Call of Duty

Every weapon buff & nerf in MW3 & Warzone Season 3 Reloaded

Nathan Warby
Warzone and MW3 Operator aiming ShotgunActivision

The Warzone and MW3 Season 3 Reloaded update has brought a host of buffs and nerfs to both games, affecting some of the most popular guns, so here’s a breakdown of every weapon balancing change included.

Just like every major update, MW3 and Warzone Season 3 Reloaded is shaking up the meta in a number of drastic ways, with the new BAL-27 arriving alongside fresh Equipment like the EMD Mine. It also comes with a ton of weapon balancing changes which could have a huge impact on the most popular guns.

Here’s every weapon buff and nerf in Warzone and MW3 Season 3 Reloaded.

All buffs & nerfs in Warzone & MW3 Season 3 Reloaded

Check out all the MW3 and Warzone weapon buffs and nerfs in the Season 3 Reloaded update below, as shared by the Sledgehammer Games in official patch notes:

Warzone

Assault Rifles

Weapon

Adjustments

BP50

  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3deg/s, up from 2.4deg/s.
  • Increased hipfire spread maximum to 7.2deg/s, up from 6.7deg/s.
  • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum to 5.2deg/s, up from 4.7deg/s.

SVA 545

  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3.3deg/s, up from 2.6deg/s.
  • Increased hipfire spread maximum to 7.8deg/s, up from 7.3deg/s.
  • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum to 5.8deg/s, up from 5.3deg/s.

RAM-7

  • Max Damage decreased to 28, down from 32.
  • Near-Mid Damage decreased to 26, down from 28.
  • Near-Mid Damage Range decreased to 39.37 meters, down from 43.18.
  • Mid Damage Range decreased to 49.53 meters, down from 53.34.
  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3deg/s, up from 2.6deg/s.

MTZ-556

  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3.1deg/s, up from 2.6deg/s.
  • Increased hipfire spread maximum to 7.4deg/s, up from 7deg/s.
  • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum to 5.4deg/s, up from 5.3deg/s.

HOLGER 556

  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3.4deg/s, up from 2.6deg/s.
  • Increased hipfire spread maximum to 7.8deg/s, up from 7.5deg/s.
  • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum to 5.8deg/s, up from 5.5deg/s.

MCW

  • Mid Damage increased to 24, up from 23.
  • Min Damage increased to 20, up from 18.
  • Max Damage Range increased to 30.48 meters, up from 26.67.
  • Increased hipfire spread minimum to 3.2deg/s, up from 2.6deg/s.
  • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum to 5.6deg/s, up from 5.3deg/s.

FR 5.56

  • Increased aim down sight movement speed to 2.9m/s, up from 2.7m/s.
  • Increased bullet velocity to 720m/s, up from 680m/s.
  • Upper Torso and Upper Arm Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.
  • 600mm FR Longbore Barrel
    • Removed hipfire spread minimum benefit.
    • Decreased hipfire spread penalty by 8%.
    • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 20%.
    • Replaced aiming idle sway penalty with benefit.
  • 435mm FR 435 Barrel
    • Removed movement speed penalties.
    • Removed hipfire spread penalties and benefits.
    • Increased recoil control benefit by 5%.
    • Added firing aim stability benefit.
    • Removed bullet velocity benefit.
    • Removed damage range penalty.
    • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 2%.
    • Decreased aim down sight movement speed penalty by 3%.
    • Removed aiming idle sway penalty.
  • 395 FR Minibore Barrel
    • Replaced hipfire spread minimum penalty with benefit.
    • Added sprint to fire speed benefit.
    • Removed aiming idle sway penalty.
  • FR Sprinter Stock
    • Removed tactical sprint speed benefit.
    • Added aim down sight speed benefit.
    • Decreased aiming idle sway penalty.
    • Added flinch resistance benefit.
  • Recon Stock Pad
    • Removed crouch movement speed benefit.
    • Added movement speed benefit.
    • Replaced hipfire spread penalty with benefit.
    • Added sprint to fire speed benefit.
    • Removed aim down sight speed benefit.
  • FR Anchor Comb
    • Removed tactical sprint speed penalty.
    • Decreased sprint to fire speed penalty by 3%.
    • Added aiming idle sway benefit.
  • FR TON-618 Comb
    • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 18%.
    • Removed aiming idle sway benefit.
    • Added firing aim stability benefit.
  • FR Giga Comb
    • Increased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.
    • Removed aim down sight movement speed penalty.
    • Added flinch resistance penalty.
  • RMT Rear Grip
    • Increased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.
  • 45 Round Magazine
    • Decreased movement speed penalties.
    • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 4%.
  • 60 Round Magazine
    • Decreased movement speed penalties.
    • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 7%.

