Vanguard’s first 2022 patch brings weapon fixes, perk adjustments, and mortar barrage tweaks to improve gameplay balance
Developer Return and Community Context
The development team behind Call of Duty: Vanguard has concluded their holiday break and returned to active development with concrete plans for the game’s first significant update of 2022.
Sledgehammer Games developers are back at work following their seasonal hiatus, confirming the inaugural 2022 patch will deliver crucial bug resolutions, weapon balancing modifications, and essential gameplay enhancements.
Approximately three weeks have elapsed since Vanguard’s previous update deployment. In the fast-paced Call of Duty ecosystem, this duration represents a substantial gap that has amplified player concerns regarding the current state of the game’s mechanics and balance.
During the seasonal Krampus event’s widespread lobby presence, several core gameplay problems became increasingly apparent. Following a period of limited communication while the development team recharged, Sledgehammer Games has resumed operations to address Vanguard’s pressing issues.
Initial modification details have been disclosed with commitments to resolve some of the most critical gameplay obstacles. This preview outlines anticipated changes from Vanguard’s first annual update cycle.
“Our seasonal break has formally concluded,” Sledgehammer communicated via January 3 social media channels. Although an instant patch wasn’t immediately deployed, their return announcement included insights into forthcoming improvements.
Priority Fixes: Weapon Challenges and Progression
Specifically, developers identified four primary focus areas requiring immediate attention post-holiday. Challenge system corrections lead the priority list for near-term resolution.
Since Vanguard’s initial release, multiple firearms have experienced progression system interruptions. This technical limitation has prevented dedicated players from finalizing camouflage mastery grinds, though developers assure this obstruction will shortly be eliminated.
For players struggling with specific weapon challenges, focus on objective-based gameplay modes where target opportunities are more predictable. The Panzerfaust launcher challenges particularly benefit from Domination and Hardpoint matches where enemy equipment and scorestreaks provide consistent destruction targets.
▪️ Changes to help with the completion of Panzerfaust Challenges 🐶
▪️ Perk adjustments to help counter all things fire 🔥
▪️ A weapon balancing pass (Sniper buffs and Shotgun nerfs!)
▪️ A tweak to Mortar Barrage to reduce duration
— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) January 4, 2022
Combat Balance: Perk Adjustments and Fire Countermeasures
The development roadmap additionally includes comprehensive “Perk adjustments” specifically designed to “help counter all things fire.”
Any multiplayer session during the holiday period demonstrated the Special Incendiary Grenade’s overwhelming prevalence. With nearly universal adoption of this Season 1 Lethal equipment, anticipate Perk modifications to diminish its combat effectiveness. Comparable adjustments should similarly affect Incendiary Rounds attachment performance.
Advanced players should prepare for meta shifts by testing alternative perk combinations that emphasize survivalbility. The Tactician perk package may see increased viability if fire resistance becomes more valuable. Consider experimenting with different tactical equipment that can create space without relying on incendiary effects.
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Weapon Meta Shifts: Sniper Buffs and Shotgun Nerfs
Sledgehammer’s development resumption also previewed the inaugural 2022 weapon balancing iteration. While precise specifics remain confidential, we understand Sniper rifles will receive performance enhancements while Shotguns face additional adjustments following previous modification shortcomings.
Sniper rifle enthusiasts should anticipate improvements to aim-down-sights speed or flinch resistance to make these weapons more competitive in fast-paced engagements. For shotgun users, the continued nerfs suggest developers want to reduce their effective range or increase pellet spread to prevent dominant close-quarters performance.
Common mistake: Over-investing in recently buffed weapons before understanding their new placement in the meta. Wait for professional player analysis and statistical breakdowns before committing to new loadouts, as initial impressions can be misleading.
Gameplay Experience: Mortar Barrage Duration Reduction
Finally, the notoriously disruptive Mortar Barrage scorestreak will soon exhibit significantly reduced potency. The exact implementation timeline for these modifications remains somewhat uncertain. Developers guaranteed “more consistent update deliveries” moving forward and indicated more detailed information regarding the initial major patch would arrive “within this week.”
Optimization tip: With Mortar Barrage duration reduced, consider alternative scorestreak combinations that maintain map control. The Flamenaut or Guard Dog may provide more consistent value if mortar effectiveness diminishes significantly.
We’ll continue providing timely updates regarding all Vanguard modifications as they’re officially announced — initial changes are projected for imminent release.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » CoD Vanguard devs return with 2022 promises: Challenge fixes, Sniper buffs, more Vanguard's first 2022 patch brings weapon fixes, perk adjustments, and mortar barrage tweaks to improve gameplay balance