Warzone devs confirm game-changing buff to MW2 snipers

Modern Warfare 2’s Sniper Rifles are at a big disadvantage against their MW3 counterparts in Warzone because they need Explosive Rounds to one-shot headshot. Luckily, they’re set for a major buff as the ammo requirement is being removed. 

Snipers dominated Warzone’s first iteration thanks to their one-shot headshot capabilities, so much so that when Warzone 2 arrived, they were a two-shot kill no matter where the bullet hit. This was eventually fixed with Explosive Rounds but with the caveat that the ammo significantly hurt bullet velocity, making them difficult to use.  

Then Modern Warfare 3 launched and its Sniper Rifles could one-shot headshot with any ammo type and despite a few outliers, MW2’s were basically useless once again. MW3 snipers like the KATT-AMR, XRK Stalker, and Kar98k have been the most popular by far. 

Although the change won’t arrive with the Season 5 update, the devs confirmed in a creator brief ahead of Season 5 that MW2 snipers will one-shot without Explosive Rounds “soon.”

This massive buff will bring MW2 snipers to the meta, giving the category much more variety. By using High Grain or High Velocity Rounds instead of Explosive, they’ll be much easier to use at range, competing with meta choices like the Kar98k. Or, if you prefer to quickscope, you can avoid the ammo category and equip something for mobility. 

Perhaps the fan-favorite Intervention (FJX Imperium) will become a meta choice in Warzone as despite being one of Call of Duty’s all-time greats, it was always held back by its reliance on Explosive Rounds. 

The Season 5 update has also brought meta-changing buffs and nerfs alongside a highly requested Gas Mask change.

There’s still no word on when these Sniper changes will arrive, perhaps the Season 5 Reloaded update. In the meantime, you can unlock the classic STG Assault Rifle and brand-new Static-HV SMG through the Season 5 Battle Pass.