Black Ops 6 patch notes Nov. 4: ARs nerfed, SMGs buffed

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.