Warzone expert proves buffed AR to make a comeback in Season 3 Reloaded

Luca Di Marzo
Warzone Caldera Season 3 Relaoded NZ-41

A Warzone expert has revealed an Assault Rifle loadout that could make a return to the top after the Season 3 Reloaded update buffed the weapon significantly.

The Warzone Season 3 Reloaded update was one of the most game-changing in recent memory. Not only did the update introduce new features like the Underground Transit System, squad HUD, and TTK changes, but it also delivered several weapon buffs and nerfs.

The devs decided to tweak Vanguard weapons once more in an attempt to make them viable across the battle royale. As a result, a weapon that hasn’t been relevant since the start of Warzone Pacific could make a return to the Assault Rifle meta.

NZ-41 loadout Warzone Pacific

When Warzone Pacific launched on December 8, Vanguard’s NZ-41 quickly established itself as the best Assault Rifle in the game. Top players and content creators praised the weapon for its fast TTK, but the NZ-41’s time in the spotlight did not last long as other weapons quickly surpassed it.

However, the Season 3 Reloaded update provided buffs to several of the NZ-41’s attachments, which has led top players like Metaphor to claim that it could rise to the top once more.

The devs explained that their goal with the update was to tweak the NZ-41’s recoil pattern to make it more forgiving, “We’ve adjusted the curve so that it’s more logical in its movement, allowing you to predict and compensate appropriately.”

Metaphor’s NZ-41 Assault Rifle Warzone loadout

  • Muzzle: MX Silencer
  • Barrel: Orbweaver 360mm BC
  • Optic: SVT-40 PU Scop 3-6x
  • Stock: Orbweaver E Pack
  • Underbarrel: M1930 Strife Angled
  • Magazine: 8mm Klauser 40 Round Mags
  • Ammo Type: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Polymer Grip 
  • Perk: Brace
  • Perk 2: Fully Loaded

Metaphor’s NZ-41 loadout takes advantage of the recently buffed Orbweaver 360mm BC and 8mm Klauser 40 Round Mags. The weapon’s biggest weakness was its poor recoil control, but you’ll notice that it is now much easier to control and still packs a punch.

These attachments had their bullet velocity and recoil control adjusted, “we’ve also taken a look at the velocity and range bonuses provided by Attachments and made significant adjustments so that the NZ-41 can compete with the best,” claimed the devs.

Brace and Polymer Grip will also keep your shots as straight as possible for long-range gunfights. The NZ-41 never had an issue with slow TTK and with the changes making it easier to hit your shots, the weapon kills incredibly quickly.


For more Warzone Season 3 Reloaded content, check out how Warzone players are baffled by the “most brutal” nerf in the game’s history.

Image Credit: Activision

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