Call of Duty: Warzone patch notes detail Season 3 loot pool, weapon nerfs, and more

The Call of Duty: Warzone patch notes for Season 3 are finally here, and there are some big changes coming.

Verdansk has been nuked in a live Call of Duty Warzone nuke event that marks the end of Season 2. Players who logged on for the event got the chance to fight off an unending horde of zombies before the whole map was obliterated. So, what’s new in Warzone Season 3?

Well for starters we’re getting an event called The Hunt for Adler, which starts on April 22. It will feature a bunch of in-game challenges for both Call of Duty Warzone and Black Ops Cold War as you attempt to find the titular Adler. Players will be able to unlock new weapon charms, calling cards, and an Adler operator skin.

Then there’s the new Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Pass for Season 3, which comes with 100 tiers of unlocks for players to work towards. There are new weapons, skins, and blueprints, along with a new operator called Wraith. 

As for the new Warzone map, well Raven is being coy about that for the moment. The quote on the site simply reads “The situation in Verdansk has hit a critical level. Armistice Central Command will be communicating directly to all Operators with further instructions.” So, it looks like we’re on standby for now.

There have also been a ton of weapon changes and rebalances, alterations to attachments, and the Roze skin has been altered to make it easier to see. The Season 3 update is live now for Warzone and has a download size of 22.6GB for PS5 / PS4, 25.9GB for Xbox Series X / Xbox Series S / Xbox One, and 25.2GB for PC.

You can see the full patch notes below, or at the Raven Software website:

EVENTS 

The Hunt for Adler

Starting on April 22nd, the new “Hunt for Adler” limited-time event will task Operators with unique in-game challenges in both Black Ops Cold War and Warzone to learn of Adler’s whereabouts. Complete these Intel Challenges to unlock Event rewards, including Weapon Charms, Calling Cards, a new Operator Skin, and more. You can find more details about this event in the Seasonal Event tab on the main menu between Play and Weapons once Season Three kicks off in Warzone. Once you’ve completed a full set of challenges in either Black Ops Cold War or Warzone over the course of the event, you’ll unlock an exclusive Adler skin for use in both games!

SEASON 3 BATTLE PASS

100 Tiers of brand-new content including new Operator Skins, Weapons, Blueprints, Wrist Accessories, Weapon Charms, COD Points, and more.

• Tier 0
• Instantly unlock Wraith, a new Woods Skin, and more
• Tier 15
• PPSh-41 SMG
• Tier 21
• “Vex Lord” Assault Rifle Blueprint
• Tier 27
• “Gilded Rose” Shotgun Blueprint
• Tier 31
• Swiss K31 Sniper Rifle
• Tier 55
• “Slow Death” LMG Blueprint
• Tier 95
• Ultra-Rarity “Loud Pipe” Reactive SMG Weapon Blueprint
• Tier 100
• “White Queen” Wraith Skin
• “Roman Standard” Legendary Sniper Rifle Blueprint

MAP

The situation in Verdansk has hit a critical level. Armistice Central Command will be communicating directly to all Operators with further instructions.

GENERAL

• NVIDIA DLSS is now available in Call of Duty®: Warzone on PC
• Players with NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics cards can enable NVIDIA DLSS to boost performance and play at higher resolutions and graphics settings.
• End of game open mic has been turned off for modes with infinite respawn mechanics.
• Player rank will now display the correct rank icons in the After-Action Report.

GAMEPLAY

• Loot that spawns across Verdansk has once again been updated... Now exclusively consists of Black Ops Cold War Weapons including the new Swiss K31 Sniper Rifle and PPSh-41 SMG
• Only Legendary Weapons will spawn as Blueprints
• Players no longer take armor-bypassing damage when using a riot shield and facing an active thermite grenade.
• Sticking a player with Semtex will now always down them.

ACCESSIBILITY

• Added Mono Audio to the Volume settings in Audio Options 
• Disabled (Default): Audio is split between left and right audio channels to provide directional sound. 
• Enabled: Left and right audio channels are combined into one channel

BUG FIXES

• Fixed a bug with most Cold War barrels where Hip Spread and ADS Idle Sway were being increased when they should not have been.
• Fixed a bug with some ZRG 20mm optics that disabled the ability to hold breath.
• Fixed a bug where some loot would drop in close proximity on death. 
• Fixed a bug where if the player is downed while switching to a gunner seat, they would become invisible and/or invulnerable.
• Fixed a bug causing the random Operator select option to only select Coalition Operators from Modern Warfare.
• Fixed a bug causing Baker’s fourth Operator Mission Objective to not track properly (eliminate 15 enemies using a weapon with an attached 2x magnified scope or greater). 
• Fixed a bug causing certain Operator models to appear headless while using the FFAR 1.

