ammunition
7.62 High Velocity
0.46
6.81

The Sakin MG38 LMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Rapp H Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time
Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.68
0.31
Laser
FSS OLE-V laser
-0.42
-41.13
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.94
0.35
Ammunition
7.62 High Velocity
0.45
7.26
Rear Grip
Lachmann TCG-10
0.8
0.21

The Rapp H LMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

HCR 56 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Komodo Heavy
0.59
0.25
Barrel
FTAC Hornet 20"
0.35
0.27
Laser
VLK LZR 7MW
-0.42
42.77
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.32
0.58
Ammunition
5.56 High Velocity
0.41
6.39

The HCR 56 LMG has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Battle Rifle Changes

TAQ-V Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Semi-auto Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only

Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.57
0.35
Barrel
18" Precision-6
0.35
0.32
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.35
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.52
0.28
Magazine
50 Round Drum

The TAQ-V Battle Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

SO-14 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Auto-fire Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Lower Torso Multiplier increased
  • Maximum Damage increased
  • Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.64
0.3
Barrel
22" Boremaster
0.42
0.35
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.3
1.8
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.6
0.32
Magazine
50 Round Drum

The SO-14 Battle Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

Lachmann-762 Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Auto-fire Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Minimum Armor Damage added | Warzone 2.0 Only
Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.65
0.32
Barrel
15.9" Lachmann RAPP
0.39
0.28
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.42
-0.85
Stock
LM-S Factory G79 Stock
-3.35
2.09
Magazine
50 Round Drum

The Lachmann-762 Battle Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

FTAC Recon Warzone 2 – Buff

  • Auto-fire Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Minimum Armor Damage increased | Warzone 2.0 Only
  • Reduced ‘First Raise’ animation time
Muzzle
FTAC Reaper
1.16
0.68
Optic
Schlager 3.4X
-2.3
-1.5
Underbarrel
Lockgrip Precision-40
0.54
-0.25
Magazine
15 Round Mag
Rear Grip
Sakin ZX Grip
0.66
0.31

The FTAC Recon Battle Rifle has been buffed in Season 3 Reloaded.

With all these changes, Season 3 Reloaded promises to shake up the Warzone 2 meta in fascinating ways. Stay adaptable, and see you on the battlefield!

Other articles

Warzone Nerfs & Buffs – October 23, 2023: How It Changes The Meta

Another week, another patch update in Warzone! This time, the update focuses on bringing balance adjustments to several guns that have been dominating or underperforming in the meta. The latest nerfs and buffs were applied to the TR-76 Geist, M13B, Kastov 762, Lockwood 300, M4, and Lachmann-556. As always, remember that just reading patch notes won’t give you a clear understanding of the impact these changes will have. The devil is in the details, and these weapons will need to be field-tested to determine their new standings.

Warzone Nerfs & Buffs - October 23, 2023: How It Changes The Meta
Warzone Nerfs & Buffs – October 23, 2023: How It Changes The Meta

TR-76 Geist – NERF

The TR-76 Geist has been a popular choice for both casual and competitive players alike. This update has nerfed its damage across multiple ranges, including:

  • Close Damage decreased
  • Close-mid Damage decreased
  • Mid Damage decreased
  • Head Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Limb Damage Multipliers decreased

TR-76 Best Loadout

Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.49
0.2
Barrel
Bruen Bridle Heavy
0.37
0.32
Optic
SZ Recharge-DX
-2.23
-1.95
Magazine
45 round mag
Ammunition
7.62 High Velocity
0.51
7.24

These changes are likely to move the TR-76 Geist down a few notches in terms of viability, especially in modes like Ranked Play and regular Battle Royale.

M13B – NERF

The M13B was an all-around performer that has seen its day in the sun. The nerf hits it in several key areas:

  • Close Damage decreased
  • Head Damage Multiplier increased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Torso Damage Multipliers decreased

M13B Best Loadout

Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.89
0.63
Barrel
14" Bruen Echelon
0.4
0.34
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.84
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.58
0.28
Magazine
60 Round Mag

While the headshot damage multiplier has been increased, it’s unlikely to compensate for the other areas where the weapon has been weakened.

