Highlights

  • The Longbow sniper rifle in Modern Warfare 3 is controversial due to its unique handling and performance at close-to-mid range.
  • Fans express concerns about Longbow's standard aim assist and the powerful JAK Tyrant 762 aftermarket part.
  • Despite recent nerfs to other guns, the Longbow remains strong, leading to calls for potential adjustments by Sledgehammer Games.

Criticism surrounding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Longbow sniper rifle has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks, as fans continue to share their complaints. The high-speed sniper rifle has been a controversial item ever since Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 first launched in November.

Modern Warfare 3's lineup of sniper rifles includes the usual options like heavy, bolt-action weapons and lighter, semi-auto ones. However, Sledgehammer's introduction of the Longbow proved to be a much more unique addition, as it can almost be used like a precise, long-range shotgun thanks to its exceptional handling, hip fire, and fire rate. The Longbow's one-hit kill range is much shorter compared to other snipers, which is a downside that's mostly irrelevant thanks to its exceptional performance in close-to-mid-range scenarios.

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Reddit user RedTree40 took to the Modern Warfare 3 subreddit to voice their concerns. They emphasize that the Longbow, unlike other sniper rifles, has standard aim assist like any regular weapon does. This means that the Longbow gives users hipfire and rotational aim assist benefits, in addition to the usual ADS aim assist. The user believes this attribute, combined with the weapon's previously mentioned strengths, makes it too strong when used by skilled controller players. Other Modern Warfare 3 fans were quick to agree with the post, believing that the sniper rifle needs to receive a nerf in the near future. RedTree40 simply called for the Longbow's enhanced aim assist to be rolled back, while others called for much more significant changes. Another user, phanta_rei, posted a clip showcasing the Longbow's abilities.

Modern Warfare 3 Fans Want the Longbow to Be Nerfed

Some Modern Warfare 3 fans have also expressed concerns about the Longbow's JAK Tyrant 762 aftermarket part, one of the new items added with Modern Warfare 3's Season 2 update. The JAK Tyrant boosts the Longbow's damage, range, and ADS speed, while reducing its bullet velocity, fire rate, and rechamber time.

Despite a recent Modern Warfare 3 update that nerfed the JAK Tyrant, the Longbow kit remains a powerful option that bucks the trend of usual Call of Duty sniper rifles, even more so than the standard Longbow. While Sledgehammer has not confirmed that it plans to adjust the Longbow, it certainly seems possible given the large amount of criticism in recent weeks.

Call of Duty's newest update nerfed a couple of weapons in Warzone, but Modern Warfare 3 guns saw no changes other than the Soulrender melee weapon. The patch also made improvements to the new Juggermosh mode and the Aegis Imperialis Riot Shield blueprint.