Call of Duty’s Season 4 Reloaded update goes live today across Modern Warfare 3, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile, and Activision has revealed the patch notes to detail what players can expect, including major weapon balancing, map adjustments, and changes to killstreaks.

Season 4 Reloaded adds maps, modes, and limited-time events themed around the mutations and special powers with the new Altered Strain event. It also adds the Reclaimer 18 shotgun and sledgehammer melee weapon to unlock.

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For Modern Warfare 3, weapon balancing is revealed for multiplayer, including a major nerf for the powerful Kar98k marksman rifle. The update removed hipfire aim-assist properties and decreased the strength of ADS aim assist properties for controller input devices. The developer says these changes to controller aim assist properties were to align the Kar98k with the sniper rifle class.

The overpowered akimbo variant of the Lockwood Mk2 is also nerfed. This nerfs the gun’s JAK Wardens Conversion Kit, decreasing the maximum damage range by 33% and the near-medium damage range by 20%.

The midseason update includes a few multiplayer map adjustments as well. Rundown now has improved consistency with bullet penetration on low-wall surfaces, and multiple areas were adjusted on Season 4’s Tokyo map to fix places where enemy nameplates could be seen through walls. Exploits were fixed on Scrapyard and Terminal that previously allowed players to interact with Demolition objectives from an unintended location.

The developer says changes were made to the Mortar Strike to make the killstreak more difficult to run from and avoid. The adjustments removed the two-second delay between when the target is marked and mortar fire begins, decreased mortar travel time by 25%, decreased the delay between mortars, and added an increased number of mortars per wave from four to six.

For Ranked Play, the MTZ-556 and the Holger 556 assault rifles are now unrestricted and available to use for competitive play.

Warzone’s update also includes a nerf to the Kar98k. This adjustment includes the same change for controller input to align the marksman rifle with snipers, but it also decreases the maximum damage range from 63.5 meters down to 55.88 meters, and reduces the bullet velocity from 660 to 620 meters per second.

The MCW assault rifle is buffed to make it more viable in Season 4. The minimum damage is increased from 22 to 24, and the bullet velocity is raised from 710 to 750 meters per second.

Season 4’s overpowered C4 lethal equipment is nerfed. C4 now has decreased maximum damage from 275 to 200, decreased outer damage from 137 to 100, and a lowered maximum radius from 7 to 6.5 meters.

The full patch notes for Warzone and Modern Warfare 3 can be found here, as shared by Activision.

NEW MAPS

Incline (6v6)

Explore a research outpost in the mountains of Urzikstan in Incline, an original snow map featuring intense fights in hostile weather.

Das Gross (6v6)

In this horrifying map variant of Das Haus, blood drips from the walls, and sharp, pointed teeth protrude from exposed muscle.

Bitvela (6v6)

Visit a pixel-art-inspired variant of the classic Favela in the Bit Party Playlist.

G3T_H1GH3R

Get High returns with a new course full of obstacles and surprises. Unlock three new Weapon Camos, collect coins, and uncover secrets along the race to the top! How high can you get?

NEW WEAPONS

Reclaimer 18 (Shotgun)

A tactical shotgun that can be fired in both pump-action and semi-auto modes. Pump-action provides superior range while semi-auto increases fire rate. Unlock it via the Battle Pass.

Sledgehammer (Melee)

Smash the competition into the dirt with this sledgehammer melee weapon. Unlock it via the Week 5 Challenges.

NEW AFTERMARKET PARTS

Look for new Aftermarket Parts to arrive via Weekly Challenges, alongside the Sledgehammer Melee Weapon, and Seasonal Blueprint and Camo rewards.

JAK Volkh (KV Inhibitor & KVD Enforcer | Week 6)

A meticulously crafted stock and receiver modification that updates the weapon to fire a two-round burst at minimal MOA dispersion, making every trigger pull count.

JAK Gunslinger (Basilisk | Week 7)

A frame and cylinder conversion that allows the revolver to hold eight rounds of .357 ammunition with an exceptional increase to rate of fire and a near instantaneous trigger action.

NEW MODES

Mutation

Take turns playing as a team of humans or mutants in a moshpit of modes. Mutants possess a series of unique abilities that can stun, disorientate, and eliminate enemy humans. Switch sides at halftime.

