Warzone 2 July 24 update patch notes: Cronen Squall, X13 Auto, akimbo Basilisk nerfs, more

Complete analysis of Warzone 2 July 24 weapon balancing changes with practical loadout adjustment strategies

Major Weapon Balancing Overview

Warzone 2’s July 24 update delivers substantial weapon balancing adjustments targeting overpowered firearms that have dominated recent gameplay.

This comprehensive weapon tuning patch specifically addresses several problematic weapons including the Cronen Squall assault rifle, X13 Auto pistols, and Akimbo Basilisk setup that have created imbalance in the current meta. The development team has implemented calculated reductions to damage profiles, multipliers, and effective ranges to encourage broader weapon diversity.

Following the July 17 update that resolved Armor Plate and Temp V field upgrade issues, this subsequent patch focuses exclusively on weapon performance. Players should expect noticeable changes to time-to-kill values and effective engagement distances for multiple weapon categories.

Strategic implications include the need to reconsider primary weapon choices and attachment configurations. The nerfs create opportunities for previously underutilized weapons to emerge as viable alternatives in the evolving meta landscape.

Cronen Squall Nerfs Analysis

Despite receiving previous adjustments, the Cronen Squall maintained its position as a top-tier long-range automatic rifle due to its exceptional damage output and manageable recoil pattern.

Activision has implemented comprehensive nerfs targeting the weapon’s core performance metrics. Maximum damage receives a reduction alongside decreased close-mid damage values, while a new damage step at mid-range creates additional damage falloff. Minimum damage also drops, and headshot multipliers see significant decreases that impact the weapon’s effectiveness against armored opponents.

These changes substantially alter the Cronen Squall’s time-to-kill profile, particularly at medium to long distances where it previously excelled. Players will need approximately one additional bullet to eliminate opponents at most engagement ranges, fundamentally changing its competitive viability.

Practical loadout adjustment: Consider transitioning to the TAQ-56 or Kastov 762 for similar firepower with better post-nerf performance. Focus attachments on recoil stabilization and damage range preservation to counteract the nerfs if continuing with the Cronen Squall.

Secondary Weapon Adjustments

The X13 Auto pistols have dominated the secondary weapon category with an exceptionally fast time-to-kill and versatile application across close-quarters engagements.

Development attention has focused on correcting an underlying bug that inadvertently elevated the X13 Auto’s damage profile beyond intended parameters. Alongside this technical fix, maximum damage receives a direct reduction that further balances its performance against other secondary options.

The Akimbo Snakeshot Basilisk configuration, previously one of the most powerful close-range options, undergoes significant rebalancing. A confirmed bug fix addresses the weapon’s elevated damage profile, returning it to its originally intended performance level.

Secondary weapon strategy shift: With these nerfs, consider the FTAC Siege (despite its own maximum damage reduction) or the P890 as viable alternatives. The X12 and Basilisk with standard ammunition now offer more balanced performance for players seeking reliable secondary options.

Complete Patch Notes Breakdown

The comprehensive July 24 update includes detailed adjustments across multiple weapon categories and systems. Below are the complete changes implemented in this balancing patch:

  • Fixed an issue impacting some Players receiving Battle Pass rewards correctly
  • Fixed an issue where some Players couldn’t open the Battle Pass
  • Fixed an issue where the Player couldn’t access Division Rewards in Career & Rewards in Warzone Ranked Play
  • Lachmann-556
    • Maximum Damage decreased
    • Mid-far Damage increased
    • Headshot Multiplier decreased
    • Neck Multiplier decreased
    • Upper Torso Multiplier decreased
  • M4
    • Upper Torso Multiplier decreased
    • Lower Torso Multiplier decreased
  • TAQ-56
    • Headshot Multiplier decreased
  • Tempus Razorback
    • Minimum Damage increased
    • Limb Multipliers increased
  • Cronen Squall (Full Auto)
    • Maximum Damage decreased
    • Close-mid Damage decreased
    • Damage step added at Mid-range
    • Minimum Damage decreased
    • Headshot Multiplier decreased
  • Basilisk
    • Fixed an issue with the Akimbo Snakeshot Basilisk where its damage profile was higher than intended
  • FTAC Siege
    • Maximum Damage decreased
  • X13 Auto
    • Fixed an issue that caused the X13 Auto’s damage profile to be higher than intended
    • Maximum Damage decreased
  • MX Guardian
    • Maximum Damage decreased
    • Close-mid Damage decreased
    • Mid Damage decreased
    • Mid-far Damage decreased
    • Minimum Damage decreased
  • ISO 45
    • Fixed an issue with the ISO 45 causing its upper right leg damage to be lower than intended
  • KV Broadside
    • 12 Gauge Dragon’s Breath
      • Close-mid damage decreased
  • MX Guardian
    • 12 Gauge Dragon’s Breath
      • Maximum Damage decreased
      • Close-mid Damage decreased
      • Mid Damage decreased
      • Maximum Damage Range increased
      • Close-mid Damage Range increased
      • Mid Damage Range decreased
      • Minimum Damage Range decreased
  • Fixed an issue where Snipers with High Explosive rounds could be found from Ground Loot in Ranked Play matches
  • Fixed an issue where, after the Player’s squad was eliminated, the Player left the match and received a prompt to rejoin the match
  • Fixed an issue where Players were able to have infinite Super Jumps by using a second Temp V field upgrade
  • Fixed an issue where equipping the Semi-Auto Trigger on the MX Guardian shotgun will cause the range to reduce severely while fighting AI in DMZ
  • Fixed an issue where the Squad Loadout crate is missing the in-world icon until it is pinged
  • Fixed an issue that prevented Players from being able to use the Gulag Token if they lost the Gulag previously in the match
  • Additional quality-of-life improvements address various technical issues affecting gameplay systems and user interface elements. These bug fixes resolve problems with Battle Pass progression, Ranked Play rewards, and field upgrade functionality.

    Post-Update Loadout Strategies

    Following these significant weapon adjustments, players must adapt their loadout strategies to maintain competitive performance. The nerfed weapons require specific attachment adjustments or complete replacement with emerging meta alternatives.

    For primary weapons, consider the Tempus Razorback as a strong alternative to the nerfed Cronen Squall. Its increased minimum damage and limb multipliers make it effective in medium-range engagements. The Lachmann-556 remains viable despite its nerfs, particularly when built for accuracy with attachments that maximize its increased mid-far damage.

    Secondary weapon selection now favors the P890 or standard Basilisk over the nerfed X13 Auto and Akimbo Snakeshot variants. These options provide reliable performance without the extreme time-to-kill that prompted developer intervention.

    Common loadout mistake to avoid: Continuing to use pre-nerf attachment setups on adjusted weapons. The Cronen Squall now benefits from range-extending barrels and ammunition rather than pure damage-increasing attachments. Similarly, the X13 Auto requires builds focused on recoil control and mobility rather than raw damage output.

    Advanced optimization: Experiment with the ISO 45 submachine gun following its bug fix, as it may offer unexpected performance improvements. The KV Broadside with standard ammunition rather than Dragon’s Breath rounds becomes more consistent for shotgun enthusiasts.

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