Warzone Season 3 is finally here—and with it comes the long-awaited return of Verdansk. Whether you're chasing your first win or hunting down rivals in high-stakes endgames, the island's back and packed with surprises. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 kicks off a new era with classic vibes, updated gunplay, and a full reload of new and returning weapons.
This season mixes nostalgia with firepower, reviving fan-favorite weapons while introducing brand-new additions to shake up the meta. Alongside the new arsenal, existing guns have received tuning updates that could push your loadout to the next level—or drop it off the leaderboard entirely.
If you're trying to figure out which weapons to main or bench, we've got you covered. Here's a breakdown of the latest Warzone weapon changes, new guns in Season 3, and what they mean for your next drop.
Warzone Meta Season 3
In addition to dropping new and returning weapons into the mix, Warzone Season 3 makes major changes to how fights play out. Armor reserves have been reduced to speed up economic pacing and force smarter engagements. Meanwhile, Treyarch has significantly buffed weapon damage across the board, making gunfights faster and more punishing. Time-to-kill is shorter, and every bullet counts.
Now, let’s break down the classic weapons making a comeback in Season 3—and how you can unlock them for your next drop into Verdansk.
Kilo 141 Assault Rifle
The Kilo 141 makes its return in Warzone Season 3, bringing back the same smooth recoil and versatile handling that made it a fan-favorite during the original Verdansk era. This fully automatic assault rifle features an ergonomic frame that boosts control, plus a steady rate of fire that helps you stay locked on target through extended engagements.
- How to unlock:
Log in during the Season 3 event window to claim the Kilo 141 as a free Warzone login reward.
Once unlocked, you can customize it with attachments across all major categories—Fire Mods, Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Stock, Laser, and Magazine—giving you full control over how it performs in any situation.
Whether you're laying down cover fire, holding angles, or pushing tight buildings, the Kilo’s balance of accuracy and damage output makes it deadly in nearly every scenario. Its consistent recoil pattern pairs perfectly with precision-focused players who rely on snap aim and high tracking speed.
CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle
The CR-56 AMAX is a fully automatic assault rifle that delivers serious stopping power in a compact, lightweight frame. Originally built for military use, this weapon is lethal in mid-range engagements and stands out as one of the best meta options in Warzone’s latest season. It’s highly configurable, making it easy to tailor for different assault tactics.
Combining high-damage output with a fast rate of fire and excellent handling, the CR-56 AMAX excels at quickly eliminating enemies within 25 meters—often in just three to four shots. Even after dropping a target, you’ll still have plenty of rounds left to shred through the rest of the enemy team’s armor.
Its fast reload speed keeps you locked into the action, no matter how you customize it in the Gunsmith.
- How to unlock:
Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward (Completion Page Battle Pass Blueprint)
HDR Sniper Rifle
One of the best weapons Warzone Season 3 has to offer is the HDR Sniper Rifle. This anti-matter bolt-action sniper is chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. While its bullets have relatively low muzzle velocity, the HDR remains highly lethal in long-range encounters.
You can score one-shot headshots from nearly any distance with the HDR equipped. If you played Verdansk back in 2020, you already know the damage this rifle can dish out—especially when holding key vantage points like the Airport Control Tower. The HDR’s massive damage output and extended reach make it a top pick for sharpshooters. Its distinct firing sound alone can send enemies scattering.
- How to unlock:
Available as a Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward or through the Page 11 Battle Pass Blueprint.
Equip the Reinforced Barrel attachment to push the HDR’s damage range and bullet velocity even further. Whether you’re locking down sightlines or blowing heads off from across the map, this sniper is built for dominance.
Kali Sticks Melee Weapon
The Kali Sticks are the perfect close-quarters weapon when you're caught in a tight spot and need to eliminate an enemy fast. These melee weapons can take down a target in just four hits, making them a dangerous option for aggressive players.
- How to unlock:
Claim all 13 other rewards in the Return to Verdansk event.
Most players are excited to see their return, as they deal instant damage with each swing. The light attacks allow for rapid follow-up hits, while the heavy attack gives you another option for finishing enemies in your own style. Though often underrated, the Kali Sticks can be surprisingly effective once mastered—and yes, you can even use them to finish off downed enemies.
The weapon meta Warzone Season 3 offers is both exciting and nostalgic for many players because it has brought many iconic weapons from the previous games. With Verdansk now back in the game, you can start exploring the map once again while keeping your beloved weapons with you, with each one dealing massive damage to anyone who crosses your path.
You can simply start slashing those Kali Sticks or perch on a rooftop and take down your targets from a safe distance away with the help of the HDR Sniper Rifle in Warzone Season 3.
To make the most of every weapon in your loadout, the new Official SCUF Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Collection is built for the way you fight—whether you're quick-scoping from a rooftop or going full melee in close quarters. With responsive back paddles and fully customizable layouts, SCUF gives you the speed and control you need to dominate Verdansk.
Shop the Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Collection or Learn more about the partnership.