CoD MW4 Season 1: Best Weapon Changes, 22 HP Hardcore and DMZ X01

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Season 1 is now live, bringing significant weapon balance changes, a reduction to Hardcore health, a redesigned Battle Pass, and a new DMZ location called X01. Among the most important adjustments, the Axion receives a longer medium-damage range, the Hyeon Burst's Hyperbust Apex Attachment takes a major damage nerf, and Hardcore maximum health drops from 30 to 22.

Infinity Ward's November 5–6 patch notes also introduce two free Battle Pass weapons and changes to DMZ resource farming. For returning players, these updates make reviewing existing loadouts and farming strategies a worthwhile priority.

Hardcore Drops to 22 HP, Changing Weapon Priorities

One of the biggest gameplay changes is the reduction of maximum health in Hardcore modes from 30 to 22 HP. This is approximately a 26.7% decrease, making damage thresholds more important when choosing a weapon.

Several weapons now have damage values that theoretically meet or exceed the new health limit under specific conditions.

These are theoretical comparisons based on listed damage values, not guaranteed in-match elimination results. Hit locations, armor, attachments, and other damage modifiers can affect actual outcomes.

Axion and Standard Hyeon Burst Deserve Attention

The Axion is one of the more interesting weapons to revisit. Its medium-damage range increases from 34.8 meters to 38.61 meters, while muzzle velocity rises from 415 m/s to 470 m/s.

Because its medium damage remains at 22, the weapon theoretically maintains one-hit body-shot potential against an unprotected 22 HP target across that damage range.

The standard Hyeon Burst also remains attractive. Its minimum damage stays at 22, while its medium damage increases from 24 to 25.

The Hyperbust Apex configuration is a different story. Its maximum damage falls from 30 to 23, and its minimum damage drops from 25 to 20. Although its maximum-damage range increases from 24.64 meters to 30.99 meters, its lower damage values make it less reliable for meeting the new Hardcore threshold at longer distances.

Players who previously relied on Hyperbust should consider testing the standard Hyeon Burst before rebuilding their entire loadout.

Other Weapon Buffs and Nerfs Worth Knowing

Season 1 also adjusts several other weapons, with improvements focused largely on damage consistency and effective range.

The practical impact depends on map layout and engagement distance. The Axion and Oris 8.6 are worth considering on maps with longer sightlines, while the M4's improved range gives it more flexibility in close-to-medium engagements.

Rather than assuming one weapon will dominate every mode, players should test these changes against their preferred maps and playstyles.

Battle Pass Adds Two Free Weapons

Season 1 introduces a streamlined 100-tier Battle Pass with rewards earned through Multiplayer, DMZ, and Call of Duty: Warzone.

Two new base weapons are available through the free reward track

The CSG-35 also supports dual-wield use through its CSG Crossfire Apex Attachment, trading accuracy for additional close-range firepower.

The Battle Pass includes an automatic catch-up system for paid owners. Players who fall behind can be brought forward to the reward tier corresponding to the current season day, up to Day 50. The standard Battle Pass costs 1,100 COD Points, while the Battle Pass Bundle costs 2,400 COD Points and includes 20 Tier Skip Tokens.

For players prioritizing gameplay unlocks over cosmetics, Tier 16 and Tier 36 are useful early progression targets.

DMZ X01 Adds a New Underground Location

DMZ receives one of the season's biggest content additions with X01, an underground GRANIT Arms facility accessible through Hajin.

The location introduces new areas, threats, equipment, DMZ Orders, and an in-world 3D Printer. Infinity Ward has also updated FOB vendors, crafting recipes, and assembly requirements to reflect the latest available items.

Two changes are particularly relevant to players who regularly collect resources:

• Lower Battery spawn rates: Battery spawns at Banks have been reduced. Players who previously depended on these locations should consider collecting Batteries while completing other objectives instead of relying on repeated Bank visits.
• Reduced vehicle-based Weapon XP: Weapon XP from vehicle kills against enemy AI has been lowered. XP from eliminating enemy Operators remains unchanged.

These adjustments make older farming routines less efficient. Players should review their resource routes and avoid relying too heavily on a single source of materials or experience.

What Players Should Prioritize in Season 1

The most useful approach is to focus on changes that directly affect your preferred game mode.

• Hardcore players: Test the Axion and standard Hyeon Burst under the new 22 HP rules.
• Assault Rifle users: Revisit the M4 and Kastov 762 after their damage improvements.
• Battle Pass players: Prioritize the Cronen Osprey at Tier 16 and CSG-35 at Tier 36.
• DMZ players: Explore X01, check updated crafting requirements, and adjust Battery collection routes.
• Weapon progression players: Look for alternatives to vehicle-based AI farming after the Weapon XP reduction.

Players searching for CoD MW4 bot lobbies should also distinguish legitimate private-match options from third-party services or tools that manipulate matchmaking. These are not necessarily equivalent, and players should check the game's current rules before using external tools.

Overall, CoD MW4 Season 1 delivers more than new maps and weapons. The 22 HP Hardcore adjustment changes damage priorities, the Hyperbust nerf encourages loadout experimentation, and DMZ's resource changes make familiar farming routes less dependable. Understanding these updates early should help players adapt more efficiently to the new season.