Many FR 5.56 Attachments have been reworked to increase their appeal and the overall viability of the Weapon.

M13B (MWII)

  • Max Damage increased to 24, up from 23.
  • Headshot Modifier decreased to 1.4x, down from 1.5x.
  • Upper Torso Modifier increased to 1.2x, up from 1.1x.
  • Arm and Hand Modifiers increased to 1.2x, up from 1x.

TEMPUS RAZBORBACK (MWII)

  • Near-Mid Damage increased to 26, up from 22.
  • Min Damage increased to 22, up from 18.

FR AVANCER (MWII)

  • Near-Mid Damage increased to 22, up from 20.
  • Mid Damage increased to 20, up from 17.
  • Min Damage increased to 18, up from 16.

Battle Rifles

Weapon

Adjustments

SOA Subverter

  • Min Damage decreased to 25, down from 28.
  • Max Damage Range decreased to 20.57 meters, down from 22.86.

MTZ-762

  • Decreased aim down sight time to 260ms, down from 280ms.
  • JAK Thunder LMG Kit
    • Decreased aim down sight time benefit by 20ms.

SO-14 (MWII)

  • Fire Type: Full-Auto
    • Decreased sprint to fire time to 261ms, down from 307ms.
    • Decreased aim down sight time to 270ms, down from 290ms.

Submachine Guns

Weapon

Adjustments

HRM-9

  • Max Damage decreased to 28, down from 31.
  • Near-Mid Damage decreased to 24, down from 28.
  • Mid Damage decreased to 22, down from 24.
  • Max Damage Range decreased to 10.41 meters, down from 11.3.

RAM-9

  • Increased horizontal recoil to 17.6deg/s, up from 16.9deg/s..
  • Increased vertical recoil to 44.4deg/s, up from 42.9deg/s.

Rival 9

  • Max Damage increased to 26, up from 25.
  • Max Damage Range decreased to 12.19 meters, down from 13.97.
  • Lower Arm and Hand Modifiers increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.
  • Lower Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.

WSP-9

  • Decreased sprint to fire time to 66ms, down from 110ms.

Striker

  • Min Damage increased to 28, up from 23.
  • Mid Damage Range increased to 35.56 meters, up from 30.48.

Shotguns

Weapon

Adjustments

KV Broadside

  • JAK Jawbreaker
    • Removed aim down sight spread.

Riveter

  • Decreased aim down sight spread by 10%.
  • .410 Gauge Ball Ammunition
    • Increased aim down sight spread by 10%.

Light Machine Guns

Weapon

Adjustments

DG-58 LSW

  • Upper Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.
  • Arms and Hands Modifiers increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.
  • Lower Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.

Bruen MK9

  • Max Damage decreased to 26, down from 28.
  • Leg Modifiers decreased to 1x, down from 1.05x.
  • Lower Torso Modifier decreased to 1x, down from 1.1x.

TAQ Eradicator

  • Decreased sprint to fire time to 189ms, down from 252ms.
  • Decreased aim down sight time to 330ms, down from 340ms.

Sniper Rifles

Weapon

Adjustments

XRK Stalker

  • Decreased bullet velocity to 790m/s, down from 860m/s.

KATT-AMR

  • Decreased bullet velocity to 620m/s, down from 660m/s.

