Call of Duty players in the UK and worldwide are adapting to a major weapon balancing update for Black Ops 7 and Warzone, released by developer Treyarch on 14 January 2026. The patch, arriving less than a week after the Season 1 Reloaded launch, aims to recalibrate the game's meta by addressing several weapons deemed excessively powerful.
Major Nerfs Target Dominant Assault Rifles
The most significant change targets the Maddox RFB assault rifle, which has been a dominant force since the season's reload. Treyarch has drastically reduced its effective damage range. Previously capable of dealing 28 damage up to 19 metres, its range has now been slashed to 12.7 metres.
In the official patch notes, Treyarch justified the move, stating the weapon's quick time-to-kill in close quarters combined with its controllable recoil allowed it to outperform at longer distances unfairly. The developers emphasised a desire to preserve its close-range identity, a hallmark from its appearance in Black Ops 4, while reining in its versatility.
Another assault rifle, the M15 Mod 0, also received a mid-range nerf. Its effective damage range has been reduced from 38.1 metres to 30.5 metres. This adjustment means it will now require an extra bullet to secure a kill at medium ranges, incentivising players to aim for critical headshots.
Significant Buffs Bring New Contenders
It's not all about reductions, however. The patch introduces substantial buffs to previously underused weapons, shaking up the viable arsenal. The AK-12 assault rifle has been notably enhanced, with all its movement penalties removed. Its aim-down-sight and sprint-to-fire times have been halved, transforming it into a more agile option that rewards precise aim.
The Sturmwolf 45 SMG also received a powerful upgrade. Its headshot damage multiplier has increased from 1.2x to 1.26x, and both vertical and horizontal recoil have been significantly reduced. These changes position the Sturmwolf 45 as a much more formidable and controllable choice for close to medium-range engagements.
Impact on the Battlefield Meta
This rapid response from Treyarch indicates a commitment to maintaining a balanced playing field in both Black Ops 7 multiplayer and the free-to-play Warzone battle royale. The immediate effect is that the Maddox RFB, while remaining potent in close-quarters combat, will likely be swapped for more versatile weapons on larger maps. Meanwhile, the buffs to the AK-12 and Sturmwolf 45 provide players with fresh, competitive alternatives.
Players looking for the complete list of adjustments can find the full patch notes on the official Call of Duty blog. This update follows the broader content drop of Season 1 Reloaded, which typically includes new maps, modes, and cosmetic items alongside such balancing changes.
