Black Ops 6 patch notes (Dec 10): Big buffs and nerfs

Treyarch has released the latest Black Ops 6 patch notes on December 10, 2024 (US time), featuring a range of weapon balance changes.

This update delivers significant buffs to fan-favorite submachine guns (SMGs) and light machine guns (LMGs), making them more formidable in various combat scenarios.

Operator Woods on Skyline map in ONE Esports' image for the full list of Black Ops 6 guides — Credit: Activision, ONE Esports

Full list of Black Ops 6 guides: Best settings, loadouts, Zombies, more

In this article, ONE Esports breaks down all the adjustments introduced in the newest Black Ops 6 patch, analyzing how these changes might impact the meta and your gameplay strategies.

Black Ops 6 patch notes on December 10

Weapon buffs and nerfs

Operator Caine firing a handgun in ONE Esports' image for best controller settings for Black Ops 6 — Credit: Activision, ONE Esports

Best controller settings in Black Ops 6 for superb control

All the SMGs — Saug, Kompakt 92, Jackal PDW, PP-919, Tanto .22, KSV, and C9 — received substantial buffs to damage and range, enhancing their effectiveness in medium-range engagements. These changes make SMGs a more versatile choice for players who prefer mobility without sacrificing stopping power.

In addition to these improvements, the headshot multiplier for some SMGs has been increased, rewarding precision and boosting their lethality in skilled hands.

The PU-21 and GPMG-7 LMGs have also been tweaked with a modest yet impactful +1 damage boost. While this change might seem minor on paper, it significantly amplifies their power considering their rapid fire rate and large magazine size, making them even more formidable in sustained firefights.

Operator Rossi in ONE Esports' image for the best aim assist settings in Black Ops 6 — Credit: Activision, ONE Esports

Best aim assist settings in Black Ops 6 for pinpoint shooting

On the other hand, several assault rifles, including the AMES 85, GPR 91, Goblin Mk2, and AS VAL, have had their maximum range reduced. This adjustment lessens their effectiveness from afar, balancing their performance and encouraging more diverse weapon choices for long-range engagements.

Here’s a detailed rundown of all the weapon adjustments in the most recent Black Ops 6 patch notes:

SMGs

WEAPON	PRE-PATCH STATS	POST-PATCH STATS
C9	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 29 Range: 0 – 13.3m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 23 Range: 13.3 – 16.5m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 19 Range: 16.6 – 30.5m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 16 Range: > 30.5m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 26 ↓ Range: 0 – 15.2m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 22 ↓ Range: 15.3 – 20.3m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 18 ↓ Range: 20.4m – 33m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 ↓ Range: > 33m
KSV	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 26 Range: 0 – 10.8m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 21 Range: 10.9 – 15.9m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 15 Range: 16 – 29.2m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 13 Range: > 29.2m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 26 Range: 0 – 12.7m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 21 Range: 12.8 – 19.7m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 15 Range: 19.8 – 31.8m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 13 Range: > 31.8m
Tanto. 22	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 38 Range: 0 – 6.4m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 34 Range: 6.4 – 16.5m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 28 Range: 16.6 – 27.9m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: > 27.9m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 38 Range: 0 – 8.9m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 34 Range: 9.0 – 20.3m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 29 ↑ Range: 20.4 – 30.5m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: > 30.5m
PP-919	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 25 Range: 0 – 16.5m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 20 Range: 16.6 – 20.3m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 17 Range: 20.4 – 31.8m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 Range: > 31.8m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 25 Range: 0 – 18.4m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 21 ↑ Range: 18.5 – 24.1m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 18 ↑ Range: 24.2 – 34.3m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 Range: > 34.3m
Jackal PDW	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 27 Range: 0 – 15.2m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 20 Range: 15.3 – 18.4m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 17 Range: 18.5 – 29.8m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 Range: > 29.8m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 26 ↓ Range: 0 – 17.1m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 22 ↑ Range: 17.2 – 22.2m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 17 Range: 22.3 – 32.4m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 Range: > 32.4m
Kompakt 92	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 20 Range: 0 – 11.4m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 17 Range: 11.4 – 15.2m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 13 Range: 15.3 – 26.7m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 10 Range: > 26.7m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 20 Range: 0 – 13.3m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 17 Range: 13.4 – 19.1m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 13 Range: 19.2 – 27.9m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 11 ↑ Range: > 27.9m
Saug	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 21 Range: 0 – 11.4m Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 18 Range: 11.4 – 19.1m Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 15 Range: 19.2 – 27.3m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 12 Range: > 27.3m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 21 Range: 0 – 13.3m ↑ Medium Damage Range 1 Damage: 18 Range: 13.4 – 22.9m ↑ Medium Damage Range 2 Damage: 15 Range: 23 – 29.8m ↑ Minimum Damage Range Damage: 12 Range: > 29.8m

Additional adjustments

C9
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.1 to 1.27
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.2 to 1.35
KSV
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.1 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.3 to 1.38
Jackal PDW
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.2 to 1.27
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.28 to 1.35
Kompakt 92
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.1 to 1.24
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.3 to 1.4
Saug
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.16 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.24 to 1.3
- Akimbo Stock:
  - Damage Range penalty increased from 17% to 25%
  - Hip Spread penalty increased from 12% to 70%
  - View Kick penalty increased from 15% to 20%
- Rapid Fire (Fire Mod):
  - Damage Range penalty increased from 10% to 15%
  - Fire Rate improvement decreased 10% to 7%