MORS

  • Increased aim down sight time to 580ms, up from 560ms.
  • Decreased bullet velocity to 900m/s, down from 960m/s.
  • HVP Anti-Material Slug Ammunition
    • Increased bullet velocity penalty to 20%, up from 15%.

Handguns

Weapon

Adjustments

COR-45

  • Increased movement speed to 5.4m/s, up from 5.2m/s.

Renetti

  • Increased movement speed to 5.4m/s, up from 5.2m/s.

TYR

  • Increased movement speed to 5.3m/s, up from 5.1m/s.

WSP Stinger

  • Upper Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.
  • Increased movement speed to 5.9m/s, up from 5.7m/s.

P890 (MWII)

  • Increased movement speed to 5.3m/s, up from 5.2m/s.

.50 GS (MWII)

  • Increased sprint speed to 5.8m/s, up from 5.7m/s.

X12 (MWII)

  • Increased movement speed to 5.4m/s, up from 5.2m/s.
  • Increased sprint speed to 6.1m/s, up from 6m/s.

9mm Daemon (MWII)

  • Increased movement speed to 5.4m/s, up from 5.2m/s.
  • Akimbo 9mm Daemon Rear Grip
    • Max Damage increased to 24, up from 22.
    • Near-Mid Damage increased to 22, up from 21.
    • Mid Damage increased to 20, up from 18.
    • Min Damage increased to 18, up from 16.
    • Max Damage Range increased to 10.36 meters, up from 5.64.
    • Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 18.28 meters, up from 12.34.
    • Mid Damage Range increased to 33.52 meters, up from 18.58.
    • Removed 10% movement speed penalty.
    • Decreased hipfire spread minimum to 1.7deg/s, down from 2.4deg/s.
    • Decreased hipfire spread maximum to 5deg/s, down from 5.5deg/s.

MW3

Weapons & Attachments

Assault Rifles

  • BP50
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 3deg/s (+25%).
    • Increased hipfire spread maximum from 6.7deg/s to 7.2deg/s (+7%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 4.7deg/s to 5.2deg/s (+11%).
  • SVA 545
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.3deg/s (+27%).
    • Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7.3deg/s to 7.8deg/s (+7%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.8deg/s (+9%).
  • RAM-7
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3deg/s (+15%).
  • MTZ-556
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.1deg/s (+19%).
    • Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7deg/s to 7.4deg/s (+6%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.4deg/s (+2%).
  • Holger 556
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.4deg/s (+31%).
    • Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7.5deg/s to 7.8deg/s (+4%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.5deg/s to 5.8deg/s (+5%).
  • MCW
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.2deg/s (+23%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.6deg/s (+6%).
  • DG-56
    • Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 2.8deg/s (+17%).
    • Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 3.3deg/s to 5deg/s (+52%).
    • Added medium damage range, 29 damage to 38.1m.
    • Decreased minimum damage from 29 to 25 (-14%).
  • FR 5.56
    • Decreased sprint to fire time from 231ms to 216ms (-6%).
    • Decreased aim down sight time from 260ms to 250ms (-4%).
    • Increased aim down sight movement speed from 2.7m/s to 2.9m/s (+7%).
    • Increased bullet velocity from 680m/s to 720m/s (+6%).
    • 600mm FR Longbore Barrel
      • Removed hipfire spread minimum benefit.
      • Decreased hipfire spread penalty by 8%.
      • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 20%.
      • Replaced aiming idle sway penalty with benefit.
    • 435mm FR 435 Barrel
      • Removed movement speed penalties.
      • Removed hipfire spread penalties and benefits.
      • Increased recoil control benefit by 5%.
      • Added firing aim stability benefit.
      • Removed bullet velocity benefit.
      • Removed damage range penalty.
      • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 2%.
      • Decreased aim down sight movement speed penalty by 3%.
      • Removed aiming idle sway penalty.
    • 395 FR Minibore Barrel
      • Replaced hipfire spread minimum penalty with benefit.
      • Added sprint to fire speed benefit.
      • Removed aiming idle sway penalty.
    • FR Sprinter Stock
      • Removed tactical sprint speed benefit.
      • Added aim down sight speed benefit.
      • Decreased aiming idle sway penalty.
      • Added flinch resistance benefit.
    • Recon Stock Pad
      • Removed crouch movement speed benefit.
      • Added movement speed benefit.
      • Replaced hipfire spread penalty with benefit.
      • Added sprint to fire speed benefit.
      • Removed aim down sight speed benefit.
    • FR Anchor Comb
      • Removed tactical sprint speed penalty.
      • Decreased sprint to fire speed penalty by 3%.
      • Added aiming idle sway benefit.
    • FR TON-618 Comb
      • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 18%.
      • Removed aiming idle sway benefit.
      • Added firing aim stability benefit.
    • FR Giga Comb
      • Increased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.
      • Removed aim down sight movement speed penalty.
      • Added flinch resistance penalty.
    • RMT Rear Grip
      • Increased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.
    • 45 Round Magazine
      • Decreased movement speed penalties.
      • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 4%.
    • 60 Round Magazine
      • Decreased movement speed penalties.
      • Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 7%.

