In an unexpected move, developer Sledgehammer Games has delivered one last update for 2023's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, bringing substantial weapon adjustments just hours after the game was separated from the Call of Duty HQ app. This final patch introduces crucial balancing changes to dominant weapons and prepares the game for its continued standalone operation.

Despite receiving mixed reviews at launch - particularly for its brief single-player campaign - Modern Warfare 3 maintained a dedicated multiplayer following. The game's fast-paced movement mechanics, including the return of slide-canceling and remastered maps from the original Modern Warfare 2, helped sustain an active player base even as the franchise prepares for Black Ops 7.

The update primarily targets two overpowered weapons that have dominated recent gameplay:

1. Reclaimer 18 Shotgun: The JAK Devastator Kit receives significant nerfs including: Maximum damage reduced from 80 to 25 Rate of fire decreased by 21% Increased hipfire spread
2. Rival-9 SMG: The JAK Headhunter Kit sees reductions in: Headshot damage multiplier (2x → 1.45x) Medium and minimum damage values Increased burst-fire delay

Additionally, Sledgehammer Games announced new Armory Unlock challenges coming soon, allowing players to earn previously Battle Pass-exclusive content like the DTIR 30-06 Battle Rifle and several Conversion Kits through gameplay objectives.

This update follows Activision's decision to remove both Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 from the Call of Duty HQ app, likely to make room for Black Ops 7's impending launch. While some hoped this signaled the end of the controversial app system, it appears Activision is simply streamlining its infrastructure for future releases.

The complete patch notes include:

Reclaimer 18 (Shotgun)

JAK Devastator (Conversion Kit)

• Maximum damage: 80 → 25
• Near-medium damage: 51 → 15
• Minimum damage: 25 → 10
• Rate of fire: -21%
• Sprint-to-fire time: +8%
• Hipfire spread: +12%

Rival-9 (Submachine Gun)

JAK Headhunter (Conversion Kit)

• Headshot multiplier: 2x → 1.45x
• Medium damage: 30 → 28
• Minimum damage: 28 → 24
• Burst-fire delay: 66ms → 90ms

New Armory Unlocks

• DTIR 30-06 (Battle Rifle)
• Kastov LSW (LMG)
• JAK Lance (MX Guardian Kit)
• JAK Voltstorm (Stormender Kit)
• JAK Salvo (KATT-AMR Kit)

This final update demonstrates Sledgehammer Games' commitment to maintaining Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer balance even as the franchise moves forward. With these changes, the developers aim to create a more level playing field while giving players new objectives to pursue in the Armory Unlock system.