All MW3 balance changes in the launch update

Activision has rolled out the much-anticipated launch update for Modern Warfare 3, filled with a wide range of buffs and nerfs for various weapons. As is tradition, these weapon balance changes directly impact the game's meta, so here's a detailed rundown of them.

MW3 launch update weapon nerfs and buffs explained

Here's the complete list of weapon balance changes in Modern Warfare 3’s launch update:

Assault Rifles

• SVA 545
  • Increased bullet velocity by 19%.
  • Increased rate of fire from 632 RPM to 682 RPM (+8%).
  • Increased lower-torso damage multiplier from 1x to 1.1x.
  • Decreased recoil to veer less to the right.
• MTZ-556
  • Increased bullet velocity by 18%.
  • Increased maximum damage range from 23m to 27m (+17%).
• MCW
  • Increased bullet velocity by 18%.
  • Increased recoil during sustained fire.
  • Decreased minimum damage from 24 to 21 (-13%).

I noticed that these three assault rifles have become much stronger in the MW3 launch update, which made them better for fighting at medium to long distances. The faster rate of fire, quicker shooting, and longer damage range helped me eliminate enemies more easily, while the lower recoil made my shots more precise and steady.

SMG

• Striker
  • Decreased maximum damage from 42 to 36 (-14%).
  • Decreased near-medium damage from 33 to 27 (-18%).
  • Decreased fear-medium damage from 27 to 25 (-7%).
  • Decreased minimum damage from 21 to 20 (-5%).
  • Decreased aim down sights time from 250ms to 240ms (-4%).

Striker has received a major nerf, making it less dominant at close-range engagements. However, the decreased aim-down-sights (ADS) time will slightly improve its responsiveness, but it may not be enough to compensate for its reduced damage output. I believe this weapon may lose its popularity among submachine gun users who prefer high-damage and low-recoil guns.

Related: How to unlock all new operators in MW3

Light Machine Guns

• Holger 26
  • Increased bullet velocity by 13%.
• Pulemyot 762
  • Increased bullet velocity by 16%.
  • Decreased maximum damage from 47 to 45 (-4%).
  • JAK Annihilator Bullpup Kit (Conversion Kit)
    • Increased bullet velocity by 29%.
    • Decreased rate of fire from 666 RPM to 571 RPM (-14%).

The Holger 26 and Pulemyot 762 have been buffed and nerfed, respectively, in the latest Modern Warfare 3 launch update. The Holger 26 will have much better performance at medium to long-range engagements due to the increased bullet velocity. On the other hand, Pulemyot 762 is now a bit less strong at close distances. This means that you may struggle to kill enemies with this LMG.

Marksman Rifle

• MTZ Interceptor
  • Increased bullet velocity by 15%.
  • Increased hipfire spread during sustained fire.
  • Decreased aim down sights time from 330ms to 265ms (-20%).
• MCW 6.8
  • Increased bullet velocity by 12%.
  • Increased hipfire spread during sustained fire.
  • Decreased aim down sights time from 260ms to 245ms (-6%).

Both the MTZ Interceptor and the MCW 6.8 have received some buffs, making them more responsive and lethal at medium to long-range fights. These two weapons may still be a viable choice for marksman rifle users who like a powerful and stable gun.

Sniper Rifles

• Longbow
  • Increased bullet velocity by 13%.
  • Swapped full-auto crosshair for expected semi-auto crosshair.
  • Increased flinch when shot by an enemy player to align with other Sniper Rifles.
  • Increased hipfire spread while moving and during sustained fire.
• KV Inhibitor
  • Increased bullet velocity by 5%.
  • Increased hipfire spread while moving.
  • Increased flinch when shot by an enemy player by 18%.

Handgun

• WSP Stinger
  • Swapped semi-auto crosshair for expected full-auto crosshair.
  • Decreased maximum damage from 25 to 24 (-4%).
  • Decreased maximum damage from 27 to 25 (-7%).
  • Decreased maximum damage range from 12m to 6m (-50%).
  • Decreased upper-torso damage multiplier from 1.1x to 1x.
  • Decreased hipfire spread during sustained fire.
• Renetti
  • Swapped semi-auto crosshair for expected burst-fire crosshair.
  • Slightly increased recoil during sustained fire.
  • Decreased minimum damage.
  • JAK Ferocity Carbine Kit (Conversion Kit)
    • Swapped semi-auto crosshair for expected full-auto crosshair.
    • Increased aim down sight time 200ms.
    • Increased sprint to fire time from 80ms to 100ms (+25%).
• COR-45
  • Decreased maximum damage range from 9m to 6m (-33%).
  • Decreased near-medium damage range from 20m to 10m (-50%).

Ammunition

• High Velocity
  • Decreased bullet velocity multiplier from 1.2x to 1.15x.
  • Decreased Sniper Rifle bullet velocity multiplier from 1.3x to 1.17x.
• Low Grain Rounds
  • Decreased damage range penalty.
  • Decreased bullet velocity penalty.
  • Decreased recoil control advantage.
• High Grain Rounds
  • Decreased recoil control penalty.
  • Decreased bullet velocity advantage.
  • Decreased damage range advantage.

Attachments

• Optics
  • Decreased aim down sights time penalty across multiple Optic types.
    • Dots & Holographics: 30ms to 0ms (-100%).
    • 2.5x: 70ms to 15ms (-79%).
    • 4x & Hybrids: 40ms to 20ms (-50%).
    • Scopes: 100ms to 50ms (-50%).
• Muzzles
  • Slightly increased aim down sight penalty for Flash Hider, Compensator, and Muzzle Break types.

Some weapons and attachments may become more or less popular, depending on the playstyle and preference of the players. However, these changes may not be final, as the developers make adjustments based on feedback and data from the players.

Stay tuned to Pro Game Guides for more Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 content. In the meantime, head over to our article on What is the Tactical Stance in MW3?