Raven Software nerfs the Double Barrel shotguns in Warzone Pacific

After over a month of dominance, the Double Barrel shotguns have received a significant nerf in Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific. Raven Software released the update containing the nerf on Saturday. The developers previously tried to nerf the shotguns, but the update wasn’t adequate enough in terms of toning down the Double Barrel’s power. The new update introduces several nerfs but fans of the weapon shouldn’t be deleting its loadout yet.

The overall goal of the new Double Barrel nerf in Warzone Pacific is to eliminate their extreme effectiveness at longer ranges when using the Akimbo perk. Raven Software stated in the patch notes that the goal for the Double Barrel, and other shotguns, is to be “the most lethal option within close quarters, [but] once that range begins to encroach on submachine gun territory, we must intervene.” The Akimbo Double Barrels were ridiculously effective at 5-10 meters, eliminating enemies within two shots.

With the new update in Warzone Pacific, Raven attempted to cut the shotgun’s overall damage to reduce its effectiveness. It doesn’t seem to have worked as intended, though.

The Double Barrel nerf in Warzone Pacific

The full patch notes for the Double Barrel nerf are viewable below:

» Barrel «

• Double Barrel (VG)
  • Sawed-Off
    • Move Speed decreased to 1.03, down from 1.04

» Perk «

• Double Barrel (VG)
  • Akimbo
    • Damage Multiplier decreased to .55, down from 1
    • Damage Range Multiplier increased to 1, up from .6
    • Move Speed decreased to .985, down from 1
    • Hip Spread increased to 1.32, up from 1.28

Some fans might be shocked to see the Double Barrel’s damage range multiplier increased. However, the developers stated that the reduction to the overall damage multiplier plays a much larger factor.

While this might be true in theory, fans still aren’t happy with the state of the Double Barrels. Many are reporting that they’re still be killed extremely fast when facing the shotguns. Some players are reporting that, after testing, the shotguns are still sniping them from long ranges.

The struggle to balance a shotgun is tough from the developers’ side. They don’t want to completely eliminate the gun’s damage at close range but also can’t have it sniping enemies from SMG-like range. Time will tell if Raven decides to make any further changes to the Double Barrel shotguns in Warzone Pacific.