Warzone’s most overpowered Assault Rifle is back after January 12 update buff

Joseph Pascoulis
warzone pacific automaton

After the January 12th update, one of the Warzone Pacific ARs that was previously overpowered and nerfed has been buffed, currently making it one of the best options, especially with this “specific” build.

The mid-season update for Warzone Pacific Season 1 introduced a variety of buffs and nerfs to keep the game’s weapon meta fresh.

Despite the new SMG, the Welgun, stealing the show and becoming one of the best weapons to use, a previously overpowered AR has taken its place in the meta once again after receiving a buff in the patch.

automaton preview in cod vanguard

Back when Warzone Pacific first launched, players were getting to grips with all the new Vanguard weapons, figuring out which ones would top the meta.

Players quickly realized how strong the Automaton was, mostly because of its lack of recoil and consistent damage at range.

The Automaton became the number one AR option for players until it was subsequently nerfed. The nerf saw its recoil adjusted, which made it much less overpowered. Having said that, the devs have decided to buff the weapon in the mid-season update, and players are slowly realizing its potential once again.

Warzone Pacific January 12 Automaton buff

warzone automaton

In the Warzone January 12 patch notes, the Automaton received the following buff:

  • Assault Rifle Hotel (VG)Recoil decreased
  • Recoil Deviation decreased

This buff has greatly increased the viability of this weapon, especially since the previous nerf made the weapon’s recoil much harder to control and predict.

After this buff, even FaZe Swagg believes that the weapon is “back,” claiming in his latest video that it is now his “main AR.”

Make sure you check out our best Automaton loadout for Warzone Pacific after this buff, as it does require certain attachments to make it feel just as great as it once felt.


For more, check out why Season 2 of Warzone and Vanguard has been delayed.

Image Credits: Activision / Raven Software

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