WEAPONS

Cold War weapons have had their ammo names updated.

The FFAR 1 crosshair has been updated to match other Assault Rifles.

New Weapons

PPSh-41: SMG (Launch Week)

Tier 15 of the Battle Pass.

Swiss K31: Sniper Rifle (Launch Week)

Tier 31 of the Battle Pass.

Two New Weapon Unlock Challenges

LC-10

Using SMGs, get 3 kills without dying in 15 different matches.

FARA 83

Using Assault Rifles, get 2 headshot kills in 15 different matches.

Assault Rifles

Cold War AK-47

Recoil pattern has been adjusted

The recoil pattern on the Cold War AK-47 had made its downsides far more apparent than its upsides. We have smoothed out its recoil to make it easier to control. If you are accurate, or skilled at recoil control you will now find the Cold War AK-47 quite effective at most ranges.

FARA 83

Minimum damage increased from 25 to 26

Maximum damage decreased from 33 to 31

Maximum damage range increased by 17%

Recoil pattern has been adjusted

As a fast-firing AR with relatively strong recoil, we felt there was too much of an identity overlap between the FARA 83 and the FFAR 1. We have smoothed out its recoil and pushed its damage profile out to be a more viable mid-long range AR option.

FFAR 1

Maximum damage decreased from 30 to 27

Maximum damage range decreased by 15%

Neck damage multiplier changed from 1.1 to 1

Upper torso damage multiplier changed from 1.1 to 1

ADS speed decreased slightly

With high damage, rate of fire, and a competitive mag size, the FFAR 1 has enjoyed a lengthy reign of terror on the short-to-mid range engagement space. When a weapon is so ruthlessly efficient that it pushes the entirety of a weapon category out of viability, it needs to be addressed. The FFAR 1 will remain a respectable option following this change, but it should now be a playstyle preference rather than a loadout necessity. 

Groza

Recoil increased slightly

ADS speed decreased slightly

Upper torso damage multiplier changed from 1.3 to 1.1

This change is more of a precaution. We expect in the absence of the FFAR 1, that the Groza would rise to take its place. While there will always be a ‘meta’, we want the meta to exist in a TTK range that is a bit higher than where we are currently. In that regard, we believe the Groza was a bit of an outlier that, much like the FFAR 1, could have been detrimental to weapon diversity. Bringing the Groza down a notch should allow for some healthy competition in this weapon category. 

Krig 6

Head damage multiplier changed from 1.4 to 1.5

Neck damage multiplier changed from 1 to 1.3

Upper torso damage multiplier changed from 1 to 1.1

Lower torso damage multiplier changed from 1 to 1.1

The Krig 6 has long been overshadowed by other all-stars in the AR category. We believe this change will allow for a more competitive Time to Kill given the shots are well placed. 

QBZ-83

Move speed increased

ADS move speed increased

Neck damage multiplier changed from 1 to 1.2

Upper torso damage multiplier changed from 1 to 1.1

The QBZ-83 is a unique weapon that trades overall lethality for mobility. We aim to provide players with the tools to support a multitude of interesting playstyle options. Our goal is that with the right attachments, skillful maneuvering and rotations will be a hallmark of the QBZ playstyle. We have also given it a much-needed nudge in lethality if you can manage aiming and moving simultaneously.

Submachine Guns

LC10

Bullet velocity increased slightly

Mac-10

Maximum damage decreased by 1

This is another precautionary change to promote diversity. The Mac-10 is both popular and fun to use. Part of what makes the Mac-10 feel fair to play against is that its upside feels comparative to its downside. That is where player skill comes in. Knowing when and what weapon to swap to during an engagement is a facet of skill expression we want to highlight whenever possible. While this change only brings the Mac-10's Time to Kill up by about 10%, we think this is a good place to start to encourage exploration in the SMG category.

Sniper Rifles

Pelington 703

ADS speed increased

Raise time increased slightly

Tactical Rifles

Cold War Tactical Rifle Charlie

Time between bursts increased by 33%

Neck damage multiplier changed from 1.8 to 1.3

M16
Time between bursts increased by 10%

Neck damage multiplier changed from 1.8 to 1.1

The Cold War Tactical Rifle Charlie and the M16 were able to reach rates of fire that allowed the wielder to negate a requisite identity pillar of burst rifles—accuracy. With their extreme rates of fire and generous burst pattern, shots were not required to be well placed. You would inherit the high damage profile and range of burst rifles with minimal downside. With this change, and the change to Fire Rate barrels noted below, you will now need to aim deliberately if you intend to kill quickly.

