The multiplayer of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 started a few weeks ago with a selection of around 50 different weapons. Some of these guns were really superior, others less strong and a few simply underground. In the opinion of many players, the latter also included the M16, which was sometimes voted the worst weapon in the entire game.
With the update to Season 1, however, the assault rifle has been massively improved. We therefore tried out whether the M16 is now worthwhile or whether it still belongs in the scrap yard. You can find out what else was new with Season 1 of Modern Warfare 2 here:
CoD MW2 & Warzone 2
Season 1 brings important changes, here are the patch notes
How was the M16 improved?
First, let’s take a look at the patch notes. The following characteristics of the M16 have been changed, it received the most extensive adjustments of all weapons:
- Rate of fire increased
- Hip fire spread reduced
- Accelerated recentering after recoil
- Shot grouping improved
- Increased movement speed while aiming
- Increased movement speed when moving sideways
- Reduced recoil on semi-auto fire
- Decreased semi-auto fire damage
These improvements address two common criticisms. It was criticized that the weapon was too unreliable to always be able to turn off opponents. Shots should now land more consistently. Recoil, considered by many to be excessive, has also been reduced in various areas. In addition, the mobility of the weapon has been generally improved. You can read more about the criticism of the M16 here:
The M16 as CoD MW2’s worst weapon?
Why the former fan favorite causes discussions
How is the M16 playing now?
But are these improvements as good as they look on paper? We threw ourselves into a few battles and put the weapon through a little test. We draw the following conclusion:
- The improvements are noticeable: The M16 is at least playable with the update. We had a lot of fun and were able to hold our own in the fight to some extent, thanks to the reduced hip fire spread we weren’t completely defenseless in close combat either, and the improved mobility brings other advantages.
- The M16 remains one of the weaker weapons: Despite the large buff, it is still inferior to other assault rifles and submachine guns at short and medium ranges. That in itself is not a problem, as the M16 is intended for long-range combat. But unreliability also remains a problem. Sometimes we can take out enemies with one burst of fire, but other times it takes four or five.
We tried different loadouts that either stay minimalist, highlight the strengths of the weapon, or compensate for weaknesses. What we liked best was a build that increases the still poor mobility and lets us aim faster. This is how we stay reasonably competitive in melee combat and still take out enemies at longer ranges fairly easily:
We had the most fun with this loadout.
- 1MW-Laserkasten: Improves our hip fire (is visible to enemies)
- Cronen mini red dot sight: For better aim
- Assault 60 Factory: Improves mobility and aiming speed
- XTEN grip: Lets us aim faster and shoot faster after sprinting
- FSS Sharkfin 90: This grip improves our aim stability without any disadvantages
Even with this loadout, the M16 will probably not become the best assault rifle or even a top weapon. If you’re looking for the best hardware for Modern Warfare 2, check out our tier lists and loadout recommendations. For Warzone 2 we have also selected some powerful weapons and attachments.
What do you think of the M16? Have you already noticed the improvements, or have you written off the weapon long ago? Or could you never understand the fuss about the assault rifle and are you great with it? Write us in the comments!
