How will Call of Duty Black Ops 7’s new patch affect esports?

Treyarch has introduced a wave of balancing changes as part of the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 update.

The new patch includes nerfs to the M15 MOD 0 assault rifle and the Dravec 45 submachine gun, two weapons that frequently appear in Call of Duty’s esports circuit.

Thanks to its low levels of recoil and minimal damage drop-off at long range, the M15 MOD 0 assault rifle has cemented its place within the competitive meta. The rifle’s maximum damage range has been reduced from 38.1 metres to 30.5 metres, while its medium damage range has decreased from 19 to 18.

Treyarch stated that the changes have created “a smaller window” for the M15 MOD 0 to deliver maximum impact in mid-range engagements.

With other rifles receiving buffs, players could opt for new weaponry to gain an advantage over the opposition during matches.

Throughout Season 1, the Dravec 45 has dominated the close-range meta with players utilising the submachine gun’s excellent mobility and versatility. The January 13th update has reduced its maximum damage range from 13.3 metres to 11.4 metres, alongside its medium damage range.

The first medium damage bracket has been adjusted from a range of 13.4 – 23.5 metres to 11.5 – 19.7 metres. Its second medium damage bracket is lowered from 23.6 – 36.8 metres to 19.8 – 27.3 metres.

As a result of the change, the Dravec 45 is less powerful at longer distances, significantly reducing its ability to contend with assault rifles. While the update hasn’t adjusted recoil or damage values, the range reduction could be enough to spark a change in the meta.

The M15 MOD 0 and Dravec 45 frequently feature in the Call of Duty League (CDL) and the Challengers scene, thanks to their impressive versatility. With both weapons receiving reductions in damage range ahead of CDL Major 1‘s week four qualifiers, teams may look for alternatives.

During the week three qualifiers, the MPC-25 submachine gun made its debut. Despite possessing lower mid-range damage statistics than the Dravec 45, the weapon quickly found itself on the unofficial ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ list after players deemed it overpowered at close range.

With the Dravec 45 receiving a nerf, it will be interesting to see whether players defy the gentlemen’s agreement and switch to the MPC-25, which received a slight damage range buff.