Bit Party

Kill the enemy to make your head bigger! Kill enemies with big heads to earn more points for your team.

Havoc

Experience a variety of wacky modifiers. First team to reach the score limit wins.

Headshots Only

Headshots only. No melee.

Blueprint Gunfight

Small team, multi-round cage matches, now with Blueprints. First team to reach the round-win limit wins.

NEW EVENTS

Altered Strain (6/26-7/24)

The strain has mutated! Collect altered DNA samples from fallen foes and caches to earn rewards and unlock effects for Mutation.

Retro Warfare (6/26-7/3)

Press start to begin this 8-bit event! Earn XP to unlock rewards.

Vacation Squad (7/3-7/10)

The beach is calling and the Task Force is on vacation. Complete event challenges to earn tropical rewards.

Vortex: Death’s Grip (7/10-7/24)

Death’s grasp has taken over the Vortex. Complete challenges to unlock ghastly rewards.

GLOBAL

CUSTOMIZATION

• Beam Saber Blueprint for the Soulrender can now perform melee executions from the front, as the base Weapon can.
• Attachment Skins will no longer unequip after returning to a Private Match lobby.,

Grand Mastery Calling Cards and Emblems

In Season 4 Reloaded, we’re introducing new Calling Cards and Emblem rewards for players who’ve completed a Grand Mastery grind in Modern Warfare III. Players who’ve reached these accomplishments before this update will be granted their respective items in the coming days.

The Grand Mastery rewards breakdown is as follows…

• MWIII Multiplayer Grand Mastery
  • 1x Calling Card (New)
  • 1x Emblem (New)
  • 1x Weapon Charm
• MWIII Zombies Grand Mastery
  • 1x Calling Card (New)
  • 1x Emblem (New)
  • 1x Weapon Charm
• MWII Zombies Grand Mastery
  • 1x Calling Card (New)
  • 1x Emblem (New)
  • 1x Weapon Charm

MULTIPLAYER

UIX

• Victim Calling Card is now displayed on the HUD upon killing an enemy.
• Bug Fixes
  • Fixed an issue preventing the Scoreboard from scrolling in Free-for-All modes.
  • Addressed various issues allowing incompatible Attachment combinations in the Gunsmith.
  • Weapons converted from burst-fire to full-auto now display an accurate Fire Rate in the Detailed Stats modal.
  • Proper team colors are now shown on the minimap in Gunfight mode.
  • HUD widgets now properly display downed teammates in Cutthroat mode.
  • Calling Cards are now sized appropriately in HUD splash notifications.
  • Fixed Event challenge completion splashes displaying incorrect rewards.
  • Addressed an exploit allowing Gunsmith Attachment limits to be bypassed.
  • Adjusted descriptions and Pros and Cons for various Attachments to more accurately reflect their true statistics.

PROGRESSION

• Addressed an exploit allowing kills without dying challenges to be completed improperly.
• Improved tracking of the Priceless Camo challenge for the RGL-80.
• Removed duplicate JAK BFB Muzzle Attachment unlock for the BAS-B.
• Removed duplicate Cronen Dark KX30 Muzzle unlocks for the Kastov 762 and Chimera.

MAPS

• Rundown
  • Improved inconsistent bullet penetration on low-wall surfaces.
• Scrapyard
  • Added a mantle prompt to the shipping container near the Loading Zone.
  • Fixed an exploit allowing players to interact with Demolition objectives from an unintended location.
• Terminal
  • Fixed an exploit allowing players to interact with Demolition objectives from an unintended location.
• Tokyo
  • Removed collision causing low-flying aerial Killstreaks to be destroyed.
  • Improved private match Bot player pathing near vehicles.
  • Fixed multiple areas where enemy nameplates could be seen through walls.

WEAPONS & ATTACHMENTS

Submachine Guns

• FJX Horus
  • Decreased maximum damage range from 15.2m to 13.7m (-10%).
  • Decreased near-medium damage range from 25.4m to 22.9m (-10%).
  • Decreased medium damage range from 33m to 29.7m (-10%).
  • Decreased far-medium damage range from 40.6m to 36.6m (-10%).
  • JAK Scimitar Kit
    • Increased damage range benefit from 35% to 65%.

Shotguns

• KV Broadside
  • JAK Jawbreaker Conversion Kit
    • Fixed an issue causing Muzzle Attachment to unequip in gameplay.