Kastov 762 – NERF

The Kastov 762 is another weapon that has been nerfed, affecting its damage multipliers and overall performance:

  • Close-mid Damage decreased
  • Head Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Upper Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Kastov 762 Best Loadout

Muzzle
Sakin Tread-40
0.48
0.12
Barrel
KAS-10 584MM
0.37
-0.23
Optic
SZ Recharge-DX
-2.26
-1.95
Magazine
40 Round Mag
Ammunition
7.62 High Velocity
0.45
6.97

Expect the Kastov 762 to be a less popular choice going forward (Hopefully to see some change a bit)

Lockwood 300 – NERF

The Lockwood 300, especially with the Maelstrom Dual Trigger and 12 Gauge Shell, has been a menace in close quarters. The nerfs target its damage range:

  • Close Damage Range decreased
  • Close-mid Damage Range decreased
  • Mid Damage decreased
  • Mid Damage Range decreased
  • Mid-far Damage Range decreased

Lockwood 300 Best Loadout

Muzzle
Bryson Series XII Choke
0.08
0.16
Barrel
Matuzek 812 Barrel
-0.31
0.22
Laser
VLK LZR 7MW
-0.23
-37.84
Stock
Heist Stock MOD
TriggerAction
Maelstrom Dual Trigger
-0.07
-0.05

M4 and Lachmann-556: buff

Assault Rifles – Buff

Finally, some good news for M4 and Lachmann-556 users. The M4 now has an increased close-mid damage range, while the Lachmann-556 gets a boost in its head damage multiplier. These buffs may bring these guns into a more favorable position in the current Warzone meta.

Lachmann 556 Best Loadout

Muzzle
Harbinger D20
1.06
0.71
Barrel
15.9" Lachmann RAPP
0.35
0.15
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-2.42
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.19
0.17
Magazine
60 Round Mag

M4 Best Loadout

Muzzle
Harbinger D20
0.9
0.77
Barrel
Hightower 20" Barrel
0.19
0.21
Optic
Aim-OP V4
-1.45
-1.65
Underbarrel
FTAC Ripper 56
0.57
0.28
Magazine
60 Round Mag

Conclusion

The latest Warzone update has shaken the foundations of the current meta, potentially making room for previously underutilized weapons to shine. While these changes appear drastic on paper, it will take some time and hands-on testing to truly assess their impact.

For the best loadouts, builds, and setups, don’t forget to check out the iOS and Android app called Warzone Loadout CODMunity. With more than a million downloads, this app is the best tool available on the market to easily find the best loadouts for any Warzone mode. It also provides rankings, top 250 in Ranked Play, a unique camo tracker, and much more!

Surprise Nerfs and Buffs in Warzone: all Weapon Balancing Changes

The latest Warzone update on 10/11/2023 has sent shockwaves through the player community with significant changes to several key weapons. Notably, substantial nerfs have been applied to popular choices like the Lockwood 300 shotgun, the Lachmann Sub, and the M13B assault rifle. On the flip side, buffs have revitalized the Lachmann-556 and the Kastov 545 in the assault rifle category. If these names are part of your go-to builds, then you’ll want to pay close attention to how your loadouts may be affected.

Suprise nerfs and buffs in Warzone
Suprise nerfs and buffs in Warzone

Nerfs

Assault Rifles

M13B – Nerf

  • Close Damage Range decreased

TR-76 Geist – Nerf

  • Close Damage decreased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Upper Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Kastov 762 – Nerf

  • Close Damage Range decreased
  • Mid Damage decreased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier increased
  • Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

SMGs

ISO 9mm – Nerf

  • Far Damage decreased

Lachmann Sub – Nerf

  • Close Damage decreased
  • Head Damage Multiplier increased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier increased

Lachmann Shroud – Nerf

  • Burst-fire Neck Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Burst-fire Upper Torso Damage Multiplier decreased

Shotguns

Lockwood 300 – Nerf

  • Maelstrom Dual Trigger
  • Close Damage Range decreased
  • Close-mid Damage Range decreased

Buffs

Assault Rifles

Lachmann-556 – Buff

  • Close Damage increased
  • Close-mid Damage increased
  • Head Damage Multiplier decreased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier increased
  • Upper Torso Damage Multiplier increased

Kastov-74U – Buff

  • Close Damage Range increased
  • Close-mid Damage Range increased

Kastov 545 – Buff

  • Mid Damage increased

SMGs

MX9 – Buff

  • Close-mid Damage increased
  • Close-mid Damage Range decreased
  • Neck Damage Multiplier increased

Minibak – Buff

  • Close-mid Damage Range increased

Warzone Loadout CODMunity

If you’re struggling to adapt to these changes or want to discover the best loadouts for your playstyle, check out the Warzone loadout CODMunity app. With more than a million downloads, this app is the best tool available to easily find the best setups for any Warzone mode. The app also offers rankings, a top 250 in Ranked Play, a unique camo tracker, and more!

Conclusion

The Season 6 update has proven to be a game-changer for Warzone, altering the power dynamics among the most popular weapons. Fan-favorites like the Lockwood 300, Lachmann Sub, and M13B have seen their heyday cut short, while previously overlooked assault rifles like the Lachmann-556 and Kastov 545 have gained new life. As players adapt to this reshuffled meta, expect to see exciting and diverse loadouts on the battlefield, especially when combined with the tools provided by the Warzone Loadout CODMunity app.