Battlefield 4 weapon balance changes detailed

Earlier this week, DICE revealed that a new game update will be arriving by the end of January/early February. In addition to a number of stability improvements, it would contain numerous changes to weapon balance — some of which have been detailed by the developer today.

"These changes are all slotted to go live in a future game update," DICE said. So what kind of tweaks can we expect in the future?

DMRs

Increased the damage of all DMRs across all ranges. Specifically, damage has been increased at long ranges to allow three-hit kills against unarmored opponents. Additionally, reduced the penalty to accuracy for sustained DMR fire, allowing more rapid follow up shots in combat. The amount of the damage increase varies from weapon to weapon, according to its intended range, rate of fire, and damage.

Pump Action Shotguns

Increased the accuracy of pump action shotguns (870 MCS, HAWK 12g, SPAS-12, and UTS 15) while on the move and aiming. The accuracy has been approximately doubled.

Carbines

Reduced the long range damage of the MTAR to bring it in line with the rest of the Carbines.

General

Adjusted the way inaccuracy is handled when transitioning from Hip fire to Aimed fire. Players will now only be subject to the maximum aimed inaccuracy after the transition.

The Heavy Barrel’s Accuracy bonus now also applies on the move, at a reduced bonus. This should give the Heavy Barrel a wider role for players who desire accuracy while aimed in all situations.

Synchronized the timing of the aim down the sights animation of sniper rifles with their ability to fire with full accuracy. Players no longer need to wait for additional time after the aiming animation plays to get accurate shots. There is still a delay to achieve full accuracy, so Quick Scoping is still not possible.

Remember, all of these changes might not make it into the upcoming patch, but it still gives us a good idea for where DICE is heading in terms of weapon balancing changes. What do you think of the tweaks?