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Call of Duty: Warzone update nerfs ridiculously-overpowered Sykov pistol just three days after it launched

Return fire.

Raven Software has nerfed the controversial Sykov pistol three days after it launched into Call of Duty: Warzone.

Certain abilities of the controversial full-auto pistol, which was being used in combination with the 80-round drum and the akimbo perk to devastate enemies at close range, have seen a significant nerf.

Cover image for YouTube videoEurogamer news cast: the improvements the PS5 desperately needs
Eurogamer news cast: the improvements the PS5 desperately needs

Here's the rundown:

  • Sorokin 140mm Auto (Sykov) - Hip spread increased.
  • Akimbo (Sykov) - Movement speed reduced by five per cent.
  • 80 Round Drums (Sykov) - Movement speed reduced by five per cent, ADS movement speed reduced by seven per cent.
  • When equipping the Sykov with the Sorokin 140mm Auto and the Akimbo attachment, damage is reduced by 25 per cent and capped at a minimum of 19.

Raven later clarified on Twitter that the 25 per cent damage reduction to the Sykov applies when the Sorokin 140mm Auto and the Akimbo attachment are paired. There is no damage reduction when using these attachments independently.

It sounds like a significant nerf to the Sykov, which has dominated Activision's battle royale for the weekend before the launch of season three - and its nuke-fuelled 1980s revamp.

Today's Warzone update, which weighs in at 2.349GB on PlayStation 5, also makes other meaningful changes, such as removing the RC-XD from Buy Stations and making them available only from Containment Monitors, and fixing the Modern Warfare sniper rifle glint bug.

Here are the patch notes:

GENERAL:

  • The RC-XD has been removed from Buy Stations and is now only available via Containment Monitors.
  • Fixed an issue causing players to be unable to equip Armor Plates after activating certain Killstreaks or Field Upgrades.
  • The Containment Protocol missiles will no longer land in the Play Area.
  • The Containment Protocol missiles have had their sound effects volume reduced.
  • Fixed a bug causing Loadout Drops to block movement and projectiles after the crate collapses.
  • King Slayer Trios - The Gas Circle will no longer move completely outside of the Play Area.

BLUEPRINTS:

  • The Swatt Master Blueprint now correctly displays the Electric Dismemberment icon.

ATTACHMENTS:

  • Fixed a bug with the Modern Warfare Sniper Scope and Variable Zoom Scope where they were not displaying glint.
  • Fixed a bug with Modern Warfare weapon perks where they were not having their intended effects.
  • Fixed a bug with the Bullseye Reticle where it would sometimes cause frame rate issues or the disappearance of UI elements.
  • Sorokin 140mm Auto (Sykov) - Hip spread increased.
  • Akimbo (Sykov) - Movement speed reduced by five per cent.
  • 80 Round Drums (Sykov) - Movement speed reduced by five per cent, ADS movement speed reduced by seven per cent.
  • When equipping the Sykov with the Sorokin 140mm Auto and the Akimbo attachment, damage is reduced by 25 per cent and capped at a minimum of 19.