The Black Ops 7 AN-94 remains one of the most talked-about assault rifles following the Season 5 update, with Treyarch introducing a series of balance changes aimed at reducing its dominance in Multiplayer. After spending much of the previous season as one of the safest and most reliable weapons to equip, the rifle has now been brought closer in line with the rest of the assault rifle category.
While many players immediately labelled the update as an AN-94 nerf, the reality is a little more balanced. The weapon still has plenty to offer, but the latest adjustments reward accuracy and smarter engagements instead of relying on its previously forgiving damage profile.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Black Ops 7 AN-94 after the Season 5 update.
Every Black Ops 7 AN-94 Season 5 Change
The Season 5 balance pass doesn’t completely reinvent the AN-94. Instead, it targets the weapon’s strongest characteristics while leaving its overall identity intact.
The headline adjustment affects its close-range effectiveness, reducing how consistently players can secure fast eliminations with body shots alone. That means positioning, recoil control and shot placement all become a little more important than before.
At the same time, the rifle retains many of the qualities that made it popular throughout previous updates.
| Before Season 5 | After Season 5 |
|---|---|
| Extremely forgiving damage | Greater emphasis on accuracy |
| Reliable close-range eliminations | Slightly less consistent body-shot damage |
| Dominated many Multiplayer loadouts | Better balanced against other assault rifles |
| Easy weapon to recommend | Requires a little more precision |
For experienced players, these changes are more of a fine-tuning exercise than a complete overhaul.
Why Was the AN-94 Changed?
Weapon balancing is a constant part of Call of Duty, particularly when one firearm begins appearing in almost every lobby.
The Black Ops 7 AN-94 became popular because it offered an excellent combination of manageable recoil, dependable damage and versatility across almost every Multiplayer map. Whether you preferred aggressive pushes or slower objective play, it could comfortably handle both.
Season 5 appears to be focused on encouraging more weapon diversity instead of allowing one assault rifle to overshadow the rest of the category.
Rather than removing everything players enjoyed, Treyarch has simply reduced the weapon’s biggest strengths enough to make competing rifles more attractive.
Does the Black Ops 7 AN-94 Feel Different?
Yes, although probably not as dramatically as some players expected after reading the patch notes.
The rifle still feels familiar to use, particularly if you’ve already invested time into learning its recoil pattern. Where you’ll notice the biggest difference is during fights where body shots previously secured quick eliminations without much effort.
Players with accurate aim are unlikely to see a major drop in performance, while those who relied on the rifle’s forgiving nature may need a few matches to adjust.
Is the Black Ops 7 AN-94 Still Worth Using?
Absolutely.
Despite the latest balance changes, the Black Ops 7 AN-94 remains one of the most dependable assault rifles available.
It still offers several advantages that many players value.
| Strength | Why It Still Matters |
|---|---|
| Low recoil | Easy to control during sustained fire |
| Versatile damage profile | Effective across a variety of engagement ranges |
| Consistent handling | Comfortable for both new and experienced players |
| Flexible loadout options | Works well with multiple attachment combinations |
One balance update isn’t enough to erase everything that made the rifle successful in previous seasons.
Who Will Notice the Biggest Difference?
Not every player experiences weapon balancing in the same way.
Competitive players who regularly fight evenly matched opponents are likely to notice the reduced damage consistency much sooner than casual players jumping into public matches.
Likewise, players who consistently land upper torso or headshots may barely notice the adjustments, while those relying almost entirely on body shots could find themselves losing more close-range engagements than before.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the rifle has become weaker overall, it simply rewards cleaner gunplay.
Could the AN-94 Return to the Top of the Meta?
Absolutely.
Call of Duty weapon balancing changes regularly throughout each season, and no rifle stays at the top—or bottom—forever.
Future updates could strengthen the AN-94 again, introduce new attachment combinations that improve its performance, or shift the overall weapon meta in ways that naturally favour assault rifles with its characteristics.
For now, it remains a competitive option that rewards players willing to adapt rather than immediately switching to the newest trend.
Tips for Using the AN-94 After the Season 5 Update
If you’re planning to stick with the rifle, a few small adjustments can help maintain its effectiveness.
- Aim for upper torso and headshots whenever possible.
- Take advantage of the weapon’s excellent recoil control during medium-range fights.
- Avoid rushing every engagement where submachine guns have the advantage.
- Experiment with different attachment combinations to improve stability or mobility depending on your playstyle.
- Give yourself time to adjust before deciding to replace the rifle completely.
Small changes to your approach will often have a bigger impact than changing weapons altogether.
The latest balance update doesn’t remove the Black Ops 7 AN-94 from the conversation, it simply changes where it sits within the assault rifle hierarchy.
Instead of being the obvious choice for almost every player, it’s now one of several strong options capable of performing well in the right hands. If you’ve already mastered the rifle, there’s little reason to abandon it, and many players will continue to enjoy excellent results even after the Season 5 changes.
As more players spend time with the updated weapon balance, the overall meta will continue to evolve, but the AN-94 still looks set to remain a familiar sight across Multiplayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Black Ops 7 AN-94 get nerfed?
Yes. Season 5 introduced balance changes that reduce some of the rifle’s most forgiving damage characteristics while keeping its overall playstyle largely intact.
Is the AN-94 still one of the best assault rifles?
It remains one of the strongest all-round assault rifles, although players may now find several competing weapons are much closer in overall performance.
What changed with the AN-94 in Season 5?
The biggest adjustments focus on damage consistency, making accurate shooting more important while encouraging greater weapon variety across Multiplayer.
Should I keep using the AN-94?
If you’re already comfortable with the rifle, it’s still well worth using. Most players will adapt quickly, especially those with good recoil control and consistent aim.