Marksman Rifles

• Kar98k
  • Removed hipfire aim assist properties for controller input devices.
  • Decreased strength of ADS aim assist properties for controller input devices.

Controller aim assist properties of the Kar98k are now aligned with the Sniper Rifle class.

• Lockwood Mk2
  • JAK Wardens Conversion Kit
    • Increased sprint to fire speed from 35ms to 100ms (+186%).
    • Decreased maximum damage range from 4.6m to 3m (-33%).
    • Decreased near-medium damage range from 8.9m to 7.1m (-20%).

Sniper Rifles

• Carrack .300
  • Increased maximum damage from 95 to 128 (+35%).
  • Increased near-medium damage from 90 to 95 (+6%).
  • Increased medium damage from 70 to 90 (+29%).
  • Increased minimum damage from 60 to 70 (+17%).
  • Decreased maximum damage range from 30.7m to 12.7m (-59%).
  • Decreased near-medium damage range from 58.1m to 30.7m (-47%).
  • Decreased medium damage range from 69.6m to 58.1m (-16%).
  • Increased head and neck damage multiplier from 1.7x to 2.2x.
  • Increased lower torso damage multiplier from 1x to 1.1x.

Handguns

• COR-45
  • XRK IP-V2 Conversion Kit
    • Fixed an exploit allowing the Akimbo Rear Grip to be equipped.

FIELD UPGRADES

• A.C.S.
  • Hacked equipment will no longer prompt the player to pick it up.

KILLSTREAKS

• Mosquito Drone
  • Damage is no longer dealt to the Killstreak owner near a drone explosion.
• Mortar Strike
  • Removed 2s delay before mortar fire begins once the target is marked.
  • Decreased mortar travel time from 4s to 3s (-25%).
  • Decreased delay between mortars from 500-750ms to 250-500ms.
  • Increased number of mortars per wave from 4 to 6.
  • Decreased time between waves from 3.25-4s to 2.25-2.75s.

Given these changes, the time between target acquisition and first mortar impact is halved from 6s to 3s. Although the overall duration of a wave has not changed due to the increase in mortars and decrease in delay, it is now more difficult to outrun a Mortar Strike.

• Missile Drone
  • Improved flight paths on several maps to prevent obstructed view of playspace.
• Swarm
  • Damage is no longer dealt to the Killstreak owner near a drone explosion.
• DNA Bomb
  • Players within vehicles are no longer immune to death.

RANKED PLAY

• Unrestricted the MTZ-556 Assault Rifle.
• Unrestricted the Holger 556 Assault Rifle.

Thanks to all who participated in the Ranked Play Weapon Evaluation in recent months. Based on the data we previously shared, we’ve made the decision to unrestrict an additional two Assault Rifles for use in Multiplayer Ranked Play. We’ll continue to monitor feedback for further opportunities to increase the variety of Weapon usage in the competitive experience.

ZOMBIES

NEW CONTENT: UNSTABLE RIFTS Come from South African Online Casinos

Get ready for a new wave-based combat challenge: Unstable Rifts. When you enter an Unstable Rift, you’ll face increasingly intense waves of enemies. Win and the cooldown will reset on all your insured weapons and schematics, letting you enter the next match fully equipped. If you miss the chance to join a Rift, Strike Team Operators can locate additional opportunities on the map.

Beware, Unstable Rifts are unpredictable. Some things work differently; some advantages are given, and others taken away. However, the loot is worth it: a maxed-out Pack-A-Punch weapon with maximum Rarity to use while in the Rift, plus free Perks and Upgrades to help you face the hordes.

UIX

• Bug Fixes
  • Fixed inaccurate weapon ammo counts being displayed on the HUD.
  • Addressed an issue causing parties of three or more to become stuck while matchmaking.
  • Camo unlock requirements for Melee weapons will no longer display inconsistently.
  • Resolved an issue with notifications repeating and replicating for some unlocks.

PROGRESSION

• The Prestige 14 Zombies calling card challenge “Run ‘Em Down” (Pickup Artist) now tracks properly.

WEAPONS & ATTACHMENTS

Submachine Guns

• Lachmann Shroud
  • JAK Decimator Conversion Kit
    • Pack-a-Punch will no longer remove the full-auto firing capability.