And... we are keeping a close eye on the AMAX. No king rules forever.

ATTACHMENTS 

Position Concealment 

Position Concealment will reduce the time your position is visible on the compass and minimap after firing. This effect has been added as a pro on both the Flashguard and SOCOM/KGB Eliminator.

Barrels

16.3” Rapid Fire (M16) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 58% 

18” Rapid Fire (Tactical Rifle Charlie) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 56% 

15.9” Strike Team (M16) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 66% 

18.2” Strike Team (Tactical Rifle Charlie) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 64% 

16.3” Titanium (M16) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 61% 

17” Titanium (Tactical Rifle Charlie) 

Increase to rate of fire reduced by 59% 

Sorokin 140mm Auto (Sykov) 

Minimum damage reduced from 23 to 19 

Sorokin 140mm Auto AND Akimbo (Sykov) 

Minimum damage reduced from 19 to 14 

This only affects the weapon when both the Sorokin 140mm Auto and the Akimbo attachment are equipped simultaneously. 

The Sykov, when equipped with any permutation of the Sorokin 140mm Auto has been far more lethal at range than we would prefer. When secondary weapons can go toe-to-toe with, or even best a primary weapon consistently, we risk streamlining access to one of the most powerful Perks in the game—Ghost. While we continue to examine the impact that Ghost has on gameplay, providing easier access to it with negligible downside is not something we want to enable. 

Lasers 

Ember Sighting Point 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 20% 

SOF Target Designator 

Flashlight is now visible during hip-fire and ADS 

Magazines 

Salvo/VDV Fast Mag 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 20% 

Speed Mag 

Pistols 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 40% 

SMGs 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 30% 

Snipers 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 20%

Muzzles 

Flashguard 

Added Position Concealment pro 

SOCOM/KGB Eliminator 

Added Position Concealment pro 

Optics 

SUSAT MultiZoom 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 10%

Ultrazoom Custom 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 20% 

Vulture Custom Zoom 

ADS speed penalty reduced by 20%

Rear Grips 

Increases to ADS speed reduced by roughly 10% 

We have begun the iterative process of tweaking values on attachments. We would like the diminution of weapon downside to be a build direction rather than a single attachment choice. As it stands, we feel most attachments need to have their values addressed in some regard to achieve this. We are hoping to make some previously nonviable options less so in addition to widening overall build variety. This may include increasing upsides or downsides on existing attachments. We are also actively looking at how we can create more compelling choices within the confines of attachment categories—chiefly, muzzles like the Monolithic and Agency Suppressor.

Given the magnitude of balance changes in this patch, we may make some adjustments shortly after Season 3 launch to ensure the meta is healthy and stable. As always, please continue to provide your feedback! 

OPERATORS

Roze

We’ve adjusted Roze in order to improve the Operators readability/visibility where sources of light are available. 

New Operators added:

Wraith: Warsaw Pact (Launch Week)  

Unlocked via Battle Pass 

Knight: Warsaw Pact (In-Season) 

Unlocked via Store Bundle 

Antonov: Warsaw Pact (In-Season)  

Unlocked via Store Bundle 

• Roze
• We’ve adjusted Roze in order to improve the Operators readability/visibility where sources of light are available. 
• New Operators added:
• Wraith: Warsaw Pact (Launch Week)  
• Unlocked via Battle Pass 
• Knight: Warsaw Pact (In-Season) 
• Unlocked via Store Bundle 
• Antonov: Warsaw Pact (In-Season)  
• Unlocked via Store Bundle 

PRESTIGE

• New Prestige Levels 
• Level 50
• New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, Weapon Blueprint, and Battle Pass Tier Skip
• Level 100
• New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, and Battle Pass Tier Skip 
• Level 150
• New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, and Battle Pass Tier Skip
• Level 190
• All Season Challenges Available 
• Level 200
• New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, Battle Pass Tier Skip, Master Prestige Calling Card
• Levels 250 - 1,000
• New Prestige Key every 50 levels 

STORE

We have a fresh dose of new Store Bundles launching alongside Season Three, including some seriously sinister new villains, as well as Tracer Packs, Mastercraft and Reactive Weapon Blueprints, and more. 

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