Call of Duty: Vanguard update nerfs shotguns, adjusts CDL ruleset

On Thursday Sledgehammer Games released a new update in Call of Duty: Vanguard. This update introduces some long-awaited changes to multiplayer, including a nerf to the Double Barrel shotgun, and some other bug fixes. There was also an adjustment to the official CDL ruleset in private matches. The timing of this is interesting considering that the CDL Kickoff Classic, the first event of the 2022 season, begins Friday.

This update comes after an announcement from Activision that Season 2 of Vanguard and Warzone Pacific would be delayed. In the announcement, Activision said the developers are working hard to fix issues in both games. This update appears to be the first of a few updates that will arrive before or shortly after Season 2 goes live on Feb. 14.

Below, fans can see exactly what’s in the patch notes for the Jan. 20 update in Vanguard. They can also see more in-depth explanations behind the changes on Sledgehammer’s website.

Vanguard Jan. 20 patch notes

The highlight of this update is a nerf to the Double Barrel shotgun. This weapon has been on a tear in Vanguard for months and has finally seen a nerf. The patch notes state that the weapon now does less overall damage in Akimbo while the Buck and Slug ammo type has also received a nerf to its range.

The rest of the update mainly consists of bug fixes, UI changes and alterations to the CDL ruleset in private matches. This includes the following:

• Match start timer is now 30 seconds
• Removed FMJ from Restricted List
• Respawn Delay Timer set to 3.5 seconds
• Suicide Respawn Delay Timer set to 4.5 seconds
• Added Incendiary Grenade and Bombing Run to Restricted List

Sledgehammer also made the Glide Bomb a seven killstreak in the CDL ruleset but they didn’t state that in the patch notes. Although, as of right now, the Glide Bomb is still only a five killstreak, so there’s likely a mistake somewhere.

There’s no word on if more updates will arrive in Vanguard before Season 2’s release.