Black Ops 6 might see an SMG buff in the near future, Treyarch dev implies

Modified Nov 04, 2024 18:39 GMT

Exploring the potential SMG buff in Black Ops 6 after Treyarch’s confirmation of upcoming weapon adjustments (Image via Activision)

In a response on a recent X post, Treyarch's Associate Design Director, Matt Scronce, stated that Black Ops 6 will receive some weapon adjustments (possibly including SMGs) shortly. Since the game's launch, it has featured 33 weapons across various categories. Currently, however, the assault rifle class dominates the meta, outperforming the SMG category even at close range.

SMGs in Black Ops 6 are best suited for close-range combat, but their effectiveness drops quickly with distance, limiting their versatility. This has allowed assault rifles, which perform well at all ranges, to take center stage.

This has led to some imbalance in gunplay; but as the game is new, it’s reasonable that adjustments are underway. Player feedback appears to be a priority for the developer.

This article will discuss Scronce’s statement, focusing on the upcoming weapon tuning that may bring a much-needed buff to the SMG category.

Note: Some aspects of this article are speculative and thereby subject to change.

Upcoming Black Ops 6 update may include SMG buffs

This news about potential weapon adjustments was confirmed by Matt Scronce after a user named @MVPhantomm commented on a Treyarch repost, stating that SMGs are currently underpowered in the meta. In response, Scronce noted that adjustments are on their way.

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The post didn’t specify SMGs, but Scronce’s reply to the user’s concern suggests a likely buff for the SMG category. Conversely, it’s also possible that a few dominant assault rifles (like the AS Val, Model L, and XM4) could see a nerf to improve the game's overall weapon balance.

With the reintroduction of the popular Nuketown map — a close-quarters setting that favors SMG players maximizing mobility with the new Omnimovement mechanic — there’s a noticeable disparity due to SMGs being outmatched by assault rifles. This imbalance could be a key reason for the upcoming tuning.

There is currently no confirmed date for the weapon adjustments. However, with the ongoing Double XP and Double Weapon XP event set to conclude on November 5, 2024, at 10 am PT, it’s possible that the adjustments could be implemented around the same time.

There are six SMGs currently available in Black Ops 6: C9, KSV, Tanto .22, PP-919, Jackal PDW, and Kompakt 92. Among these, the KSV is the top choice, but it is effective only at close range and loses its ground at a distance.

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Edited by Niladri Roy