Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s first post-launch balance patch has nerfed the infamously powerful MP5. The submachine gun dominated in the early days of Cold War’s multiplayer thanks to its solid performance across the board. It boasted a high rate of fire, low damage drop-off, and a simple recoil pattern that could be handled with ease.
Treyarch’s quick tweak reduces the gun’s base effective damage range by a sizeable 33% and adjusts its initial recoil. Now there should be less pressure to adopt the MP5 in order to remain competitive. Plus, it means that the other four SMGs might finally get a bit of extra love.
Call of Duty fans have been extremely vocal about the MP5 since launch, with some demanding a quick fix. Strangely, similar concerns surrounded Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone’s iteration of the weapon. It’s typically straddled the line between SMG and assault rifle, making it the go-to gun for so many players.
Treyarch lead game designer Tony Flame has confirmed that we might have a fair wait on our hands before the next balance patch arrives. It’s currently in development and set to land alongside season one, which is slated for a December launch.
#BlackOpsColdWar update: We've reduced the base effective damage range by 33% and adjusted the initial recoil for Submachine Gun Alpha.
Now get out there and try the other four! 👊
— Treyarch Studios (@Treyarch) November 18, 2020
The MP5 isn’t the only Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War controversy of the moment, with the SBMM debate having once again reared its head in tweets from Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag and Doug ‘Censor’ Martin.