Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 recently implemented a sniper rifle ban in Ranked Play, aligning with a decision by professional players. This move aims to maintain a competitive balance, addressing the potential dominance of sniper rifles in specific scenarios.
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Impact and Restricted Arsenal
Previously powerful sniper rifles, like the KATT-AMR, have been a force to be reckoned with in skilled hands, especially in certain maps and modes. Despite the unique skill expression, the ban has sparked disappointment among players already dealing with restrictions on various other weapon categories.
The limited arsenal now includes only a handful of viable choices, making weapons like the MCW and Rival-9 seemingly obligatory.
Overview of Banned Weapons
- Sniper rifles
- LMGs, battle rifles, shotguns, marksman rifles, and launchers
- One melee weapon (Riot Shield)
- Three pistols (COR-45, TYR, and WSP Stinger)
- Two SMGs (HRM-9 and RAM-9)
- Seven assault rifles (FR 5.56, DG-58, Holger 556, MTZ 556, SVA-545, BP50, and RAM-7)
- All Modern Warfare 2 weapons
On a positive note, the recent update has boosted the viability of the Striker 9, providing an alternative to the Rival-9 in the SMG category. Looking forward, there's no mention of Ranked Play updates in Call of Duty's Season 2 roadmap, but speculation arises about potential additions from Season 2's new maps, such as Vista or Departures.
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