Call of Duty: Warzone July 2025 Update – Weapon Balance Changes
The Call of Duty: Warzone July 2025 update delivers significant weapon balance adjustments and essential bug fixes that reshape the battle royale meta. Released on July 8, 2025, this patch follows the massive Season 4 Reloaded content drop and focuses on fine-tuning weapon performance, particularly addressing long-range combat effectiveness across assault rifles and marksman rifles.
The update enhances visual recoil control for Black Ops 6 weapons using magnified optics, buffs underperforming assault rifles like the AMES 85 and GPR 91, while implementing nerfs to the dominant DM-10 marksman rifle and KRIG C assault rifle to create a more balanced competitive environment.
Call of Duty: Warzone July 2025 – Quick Update Summary
| Category | Key Changes |
|---|---|
| Weapon Buffs | AMES 85 range increased, GPR 91 damage improved, KILO 141 velocity enhanced |
| Weapon Nerfs | DM-10 damage/velocity reduced, KRIG C multipliers decreased |
| Visual Improvements | Reduced recoil on 2x-4x scopes for BO6 weapons |
| Bug Fixes | Pre-match lobby crashes resolved, loadout UI issues fixed |
| Mode Changes | Havoc Royale modifier adjustments, Ranked Resurgence drone restrictions |
| Release Date | July 8, 2025 |
Call of Duty: Warzone – Major Weapon Balance Changes in July Update
The July 8 patch introduces game-changing modifications to Warzone’s weapon ecosystem, with a particular focus on improving long-range engagement dynamics. The development team at Raven Software has implemented sweeping changes that affect multiple weapon categories, aiming to create more diverse loadout options and counter the current meta dominance of certain firearms.
Assault Rifle Adjustments
The assault rifle category receives the most comprehensive overhaul in this update. The AMES 85 emerges as a significant winner, with its maximum damage range extending from 31.7m to 35.5m and medium damage range increasing from 40.6m to 45.7m. Additionally, its headshot multiplier jumps from 1.2x to 1.3x, making it a formidable choice for mid-to-long-range engagements.
The GPR 91 also receives substantial improvements, with its maximum damage range expanding from 33m to 38m and medium damage range stretching from 45.7m to 49.5m. The lower torso multiplier increases from 0.8x to 0.85x, while ADS speed improves from 240ms to 230ms, making it more competitive in versatile combat scenarios.
Meanwhile, the KILO 141 gets a velocity boost from 870m/s to 905m/s, enhancing its effectiveness at longer ranges. However, not all assault rifles benefit from this update – the KRIG C faces nerfs with reduced damage multipliers (from 1x to 0.95x) for lower torso, arms, and legs, increased recoil during sustained fire, and a reduction in Extended Mag II capacity from 70 to 60 rounds.
Marksman Rifle Changes
The DM-10 Marksman Rifle receives the most significant nerf in this patch, addressing its overperformance in recent weeks. Its arm multipliers drop from 1x to 0.8x, while lower torso and leg multipliers decrease from 0.9x to 0.8x. The rifle’s bullet velocity is reduced from 920m/s to 850m/s, and ADS time slows from 330ms to 360ms, requiring players to be more precise with their shots to maintain effectiveness.
Visual Recoil and Optics Improvements
One of the most impactful changes affects all Black Ops 6 weapons when using magnified optics. Visual recoil has been significantly reduced when shooting with 2x, 3x, and 4x scopes, making it easier to track targets during sustained fire at long ranges. This change particularly benefits players who prefer engaging enemies at distance, as maintaining sight picture during recoil patterns becomes more manageable.
Additionally, optic strafing movement on Modern Warfare II and III weapons has been reduced, providing better stability when moving while aiming down sights. These adjustments collectively improve the overall gunplay experience and make long-range combat more accessible to players of all skill levels.
Critical Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements
The July update addresses several critical issues that have plagued players since Season 4 Reloaded launched. The most notable fix resolves crashes occurring when editing loadouts in the pre-match lobby, a frustrating bug that forced many players to restart their game between matches.
UI improvements include fixing the blank interface that would appear when attempting to create new loadouts and correcting the respawn timer display in Havoc mode, which previously showed incorrect negative values. The patch also restores missing unlock requirements for certain cosmetic sprays and fixes the Cranked modifier countdown timer display issue.
Havoc Royale Mode Adjustments
Havoc Royale, the chaotic limited-time mode introduced with Season 4 Reloaded, receives balance adjustments based on player feedback. The Melon Heads modifier no longer activates in Circle 4, preventing late-game chaos from becoming overwhelming. Crouch Potato and Make it Rain modifiers now activate slightly more often, while Charge Jump and Eye See You activate less frequently, creating a more balanced modifier rotation throughout matches.
Ranked Play: Resurgence Changes
Competitive players will notice important changes to Ranked Play: Resurgence. Portable Redeploy Drones are now restricted in this mode, preventing teams from exploiting positional advantages through excessive mobility. This change aims to promote more strategic positioning and thoughtful rotations rather than relying on equipment to escape unfavorable situations.
Season 4 Reloaded Context
The July 8 update builds upon the massive Season 4 Reloaded content drop that launched on July 2, 2025. This mid-season update introduced the Beavis & Butt-Head crossover event, allowing players to unlock themed rewards including the Olympia Special double-barrel shotgun and Pickaxe melee weapon through XP progression across Multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone modes.
