The latest Battlefield 6 patch dropped yesterday, and it’s already causing significant shifts in the competitive weapon meta. Here’s what you need to know this week.
What Changed
The M5A3 assault rifle received a substantial recoil reduction, decreasing vertical climb by approximately fifteen percent. This change alone elevates it back to top-tier status in its category. Meanwhile, the PP-29 submachine gun finally received the range nerf that many in the community anticipated. The weapon remains viable in close-quarters engagements but no longer dominates at medium range where it previously excelled.
Tip:
If you’ve been overlooking the M5A3, this week presents an excellent opportunity to revisit it. The reduced recoil makes it remarkably consistent at medium range, which is where most engagements occur on the current map rotation.
Impact on Your Loadouts
For assault players, the M5A3 now competes directly with the AK-24 for the first time this season. Your choice depends on your preferred engagement style. If you favor tap-firing and precision shooting, the M5A3 is your weapon. If you prefer full-auto spray control and aggressive positioning, the AK-24 remains the better option.
The PP-29 nerf means submachine gun specialists should seriously consider alternatives like the MP9 or Vector. Both weapons offer similar close-range performance without suffering from the range falloff that now affects the PP-29 significantly.
Looking Ahead
Based on community feedback and recent developer comments, expect further submachine gun balancing in the next patch cycle. The current meta appears to be moving toward a more balanced state where map knowledge and tactical positioning matter more than simply equipping the statistically optimal weapon.
I’ll be streaming tonight at eight PM Eastern to test these changes in actual competitive matches. Come hang out and we’ll figure out together what works in practice versus what looks good on paper.