The landscape of Call of Duty: Warzone has shifted once again. With the arrival of the Season 1 Reloaded update on 9th January 2026, a significant weapon balance patch has reshaped the competitive meta, forcing players to rethink their trusted loadouts.
Whether you favour aggressive close-quarters combat or methodical long-range engagements, understanding the new hierarchy of firearms is crucial for securing that coveted victory. Several assault rifles, in particular, have emerged as dominant forces, capable of shredding armour plates with startling efficiency when configured correctly.
The New Meta Kings: Top Tier Weapons Analysed
Based on the latest data and community pick rates, five weapons have distinguished themselves as the current top picks. Here is a breakdown of each, complete with the recommended attachments to maximise their potential.
M15 Mod 0: The Long-Range Powerhouse
The M15 Mod 0 assault rifle is arguably the biggest beneficiary of the recent update. It has received substantial buffs to its bullet velocity, damage, and effective range, cementing its position as the premier choice for engaging enemies at a distance.
Statistically, it can eliminate a fully armoured opponent in an impressive 624 milliseconds (ms) within 51 metres, with its time-to-kill (TTK) only rising to 858ms beyond that range. For the optimal build, experts suggest the following setup:
- Optic: Greaves Accuspot 3x
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel: 16” Reticulated Barrel
- Magazine: Bowen Bulwark Mag
- Stock: Bowen Linchpin Stock
MXR 17 & DS20 Mirage: Close to Medium-Range Contenders
For players who thrive in closer encounters, the MXR 17 presents a potent, albeit underrated, option. Despite a modest pick rate of 2.8%, it boasts a blistering 600ms TTK inside 35 metres, provided you can control its challenging recoil pattern.
A more popular alternative for similar ranges is the DS20 Mirage, which enjoys a 19.9% pick rate. It maintains a sub-600ms TTK up to 35m and a respectable 792ms TTK between 35 and 60 metres, making it exceptionally versatile for the game's common mid-range skirmishes.
Sturmwolf 45 & SOKOL 545: Specialists for Specific Roles
When it comes to pure close-quarters devastation, the Sturmwolf 45 submachine gun is a community favourite. It can melt enemies in a mere 558ms at distances up to 15 metres, though its effectiveness drops sharply beyond that, making it ideal for urban and interior combat.
Finally, do not overlook the SOKOL 545 light machine gun. While LMGs often penalise movement speed, this model delivers exceptional damage output, achieving a 617ms TTK up to 43 metres and remaining competitive out to approximately 65 metres, offering a powerful suppressive and assault option.
Adapting to the New Warzone Landscape
The Season 1 Reloaded update has decisively altered the weapon tier list. To stay competitive, players must move beyond outdated loadouts and embrace these newly empowered firearms. Mastering the M15 Mod 0 for long-range dominance or harnessing the close-quarter power of the Sturmwolf 45 could be the key difference between a elimination and a win. The meta has been reset; it's time to reload your arsenal accordingly.
