BO6’s latest 4 patch notes cover numerous changes to gun balance across the game.

Call of Duty developer Treyarch issued another patch for Black Ops 6 (BO6) on Nov. 4. Alongside the usual bug fixes, this update brought a whole host of weapon rebalancing changes. Submachine Guns (SMGs) received buffs across the board while Assault Rifles (ARs) took a small hit. Shotgun Slugs also received a nerf as they can no longer one-shot enemies.

The update, which focuses entirely on multiplayer, can be downloaded right now. It makes up part of the game's ongoing effort to get BO6 polished before ranked play arrives with Season 1.

Assault Rifle changes in new BO6 patch: Nov. 4

The ARs make up a large chunk of the update's changes. For the most part, it's damage reductions across the board. Though with the removal of medium damage range from most ARs, mid-range duels gain damage output.

AK-74 (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)
AK-74 (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)

Following the BO6 patch on Nov. 4, the XM4 and GPR 91 now favor mid-range engagements. Both weapons gain extended reach but reduced close-range power. Meanwhile, the AK-74 and Model L are optimized for versatility at longer distances. However, that's at the cost of less effective headshots. Finally, the AMES 85 and AS VAL focus on balancing power across mid-to-long ranges, encouraging more strategic positioning for consistent effectiveness.

AR adjustments: Patch notes

Weapon
Damage Range
Pre-Patch Range
Pre-Patch Damage
Post-Patch Range
Post-Patch Damage
Additional Adjustments
XM4Maximum0-7m220-16.5m21CHF Barrel multiplier reduced from 1.48x to 1.42x
Medium7.1-45.7m2116.5-40.6m20
Minimum>45.7m17>40.6m17
AK-74Maximum0-5.7m280-38.1m27Headshot multiplier reduced from 1.3x to 1.15x
Medium5.7-41.9m27--This weapon will now only have a maximum and minimum damage range.
Minimum>41.9m21>38.1m22
AMES 85Maximum0-8.3m230-50.8m21
Medium8.3-55.9m23--This weapon will now only have a maximum and minimum damage range.
Minimum>55.9m1750.8m17
GPR 91Maximum0-10.1m230-19.1m21Headshot multiplier increased from 1.28x to 1.3x
Medium10.2-48.3m2119-,1-45.7m20
Minimum>48.3m17>45.7m17
Model LMaximum0-8.9m290-44.5m27Headshot multiplier reduced from 1.3x to 1.15x
Medium8.9-50.8m27--This weapon will now only have a maximum and minimum damage range
Minimum>50.8m21>44.5m22
Goblin Mk2Maximum0-6.4m390-39.4m37
Medium 6.4-39.4m37--This weapon will now only have a maximum and minimum damage range.
Minimum>39.4m30>39.4m30
AS VALMaximum0-9.5m210-21.6m20
Medium 19.6-43.2m2021.7-43.2m17
Medium 243.3-53.3m17--This weapon will now only have one medium damage range.
Minimum>53.3m15>43.2m15

SMG Rifle changes in BO6 patch: Nov. 4

The Nov. 4 BO6 patch has introduced range adjustments to several SMGs. This makes them more effective at specific distances while maintaining their damage output. These adjustments encourage players to utilize each SMG’s unique range capabilities, promoting more dynamic and situational playstyles.

Tanto .22 (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)
Tanto .22 (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)

The C9 and KSV have extended maximum and medium damage ranges, allowing players to maintain consistent power slightly farther out. Meanwhile, the Tanto .22 and PP-919 also benefit from increased medium-range reach, supporting more tactical engagement options in mid-range firefights. The Jackal PDW and Kompakt 92 follow a similar trend, with boosted effective ranges across all tiers, enhancing their versatility without altering their damage values.

SMG Rifle adjustments: Patch notes

Weapon
Damage Range
Pre-Patch Range
Pre-Patch Damage
Post-Patch Range
Post-Patch Damage
C9Maximum0-12.7m290-13.3m29
Medium 112.7-15.9m2313.3-16.5m23
Medium 216-27.3m1916.6-30.5m19
Minimum>27.3m16>30.5m16
KSVMaximum0-10.2m260-10.8m26
Medium 110.3-15.2m2110.9-15.9m21
Medium 215.3-26.7m1516-29.2m15
Minimum>26.7m13>29.2m13
Tanto .22Maximum0-6.4m380-6.4m38
Medium 16.4-15.2m346.4-16.5m34
Medium 215.3-25.4m2816.6-27.9m28
Minimum>25.4m22>27.9m22
PP-919Maximum0-15.9m250-16.5m25
Medium 116-19.7m2016.6-20.3m20
Medium 219.8-29.2m1720.4-31.8m17
Minimum>29.2m15>31.8m15
Jackal PDWMaximum 0-14.6m270-15.2m27
Medium 1 14.7-17.8m2015.3-18.4m20
Medium 217.8-26m1718.5-29.8m17
Minimum>26m15>29.8m15
Kompakt 92Maximum0-10.8m200-11.4m20
Medium 110.9-14.6m1711.4-15.2m17
Medium 214.7-22.9m1315.3-26.7m13
Minimum>22.9m11>26.7m11

Spawn tuning and Shotgun Slugs rebalanced

One of the more noticeable changes will be the spawn tuning changes implemented in the BO6 Nov. 4 patch. In any multiplayer game, the spawn logic can play a huge role in determining the duels across the match. If the spawn isn't safe, players can be left with a sour taste in their mouths thanks to being spawn-camped regularly. With that in mind, Treyarch has updated the spawn logic across several maps to improve spawning.

Spawn tuning will be an ongoing process of taking in data, reviewing gameplay and making measured adjustments in the live environment. Our number one goal is to always provide the safest spawn that we can across all maps and game modes.

Treyarch

Shotgun Slugs received an update last week, but haven't landed in the developers' ideal range yet. So for now, the ability for slugs to one-hit kill to the body is being removed.

  • Marine SP - Slug attachment maximum damage reduced from 106 to 92.
  • ASG-89 - Slug attachment maximum damage reduced from 106 to 92.
Perks (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)
Perks (Image via Activision Publishing Inc.)

Perks and Scorestreaks updated in BO6 Nov. 4 patch

Perks can often define a player's playstyle to a large extent, so any changes can quickly shift the balance of power. In the Nov. 4 patch notes, the BO6 developers have applied some nerfs to the Recon Combat Specialty Perk, while the Dispatcher is buffed. Meanwhile Scorestreaks all received buffs to make them more rewarding when called in.

Recon Combat Specialty Perk

  • Reduced duration that enemies are highlighted after respawning to 1.5 seconds from 2 seconds. An additional reduction will be coming before Season 1.
  • Resolved an issue that allowed players to activate Recon Combat Specialty by changing loadouts.

Dispatcher Perk

  • Increased Dispatcher Perk score cost for UAV from 500 to 550.
  • Increased Dispatcher Perk score cost for Counter UAV from 550 to 600.

Scorestreaks

  • Increased health of UAV and Counter UAV (rockets to destroy remain unchanged). 
  • Increased initial explosion radius of Napalm Strike. 
  • Reduced the initial entry delay of the LDBR. 
  • Increased the fly-in speed of the Strategic Bomber. 
  • Reduced score cost for Interceptors from 1250 to 1150. 

If you want to take a deeper dive into the bug fixes, check out the complete patch notes on the official Call of Duty website. Also check out our recent guides for the AS VAL and JACKAL PDW to stay up to date on the best loadouts.