Call of Duty: Warzone May patch notes spark significant meta shift

Call of Duty has unveiled the Warzone May 7th patch notes, which feature widespread weapon balancing affecting the most popular weapons used within casual and competitive playlists.

The update is the first patch notes following Season 3 Reloaded, which saw the debut of Warzone’s competitive playlist along with the arrival of the Ladra submachine gun (SMG) that has already influenced the close-range meta.

Here’s everything fans need to know about the May 7th patch notes, along with how the update will impact the Warzone esports scene.

Throughout Season 3, the CR-56 AMAX, AK-74 and HDR have dominated the battle royale thanks to their superior damage output in close, mid and long-range combat.

The May 7th update has nerfed all three weapons with reductions to damage multipliers and flinch resistance, aiming to increase the variety of weaponry used across Warzone’s extensive selection of game modes.

In addition to the nerfs, the Krig C assault rifle and C9 SMG have received slight buffs, resulting in their popularity rising among players looking for the strongest weapons to use.

Following its launch in Season 3 Reloaded, Ranked Play has proven popular among players wanting a more competitive battle royale experience within Warzone.

Instead of a Fire Sale public event during matches, a Restock public event has replaced it to maintain balance. Restock resupplies all loot caches with new items ranging from weapons, cash, and armour plates.

Shortly after the Warzone May 7th update went live, Warzone Ranked Play was disabled while developers investigate unintentional disconnections and players not receiving the correct amount of Skill Rating (SR) based on their performance.

An exact timeframe for Warzone Ranked Play’s return hasn’t been disclosed.

Following the latest wave of weapon balancing, the Warzone meta has undergone change, with the likes of the Ladra and Krig C skyrocketing in popularity among professional players.

The HDR remains the strongest sniper rifle despite the recent nerf, thanks to its impressive long-range firepower.

Another rifle that has increased in popularity is the Kilo 141 assault rifle. During the first iteration of Warzone, this particular rifle excelled in mid-range combat, and five years later, it remains a popular choice.

Following the conclusion of the Trials of Verdansk event, the next major Warzone esports event is the tournament taking place at the Esports World Cup from August 6th to 9th.

21 teams will compete in Resurgence matches for a chance to win a share of the $1m (~£752,980) prize pool up for grabs.

Outside of the Esports World Cup, information on the World Series of Warzone and other competitions has yet to be revealed.