The Season 4 update for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Warzone has been released, bringing new adjustments to SG-12 shotgun, enhanced security checks for PC players, Buy Station changes in Warzone, and a new survival tool in Resurgence mode. Competitive players are particularly intrigued by these updates.

SG-12 is no Longer as Dominant

One of the most talked-about balancing changes in Season 4 is related to SG-12. This shotgun, especially potent with Dragon’s Breath ammunition, had become dominant in close and mid-range situations in the previous season.

With the new patch, the damage values for the weapon when using Dragon’s Breath have been reduced. This change not only affects one aspect; it notably decreases SG-12's ability to quickly take down opponents at mid-range. Rather than rendering the weapon unusable, it transforms it into an option that requires more precise positioning and careful use.

This adjustment is significant for the multiplayer meta. Shotguns in Call of Duty tend to walk a fine line in terms of balance. When too powerful, they can dominate confined spaces with one weapon; when weakened too much, players abandon them entirely. The Season 4 tweak aims to keep SG-12 viable while preventing the Dragon’s Breath combination from being an overly safe choice.

Enhanced Anti-Cheat Measures for PC Players

Another critical aspect of the new season is the focus on anti-cheat measures. The Call of Duty team has implemented Microsoft Azure Attestation checks for PC players. This system verifies whether a player's device meets security standards and redirects those who fail to a more limited matchmaking pool.

In practice, this means that PC players who fail the security check may not have access to all game playlists. According to official statements, these players are directed towards limited playlist options in Black Ops 7 and a more restricted experience in Warzone.

This step is crucial for the competitive nature of Call of Duty. Combatting cheating in modes like Warzone and Ranked Play involves more than just waves of bans. Platform security, hardware verification, and matchmaking pool control are now integral parts of the experience. Especially for PC players, checking system requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot before the season begins could be crucial to avoid issues.

Changes in Buy Station Distribution in Warzone

One of the most noticeable changes for Warzone players in Season 4 is the alteration in Buy Station placements. The number of purchase points on the Avalon and Verdansk maps has been increased. This adjustment makes team respawning, equipment acquisition, and mid-match recovery more accessible.

The density of Buy Stations in Warzone directly impacts the pace of the match. In sparse locations, players may struggle with risky and lengthy rotations despite having cash in hand. Having more Buy Stations provides both aggressive teams and those approaching the game more cautiously with additional tactical opportun

Patch Notes for Call of Duty Season 4: SG-12 Nerf