The Finals 2.1.0 patch brings SA1216 shotgun nerfs, enhanced private matches, and critical balance changes
Patch Overview and Key Changes
The Finals patch 2.1.0 introduces crucial balance adjustments and quality-of-life enhancements following the substantial Season 2 launch. This update represents Embark Studios’ ongoing commitment to refining the competitive experience while addressing community feedback.
The latest patch delivers targeted weapon balancing, particularly affecting the dominant SA1216 shotgun, while significantly upgrading private match functionality with long-requested map selection capabilities.
Building upon the foundation established by patch 2.0.0 on March 14th, this first Season 2 update enhances the private match system introduced earlier. Players can now strategically select specific arenas for their custom games, providing tournament organizers and practice groups with greater control over their sessions.
Weapon and Gadget Balance Updates
The SA1216 shotgun, a staple in Heavy build loadouts, undergoes significant adjustments that alter its combat effectiveness. The weapon’s fire rate decreases from 230 rounds per minute to 200 RPM, while damage per pellet drops from 7 to 6 points. These changes reduce the shotgun’s time-to-kill potential and encourage more deliberate engagement timing.
Glitch equipment receives tactical enhancements in patch 2.1.0. Glitch Grenades now detonate immediately upon contacting Mesh and Dome Shields while maintaining their bounce behavior on other surfaces. This change creates distinct counterplay opportunities against defensive setups.
Glitch Traps mirror this functionality, activating on impact when striking shield barriers. The synchronized behavior between grenades and traps provides consistent anti-shield mechanics across different equipment types.
Strategic Impact: These adjustments shift the meta away from close-range shotgun dominance while enhancing tactical options against shield-heavy compositions. Players should consider supplementing their loadouts with medium-range alternatives and practicing shield disruption techniques.
Private Match Enhancements
This update brings substantial improvements to private matches, beginning with the highly requested map selection feature that allows organizers to host games in their preferred arenas.
Community Benefit: These enhancements significantly improve the competitive and practice experience, allowing teams to develop map-specific strategies and host more stable tournaments with consistent rule enforcement.
Map and Environment Updates
- Resolved jump pad clipping issues across low, medium, and high graphical settings
- Strategic zip line addition in the cathedral alleyway improves rotational options and escape routes
- Refined spawn point placement and orientation for balanced match starts
- New jump pad implementation outside construction spawn areas enhances mobility options
- Spawn position adjustments reduce edge proximity vulnerabilities
Navigation Improvements: The Monaco zip line creates new flanking routes for strategic plays, while Skyway Stadium’s additional jump pad improves construction area accessibility. These changes encourage more dynamic movement and reduce spawn camping opportunities.
Quality of Life and Bug Fixes
- Corrected objective count scoring display in post-match summary screens
Gameplay Polish: These comprehensive fixes address long-standing community complaints, particularly regarding burst weapon reliability, equipment interaction consistency, and visual/audio presentation. The 3-strike ban system demonstrates continued commitment to fair play enforcement.
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