Season 4 Reloaded also brought significant content additions including reimagined multiplayer maps, cel-shaded map variants for the CODtoons event, and the return of Resurgence Ranked Play. The Verdansk train received upgrades with the addition of a Buy Station and UAV Tower (disabled in Battle Royale Ranked), while new killstreaks and field upgrades like the Door Barricade and Care Package expanded tactical options.
Meta Impact and Loadout Considerations
These balance changes significantly impact the current Warzone meta. The AMES 85 and GPR 91 buffs position these assault rifles as viable alternatives to the previously dominant options, while the DM-10 nerf opens opportunities for other marksman rifles to shine. Players should reconsider their loadout choices and experiment with newly buffed weapons to find optimal combinations for their playstyle.
The visual recoil improvements for magnified optics particularly benefit players who prefer longer-range engagements, making previously challenging weapons more accessible. Combined with the assault rifle adjustments, these changes encourage more diverse engagement distances and tactical approaches.
Community Reception and Developer Communication
The Warzone community has generally received these changes positively, particularly praising the attention to long-standing bugs and the thoughtful approach to weapon balancing. The DM-10 nerf addresses widespread complaints about the weapon’s dominance, while the assault rifle buffs provide welcome alternatives for players seeking variety in their loadouts.
Raven Software’s commitment to addressing issues quickly after major content releases demonstrates their dedication to maintaining a healthy game state. The developer’s transparency through detailed patch notes helps players understand the reasoning behind changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Looking Forward: Future Updates and Expectations
As Warzone continues through Season 4, players can expect additional balance adjustments based on weapon performance data and community feedback. The development team’s pattern of releasing targeted updates following major content drops suggests that further refinements may arrive before Season 5 begins.
The success of cross-platform play continues to unite the Warzone community across different gaming platforms, and these balance updates ensure a fair competitive environment regardless of input method or platform choice.
Tips for Adapting to the New Meta
To maximize success with the July update changes, consider these strategic adjustments:
- Experiment with the AMES 85 – Its improved range and headshot multiplier make it excellent for mid-range dominance
- Reconsider DM-10 loadouts – The significant nerfs require more precise aim and positioning
- Utilize improved optics – Take advantage of reduced visual recoil with 3x and 4x scopes for long-range builds
- Adjust KRIG C attachments – Compensate for increased recoil with stability-focused attachments
- Try the GPR 91 – Its buff makes it a strong sniper support option with improved versatility
Technical Performance and Optimization
Beyond gameplay changes, the July update includes various stability improvements that enhance overall game performance. The fix for pre-match lobby crashes significantly improves the player experience, reducing frustration and downtime between matches. These technical improvements, while less visible than balance changes, contribute substantially to maintaining a healthy player base and positive gaming experience.
Competitive Scene Impact
The balance changes have immediate implications for competitive Warzone play. Professional players and content creators are already experimenting with new loadout combinations, and early tournament results show increased weapon diversity compared to pre-patch meta. The SMG tier list remains relatively unchanged, maintaining balance between close and long-range combat options.
Integration with Black Ops 6
As Warzone continues to integrate content from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, these balance updates ensure that weapons from different Call of Duty titles remain competitive with each other. The visual recoil improvements specifically targeting Black Ops 6 weapons demonstrate the developers’ commitment to seamless integration across the franchise.
FAQs
When did the July 2025 Warzone update release?
The July 2025 update for Call of Duty: Warzone was released on July 8, 2025, following the Season 4 Reloaded content drop on July 2, 2025.
Which weapons received the biggest buffs in this update?
The AMES 85 and GPR 91 assault rifles received the most significant buffs, with increased damage ranges and improved multipliers making them much more viable in the current meta.
What happened to the DM-10 marksman rifle?
The DM-10 received substantial nerfs including reduced damage multipliers (0.8x for arms, lower torso, and legs), decreased bullet velocity (920m/s to 850m/s), and slower ADS speed (330ms to 360ms).
Are there any changes to Havoc Royale mode?
Yes, modifier frequency was adjusted – Melon Heads no longer activates in Circle 4, Crouch Potato and Make it Rain activate more often, while Charge Jump and Eye See You activate less frequently.
What major bugs were fixed in this update?
Key fixes include resolving pre-match lobby crashes when editing loadouts, fixing blank loadout creation interfaces, correcting Havoc mode respawn timer displays, and addressing missing spray unlock requirements.
How do the visual recoil changes affect gameplay?
Visual recoil is significantly reduced when using 2x, 3x, and 4x scopes on Black Ops 6 weapons, making it easier to track targets at long range and maintain accuracy during sustained fire.
Is the KRIG C still viable after the nerfs?
While the KRIG C received nerfs to damage multipliers and magazine capacity, it remains usable with proper attachment configurations to compensate for increased recoil.
What changes were made to Ranked Play?
Portable Redeploy Drones are now restricted in Ranked Play: Resurgence to prevent exploitation of positional advantages and promote more strategic gameplay.
Conclusion
The Call of Duty: Warzone July 2025 update successfully addresses community concerns while introducing meaningful balance changes that diversify the weapon meta. By buffing underperforming assault rifles, nerfing dominant options, and improving visual clarity for long-range combat, Raven Software has created a more balanced and enjoyable battlefield experience. Combined with crucial bug fixes and mode adjustments, this update demonstrates the developer’s commitment to maintaining Warzone as a premier battle royale experience. As Season 4 progresses, players can look forward to exploring new loadout possibilities and adapting their strategies to succeed in the evolving meta.