Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 update bans all snipers in ranked modes

Another week, another game-changing Call of Duty update. This week’s patch notes include plenty of welcomed fixes, changes, and content shifts. However, the big change to ranked Modern Warfare 3 game modes is the removal of all snipers.

This is one of only two ranked-specific changes from the patch notes, the other being Sub Base Hardpoint has been temporarily removed from the ranked map pool.

Why are snipers banned in Modern Warfare 3 ranked play?

When it comes to Call of Duty, and it doesn’t matter which version we’re talking about, the developers can’t seem to please everyone. Snipers were banned from the Call of Duty League and ranked multiplayer playlists, and everyone complained. Then snipers were allowed in both, and players still complained. Some want snipers in ranked and pro play and some don’t, but why does it make such a difference?

One significant reason to ban snipers is spawn killing. On some maps, like Highrise, players are notorious for firing a sniper bullet into the other team’s spawn point as soon as the game starts, getting one or more kills instantly. While it looks cool and it’s great to get a few kills that way sometimes, it isn’t exactly a balanced, competitive experience. Highrise has been around since the original Modern Warfare 2, and if you don’t know the sniper spots by now, you haven’t played very much.

This strategy is particularly overpowered and frustrating in Search and Destroy. Having only one life and losing it the second you step out of your spawn isn’t very fun.

Not to mention, many players don’t use snipers for, well, sniping. Developers often think of sniping as a long-range option, where the player stands still and finds targets in the distance. As we all know, quick scoping means running around the map and getting free one-shot-kills. Additionally, players can add a small scope—like a 1x—to their sniper, making it even easier to use at close range.

The Call of Duty community is divided

Some players, including notable Modern Warfare 3 streamers hate the sniper bans in ranked play. Some claim it’s skill-based, so players who don’t like getting killed by the weapon type should simply get better at the game. The opposition believes it to be a good thing because snipers are an overpowered weapon type giving an unfair advantage.

Snipers aren’t allowed in the CDL anymore, and that says it all. The CDL has done well over the years to remove all weapons, equipment, perks, and other items that ruin competitive integrity. There’s a reason professionals are only allowed to use a single assault rifle (the MCW) right now.