Many FR 5.56 Attachments have been reworked to increase their appeal and the overall viability of the Weapon.

  • Lachmann-762 (MWII)
    • Increased maximum damage range from 19.3m to 30.5m (+58%).
    • Increased near-medium damage range from 37.1m to 43.2m (+16%).
    • Increased medium damage range from 48m to 55.9m (+16%).
  • M13C (MWII)
    • Increased maximum damage range from 17.8m to 25.4m (+43%).
    • Increased near-medium damage from 27 to 28 (+4%).
    • Increased near-medium damage range from 33.5m to 39.4m (+17%).
    • Increased leg and foot damage multipliers from 0.88x to 1x (+14%).

Battle Rifles

  • SOA Subverter
    • Added near-medium damage range, 33 damage to 38.1m.
    • Decreased minimum damage from 33 to 26 (-21%).

The SOA Subverter is now a 6-shot kill within the minimum damage range.

  • MTZ-762
    • Decreased aim down sight time from 280ms to 260ms (-7%).
    • JAK Thunder LMG Kit
      • Decreased aim down sight time benefit by 20ms.
  • FTAC Recon (MWII)
    • Fire Type: Semi-Auto
      • Increased minimum damage from 45 to 50 (+11%).

Within its maximum damage range, the FTAC Recon is now a guaranteed 3-shot kill, or 2-shot kill to the head.

  • Fire Type: Full-Auto
    • Increased upper torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).

Within its near-medium damage range, the FTAC Recon (full-auto) 3-shot kill with 1 to the head and 2 to the upper torso,

  • SO-14 (MWII)
    • Fire Type: Semi-Auto
      • Increased maximum damage from 46 to 50 (+9%).
      • Increased near-medium damage from 35 to 46 (+31%).
      • Increased medium damage from 32 to 40 (+25%).
      • Increased minimum damage from 30 to 38 (+27%).

Within its maximum damage range, the SO-14 is now a consistent 3-shot kill.

  • Fire Type: Full-Auto
    • Decreased sprint to fire time from 307ms to 261ms (-15%).
    • Decreased aim down sight time from 290ms to 270ms (-7%).
    • Decreased torso, arm, hand, leg, and foot damage multipliers from 0.8x to 0.74x (-8%).

Submachine Guns

  • RAM-9
    • Increased horizontal recoil from 16.9deg/s to 17.6deg/s (+4%).
    • Increased vertical recoil from 42.9deg/s to 44.4deg/s (+3%).
    • Decreased maximum damage range from 12.7m to 11.2m (-12%).
  • AMR9
    • Increased near-medium damage from 25 to 29 (+16%).
    • Increased medium damage from 23 to 24 (+4%).
    • Increased minimum damage from 21 to 22 (+5%).
    • Increased lower arm and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).
  • HRM-9
    • Increased medium damage range from 30.5m to 33m (+8%).
  • WSP-9
    • Decreased sprint to fire time from 110ms to 66ms (-40%).
  • WSP Swarm
    • Decreased maximum damage range from 6.9m to 5.6m (-19%).

