Secret Warzone buff transforms forgotten rifle into meta contender
ActivisionThe Warzone Season 1 Reloaded update introduced plenty of balancing changes, but players have discovered an underrated Assault Rifle that received a secret buff not listed in the patch notes, propelling it into the meta conversation.
The Warzone meta is constantly evolving as weapons fall into and out of favor with the community. Season 1 Reloaded was the latest major update to shake things up, introducing the new HRM-9 and TAQ Evolvere, alongside a ton of buffs and nerfs.
These changes boosted guns like the MCW to the top of the tree, while the KATT-AMR was handed a nerf. However, Warzone players have discovered that a handful of guns have been handed buffs not listed in the patch notes.
X page ‘WZStatsGG’ shared a post claiming that MW2’s STB 556 was “secretly buffed” in Warzone, thanks to a “200%” damage range increase that gives it “one of the fastest TTKs” in the game.
The Season 1 Reloaded patch notes mention a damage range increase across the board in MW3 multiplayer, but these changes weren’t mentioned for Warzone. That said, it appears that the buff has been carried over to the battle royale, as CoD expert Metaphor also uploaded a video discussing the STB 566.
“I honestly thought the M13 and ISO 9 were the only good MW2 guns, however, this gun is hitting like a truck,” he said in his January 24 video. “I can’t remember a single time where I lost a gunfight with this gun and it was actually the gun’s fault.”
Check out both WZStatsGG and Metaphor’s best STB 556 loadout in Warzone below.
Best STB 556 loadout in Warzone Season 1 Reloaded
- Barrel: FTAC FB20
- Muzzle: VT-7 Spiritfire Suppressor
- Optic: MK. 3 Reflector / Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
- Magazine: 42 Round Mag
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
This STB 556 loadout in Warzone focuses on keeping the Assault Rifle‘s recoil in check while doubling down on the range buffs it received. The main drawback is the 42 Round Mag, which is much less than other meta ARs, but it makes up for it with a rapid TTK.
Both experts did select different Optics, so you can go for the MK. 3 Reflector if you prefer something more lightweight, or the Corio Eagleseye 2.5x if you want additional zoom.
The devs are yet to officially confirm the buff to the STB 556 in Warzone, but plenty of players are already noticing the difference. Only time will tell how this affects the meta as we approach Season 2.