Sniper Rifles

• Equipping an explosive ammunition will no longer prevent Ammo Mods from being activated.

WARZONE GAMEPLAY

NEW

» Urzikstan | All Modes «

• Specialist Perk
  • Recently reintroduced to Resurgence, this all-powerful Perk is now available on Urzikstan! Players who find Specialist will immediately receive the benefits of every Warzone Perk simultaneously.
  • Can be acquired via Bunkers.

• Redacted Weapons
  • A new set of specially curated weapons are now available on Urzikstan. Head into battle with the upper echelon of weaponry through new [Redacted] Weapons found within Loot Hot Zones and Bunkers. These unique weapons feature 8 attachments, 3 more than the traditional weapon loadout.
  • Can be acquired via Bunkers and other undisclosed locations.

WEAPONS

NEW

• Reclaimer 18 Shotgun
  • A tactical shotgun that can be fired in both pump-action and semi-auto modes. Pump-action provides superior range while semi-auto increases fire rate.
  • Available via new Battle Pass Sector.

• Sledgehammer Melee
  • Smash the competition into the dirt with this sledgehammer melee weapon.
  • Available via Weekly Challenges.

ADJUSTMENTS

ASSAULT RIFLES

WEAPONADJUSTMENTS

BAL 27

• Lower Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.

MCW

• Min Damage increased to 24, up from 22.
• Increased bullet velocity to 750m/s, up from 710m/s.

HOLGER 556

• Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 60.96 meters, up from 50.8
• Increased bullet velocity to 720m/s, up from 690m/s.

MTZ 556

• Increased bullet velocity to 720m/s, up from 690m/s.

M16 (MWII)

• Jak Patriot AMP
  • Mid Damage Range increased to 53.34 meters, up from 48.26.

BATTLE RIFLES

WEAPON ADJUSTMENTS

MTZ 762

• Max Damage Range increased to 25.4 meters, up from 19.05.
• Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 48.26 meters, up from 40.64.

SUBMACHINE GUNS

WEAPONADJUSTMENTS

FJX HORUS

• JAK Scimitar Kit
  • Max Damage Range increased to 15.08 meters, up from 13.71.
  • Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 27.22 meters, up from 24.
  • Mid Damage Range increased to 41.91 meters, up from 41.14.

STRIKER

• Lower Torso Modifier increased to 1.1x, up from 1x.

RIVAL-9

• Max Damage Range increased to 12.7 meters, up from 12.19.
• Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 25.4 meters, up from 24.3.

LIGHT MACHINE GUNS

WEAPONADJUSTMENTS

RAAL MG (MWII)

• Min Damage increased to 28, up from 27.

SAKIN MG 38 (MWII)

• Min Damage increased to 25, up from 24.

RAPP H (MWII)

• Leg Modifier increased to 1x, up from .95x.

HCR 56 (MWII)

• Near-Mid Damage Range increased to 50.8 meters, up from 48.2.

MARKSMAN RIFLES

WEAPONADJUSTMENTS

LOCKDWOOD MK2 (MWII)

• JAK Wardens Conversion Kit
  • Increased sprint to fire speed from to 100ms, up from 35ms.

KAR98K

• Modified controller aim assist properties to align with the Sniper Rifle class.
• Max Damage Range decreased to 55.88 meters, down from 63.5.
• Decreased bullet velocity to 620m/s, down from 660m/s.

LOADOUT

ADJUSTMENTS

» Lethal Equipment «

• C4
  • Decreased max damage to 200, down from 275.
  • Decreased outer damage to 100, down from 137.
  • Decreased max radius to 6.5 meters, down from 7.

» Killstreaks «

• Mosquito Drone
  • Damage is no longer dealt to the Killstreak owner near a drone explosion.

BUG FIXES

• Fixed an issue causing the Mosquito Drone icons to remain on the mini-map and tac-map after they are no longer active.

• Fixed an issue causing players to be sent back to the main menu after finishing a Ranked Play match.

• Fixed an issue causing the Tac-Sprint Boots icon to overlap with the “Hold to give up” text.

• Fixed an issue preventing players from viewing the “Warzone Rewards” menu.

• Fixed an issue allowing expired contracts to count towards the “Complete any 4 contracts” daily challenge.

• Fixed an issue causing the Converted SMG BP50 to use AR ammo instead of SMG ammo.