Shotguns

  • KV Broadside
    • JAK Jawbreaker
      • Removed aim down sight spread.
      • Decreased hipfire spread penalty from 100% to 30%.
      • Muzzle Attachments can now be equipped.
  • Riveter
    • Decreased aim down sight spread by 10%.

Decreased spread while aiming down sight allows a more consistent 3-shot kill within the Riveter’s medium damage range.

  • .410 Gauge Ball Ammunition
    • Increased aim down sight spread by 10%.
    • Increased maximum damage from 33 to 37 (+12%).
    • Increased near-medium damage from 26 to 33 (+27%).
    • Increased medium damage from 21 to 27 (+29%).
    • Increased minimum damage from 19 to 25 (+32%).

With the Ball rounds equipped, the Riveter now performs considerably better within its 3-shot kill range.

Light Machine Guns

  • DG-58 LSW
    • Decreased horizontal recoil from 7.28deg/s to 6.35deg/s (-13%).
    • Decreased vertical recoil from 52.65deg/s to 47.89deg/s (-9%).
    • Increased minimum damage from 33 to 35 (+6%).
    • Increased torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).

With the DG-58 LSW, a 4-shot kill is now possible if 2 shots hit the torso.

  • TAQ Eradicator
    • Decreased sprint to fire time from 252ms to 210ms (-17%).
    • Decreased aim down sight time from 340ms to 330ms (-3%).
  • Holger 26
    • Increased neck damage multiplier from 1.1x to 1.2x (+9%).

Marksman Rifles

  • MTZ Interceptor
    • Decreased maximum damage range from 38.1m to 30.5m (-20%).

Sniper Rifles

  • MORS
    • Increased aim down sight time from 560ms to 580ms (+4%).
    • Decreased lower leg and foot damage multipliers from 1x to 0.95x (-5%).
    • HVP Anti-Materiel Slug Ammunition
      • Increased bullet velocity penalty from 15% to 20%.

While equipped with HVP Anti-Materiel Slug Ammunition, the MORS can no longer one-shot kill to the lower leg or foot.

Handguns

  • COR-45
    • Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).
  • Renetti
    • Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).
  • TYR
    • Increased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).
  • WSP Stinger
    • Increased movement speed from 5.7m/s to 5.9m/s (+4%).
  • P890 (MWII)
    • Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.3m/s (+2%).
  • .50 GS (MWII)
    • Increased sprint speed from 5.7m/s to 5.8m/s (+2%).
  • X12 (MWII)
    • Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).
    • Increased sprint speed from 6m/s to 6.1m/s (+2%).
  • Basilisk (MWII)
    • Increased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).
  • FTAC Siege (MWII)
    • Increased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).
  • GS Magna (MWII)
    • Increased sprint speed from 5.7m/s to 5.8m/s (+2%).
  • 9mm Daemon (MWII)
    • Increased movement speed from 5.3m/s to 5.5m/s (+4%).
    • Akimbo 9mm Daemon Rear Grip
      • Removed 10% movement speed penalty.
      • Decreased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 1.7deg/s (-29%).
      • Decreased hipfire spread maximum from 5.5deg/s to 5deg/s (-9%).
      • Removed 26% damage penalty.
      • Increased lower torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1.1x to 1.3 (+18%).

Melee

  • Gladiator
    • Decreased standing lunge distance to 1.3m, matching that of the Combat Knife.

Those were all the buffs and nerfs that arrived as part of MW3 and Warzone Season 3 Reloaded. Only time will tell how they impact the meta in the weeks to come.

For more on both games, be sure to check out some of our useful guides:

Best guns in Warzone | Best Warzone controller settings | Best PC settings for Warzone | How to get a nuke in Warzone | Best Assault Rifles in Warzone | Best Sniper Rifles in Modern Warfare 3 | Best guns in MW3: Every Modern Warfare 3 weapon ranked | Best SMGs in Modern Warfare 3

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