Season 02 Patch Notes February 25, 2026
This patch reshapes the Warzone meta with a heavy nerf to the M8A1, reducing its damage and overall dominance. The Maddox RFB was indirectly weakened through attachment nerfs, lowering recoil control and range bonuses. Meanwhile, the MXR-17, X9 Maverick, and especially the WARDEN 308 received strong buffs, improving damage, velocity, and handling. The meta is now more open, with more viable AR, SMG, and Marksman options.
Affected Weapons
↑Buffs (7)
Warzone Weapon Patch: Major Buffs & Nerfs
This latest patch significantly shakes up the meta, especially with the official M8A1 (Autostrike-X8) nerf and several meaningful buffs across Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Marksman Rifles.
Major Nerfs
M8A1 (Autostrike-X8 Conversion) – Heavy Nerf
- Maximum Damage reduced: 29 → 27
- Max Damage Range reduced: 45m → 40m
- All damage ranges shortened
- Lower Torso & Leg multipliers reduced: 1x → 0.9x
Impact: Slower TTK and reduced effectiveness at mid-to-long range. Still viable, but no longer dominant.
MADDOX RFB – Attachment Nerfs
- Monolithic Suppressor: Damage Range 12% → 8%, Bullet Velocity 10% → 5%
- 19" Virtuous-Op Barrel: Bullet Velocity 15% → 8%, Recoil Control 15% → 8%
- Furrow Control Stock: Recoil Control 18% → 10%
Impact: Laser builds lose some free range and recoil control benefits.
Major Buffs
MXR-17 – Stronger at Range
- Minimum Damage increased: 35 → 36 (52m+)
- Upper Arm multiplier: 1x → 1.07x
- ADS speed improved: 260ms → 245ms
- Buffed attachments for recoil and damage range
Impact: A serious mid-to-long range contender with better consistency and responsiveness.
X9 Maverick – Solid Long-Range Buff
- Minimum Damage increased: 37 → 38 (60m+)
- Bullet Velocity increased: 910 → 930 m/s
Impact: More reliable in extended engagements.
SMG Changes – Close Range Gets Competitive
DRAVEC 45 – More Aggressive
- Headshot multiplier: 1.1x → 1.12x
- Sprint speed: 7.3 → 7.4 m/s
- ADS movement speed: 3.4 → 3.5 m/s
- ADS speed: 180ms → 170ms
RK-9 – Easier to Control
- ADS speed: 175ms → 165ms
- Vertical & Horizontal recoil reduced by 10%
- Multiple attachment buffs improving range and recoil
RYDEN 45K – Meaningful Buff
- Max Damage increased: 33 → 35 (0–13m)
- Recoil deviation reduced by 15%
- Horizontal recoil reduced by 8%
- Attachment recoil buffs across the board
Impact: Now a real contender in close-range fights.
Marksman & Sniper Updates
WARDEN 308 – Massive Buff
- Reload speed improved by 25%
- Recoil reduced by 30%
- Bullet Velocity: 910 → 950 m/s
- ADS speed: 290ms → 270ms
- Major attachment improvements
Impact: Could emerge as one of the strongest mid-to-long range picks this patch.
VS Recon – Minor Buff
- Bullet Velocity increased: 720 → 745 m/s
What This Means for the Meta
- M8A1 is no longer the undisputed king
- AR alternatives like MXR-17 and X9 Maverick gain ground
- SMG variety increases significantly
- WARDEN 308 could become a surprise meta pick
The meta is finally opening up. Are we about to see real weapon diversity again?