Balance Changes in Call of Duty Mobile Season 9

The balance changes in Call of Duty Mobile Season 9 include a variety of buffs and nerfs across multiple weapons. These adjustments aim to enhance the gameplay experience by promoting fairness and competitiveness. Understanding these changes is essential for players who want to optimize their loadouts and strategies.

Assault Rifles

The assault rifle category has seen some notable alterations this season, particularly with the LAG 53 and BP50.

LAG 53 Buff

The LAG 53 has received a much-needed buff. The power barrel, a semi-auto conversion for this weapon, now has a higher fire rate cap, increasing from 400 rounds per minute to 430. This makes it slightly faster than the Odin. Additionally, the power barrel significantly boosts headshot damage, allowing players to achieve one-tap kills within the initial range. However, the LAG 53 still suffers from a two-tap consistency issue and a punishing fire rate, keeping it as a lower-tier option.

BP50 Nerf

On the other hand, the BP50 has finally received a nerf. The bullet velocity penalty for its 60-round magazine has increased from 5% to 15%, effectively reducing bullet speed by around 100 m/s. This change makes the BP50 less consistent in long-range engagements, although it remains manageable at closer ranges. The nerf also includes the removal of a hidden 5% strafe speed bonus, adding an 8% strafe speed penalty instead. Despite these changes, the BP50 retains its low recoil and fast aim-down-sight (ADS) time, ensuring it remains a popular choice among aggressive players.

Grau 5.56 Improvements

The Grau 5.56 has seen some enhancements as well. The Drifter barrel now increases the fire rate from 732 rounds per minute to 778. While this makes it a more appealing option for close-range builds, it still doesn’t replace the need for SMGs in that role.

Kilo 141 Adjustments

The Kilo 141 has had its strafe speed penalty reduced by 10%, making it more efficient for passive builds. However, it continues to struggle in the current meta due to its slower time-to-kill compared to top-tier assault rifles.

Type 25 Changes

The Type 25 has received a reduction in hit flinch from 0.9 to 0.8 and a decrease in sprint fire time from 170 milliseconds to 140 milliseconds. Although these changes are welcomed, the Type 25 still suffers from high hit flinch and poor range, making it less competitive.

Submachine Guns

Submachine guns have also been adjusted, with the GKS and AGR 556 receiving significant changes.

GKS Enhancements

The GKS has received a damage buff, improving its consistency in the first and third damage ranges. Additionally, its ADS time has been reduced by 20 milliseconds, making it a strong alternative for players looking for a reliable SMG.

AGR 556 Improvements

The AGR 556 has seen its ADS time reduced by 20 milliseconds, improving its usability. The damage profile has also been enhanced, meaning it will never require more than six shots to kill. However, despite these buffs, the AGR 556 remains an off-meta option due to its slower time-to-kill.

Pharo Adjustments

The Pharo’s recoil recovery speed has improved, and the range of its full group has reduced horizontal recoil by 16%. These changes aim to make the Pharo more viable for mid-range engagements, though it still presents challenges due to its unpredictable recoil.

Marksman Rifles

Marksman rifles are getting their share of buffs, particularly the SKS and MK2.

SKS Improvements

The SKS has seen improvements in its upper arm multipliers, allowing for more consistent two-shot kills at longer ranges. The hit flinch has also improved, making it easier to build for mobility without sacrificing performance.

MK2 Buffs

The MK2 has received a significant reduction in ADS time by 60 milliseconds, allowing for a fast ADS time of around 250 milliseconds with the right attachments. This makes it one of the quickest options for quick-scoping, alongside reduced hit flinch, making it a top choice for players who enjoy sniping.

Secondaries

Secondaries have also been adjusted, notably the machine pistol and D13 Sector.

Machine Pistol Range Buff

The base range of the machine pistol has been improved by three meters, extending its effectiveness in close-range combat.

D13 Sector Buffs

The D13 Sector has received significant buffs, with its projectile speed improved and the ability to bounce up to seven times. This change makes it more viable for clearing rooms, though it still requires testing to determine its effectiveness in competitive play.

Operator Skills

Operator skills have also undergone changes, impacting gameplay strategies.

TAK-5 Adjustments

The overheal of the TAK-5 operator skill has increased from 50 to 60. While this may seem minor, it can impact the number of shots required to kill certain weapons, such as the BP50.

Havoc Improvements

The Havoc operator skill has received improvements to its effective range and angle of effect, along with increased points from assists and disabling scorestreaks. However, it still remains a lower-tier option due to its lack of combat utility.

Scorestreaks and Equipment

Changes to scorestreaks and equipment can significantly affect gameplay dynamics.

MQ-27 Dragonfire Nerf

The MQ-27 Dragonfire scorestreak has been nerfed, with its ammo capacity reduced by one and scan duration reduced by five seconds. This change aims to balance its power, especially in the hands of skilled players.

Cryo Bomb Adjustments

The cryo bomb has seen its area of effect improved by one meter, making it slightly better for denying objectives. Nevertheless, it can still be destroyed by shooting, limiting its effectiveness compared to other equipment.

Perks

Lastly, perks have received adjustments that may shift player strategies.

Recon Perk Changes

The enemy detection radius for the Recon perk has improved by three meters, making it a more appealing option in modes like Hardpoint and Search and Destroy. However, it still lacks the combat utility of other perks like Toughness and Quick Fix.

Serpentine Buffs

The Serpentine perk has received a minor buff, improving its damage reduction by 2%. However, this change does not address its primary issue, which requires players to sprint for extended periods to benefit from damage resistance.