Operators fighting on Hardpoint mode at Derelict map in ONE Esports' image for list of Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps and modes — Credit: Activision, ONE Esports

Full list of Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps and modes — detailed overview

LMGs

WEAPON	PRE-PATCH STATS	POST-PATCH STATS
PU-21	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 26 Range: 0 – 45.7m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 21 Range: > 45.7m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 27 ↑ Range: 0 – 45.7m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 21 Range: > 45.7m
GPMG-7	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: 0 – 55.9m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 18 Range: > 55.9m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 ↑ Range: 0 – 55.9m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 ↑ Range: > 55.9m

Additional adjustments

XMG
- CHF Barrel:
  - Vertical View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 45% to 50%
  - Horizontal View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 20% to 25%
PU-21
- CHF Barrel
  - Headshot multiplier increased from 1.35 to 1.4
GPMG-7
- Headshot multiplier reduced from 1.2 to 1.15
- CHF Barrel Attachment
  - Headshot multiplier reduced from 1.3 to 1.25
  - Horizontal View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 20% to 25%

Assault rifles (ARs)

WEAPON	PRE-PATCH STATS	POST-PATCH STATS
XM4	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 Range: 0 – 16.5m Medium Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: 16.6 – 40.6m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 40.6m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 22 ↓ Range: 0 – 40.6m ↑ Medium Damage Range Removed Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 40.6m
AMES 85	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 Range: 0 – 50.8m Medium Damage Range None Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 50.8m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 Range: 0 – 15.2m ↓ Medium Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: 15.3 – 50.8m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 50.8m
GPR 91	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 Range: 0 – 19.1m Medium Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: 19.1 – 45.7m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 45.7m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 23 Range: 0 – 17.8m ↓ Medium Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: 19.1 – 45.7m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 19 Range: > 45.7m
Model L	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 39 Range: 0 – 39.4m Medium Damage Range None Minimum Damage Range Damage: 30 Range: > 39.4m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 40 ↑ Range: 0 – 16.5m ↓ Medium Damage Range Damage: 37 Range: 16.6m – 39.4m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 30 Range: > 39.4m
Goblin Mk2	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 27 Range: 0 – 44.5m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: > 44.5m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 28 ↑ Range: 0 – 44.5m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 22 Range: > 44.5m
AS VAL	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 20 Range: 0 -21.6m Medium Damage Range Damage: 17 Range: 21.7 – 43.2m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 15 Range: > 43.2m	Maximum Damage Range Damage: 22 ↑ Range: 0 -12.7m ↓ Medium Damage Range Damage: 18 ↑ Range: 12.8m – 43.2m Minimum Damage Range Damage: 16 ↑ Range: > 43.2m

Additional adjustments

XM4
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.25 to 1.3
AK-74
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.27.
AMES 85
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.12 to 1.2
- CHF Barrel:
  - Headshot multiplier increased from 1.25 to 1.3
  - Vertical View Kick and Gun Kick penalty improved from 50% to 45%
GPR 91
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel:
  - Headshot Multiplier increased from 1.2 to 1.35
  - Vertical View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 50% to 55%
  - Horizontal View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 20% to 25%
Model L
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel:
  - Vertical View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 50% to 55%
  - Horizontal View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 20% to 25%
Goblin Mk2
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.25
- CHF Barrel:
  - Headshot multiplier increased from 1.4 to 1.5
  - Horizontal View Kick and Gun Kick penalty increased from 20% to 25%
AS VAL
- Headshot multiplier decreased from 1.3 to 1.
Krig C
- Headshot multiplier increased from 1.15 to 1.25
- Sprint to Fire Time increased from 0.2s to 0.21s
- Tactical Sprint to Fire Time increased from 0.3s to 0.31s
- View Kick Strength, Direction, and Deviation slightly increased
- View Kick now progresses through pattern in shorter number of bullets

Melee

Knife
- Time between melee swings improved by 7.5%
Baseball Bat
- Time between melee swings improved by 14%
Power Drill
- Time between melee swings improved by 9.5%

Equipment

Reduced Frag Grenade inner radius damage to allow survival with Flak Jacket equipped.

Black Ops 6 Zombies changes

Vulture Aid Perk-a-Cola in ONE Esports' image for the best Augments for it in Black Ops 6 Zombies — Credit: Activision, ONE Esports

Best Augments for Vulture Aid in Black Ops 6 Zombies — maximize this iconic perk

Map

Citadelle des Morts
- Addressed an issue where players could get an AFK warning while actively running around the map.
- Addressed an issue where loading a save after obtaining the four incantations would prevent players from entering the Final Encounter.
- Addressed an issue where the light beams for obtaining the amulet would not be visible if a player disconnected and rejoined a match while in a squad.

Weapons

Addressed an issue where changing default attachments on a Blueprint Weapon would not apply in a match.

Stability

Various stability improvements.

Other adjustments in Black Ops 6 patch notes

Addressed an issue that prevented teammates outside of a maximum range from displaying on the perimeter of the minimap.
Addressed an issue where previewing the “Gentleman’s Handshake” Finishing Move in the Bad Manners store bundle would show the wrong animation.

Graphics

Addressed an issue where the player’s weapon is missing during a benchmark test.

Stability

Various stability improvements.

These SMGs and LMGs gain big buffs in the latest Black Ops 6 patch

Black Ops 6 patch notes on December 10

Weapon buffs and nerfs

Black Ops 6 Zombies changes

Other adjustments in Black Ops 6 patch notes