Here is the new map:
The layout looks very familiar. Almost like a makeover on the first. Won't really know until I play to see how differently it plays as far as the meta will go.
Apparently the Skullpiercer and Disruptor Rounds are being removed entirely. Double Tap is confirmed. Two round burst for G7 and EVA 8. Purple.
Anvil Reciever (not High Caliber) gives you higher damage when using single fire on 301 and Flatline while consuming two rounds per shot. Gold. (I never knew Flatline had a single fire option until today)
Pathfinder's grapple will have less range while people within Gibby's dome will gain reduced healing time. More Gibby buffs and Path nerfs are just retarded at this point. Pathfinder already takes the increased damage of the much smaller characters while being as tall as Gibby. If they're going to be removing mobility, at least get rid of the damage increase.
The Golden Backpack has a new ability: Guardian Angel, which means whoever has the backpack gives extra shield and health to downed team members upon reviving them.
Gold Shield now has the same effect as the backpack did.
I like the change since now when you hit someone with a gold shield, you'll know they have fast heal and it gives you the chance to strategize against it.
R99 will have magazine reductions. White will be 20, blue will be 23, and purple will be 27.
Longbow with an even lower rate of fire. With SP gone, and a lower fire rate, I think we'll see the G7 way more often now.
Looks like Bloodhound is going to be just about useless with Crypto's drone around. Large hitbox with no damage reduction, and both of his abilities give away his position. He was already pretty bad, but will likely be completely replaced in the meta.
Overall, I don't like the changes very much. Other than the 301 nerf that made it a tier-2 weapon, I think the weapon balance was in a pretty good place. Now the Alternator and Re45 basically just go back to being early game placeholders until you can find a 99 or 301. The R99 will almost require a purple mag in the end game, when the blue mag used to be sufficient. Triple Take is still the weakest sniper rifle and I don't think the charge rifle will get much play, since it's basically a slightly stronger Havoc with the select fire. At least you have the option for the fully auto Havoc. The mechanic is clunky and even with awesome aim, the fact that the initial laser does a small amount of damage will give away your sot so enemies can slide or jump or literally any unexpected movement to dodge the shot.
Pathfinder is my favorite character and probably the best choice in the game, but nerfing him again might be a huge problem. Without his mobility, he's not particularly good. His grappling is his best weapon, and nerfing it without taking away the damage increase seems like a bad move.
I think the game balance was in a really good place and now it's going to be all over the place.
I was excited about new additions to the game, but my hype has basically been wiped out. I'll still play, but now I'm not planning to buy the battle pass immediately. Going to need to see if the additions are worth more than the shitty balance changes.
