Black Ops 7 has launched with some major nerfs to aim assist compared to the beta, and players are already heatedly debating whether or not it improves the experience.
Aim assist is always a hot topic in Call of Duty, with mouse and keyboard users often complaining that it gives controller players an unfair advantage in fights. Black Ops 7’s beta was no different, and there was plenty of discussion about whether or not it was too strong.
Fast forward to the full launch, and Treyarch responded in the day one patch by rolling out some major changes to make it more balanced.
“In Black Ops 7, we are increasing the range before full Rotational Aim Assist strength is achieved,” they said in the patch notes. “With this update, the player’s right stick movement must be tracking an enemy target for Rotational Aim Assist to activate at full strength. If the conditions are not met, Rotational Aim Assist strength will be reduced.”
But although fans have only had their hands on Black Ops 7 for a matter of hours, as you’d expect, many are unhappy with the nerf.
Controller players slam aim assist changes in Black Ops 7
CoD pro Shotzzy was less than impressed with the changes, saying on a stream: “It feels insane like in a bad way. I feel like I have no aim assist I’m not even trolling.”
He was far from alone, as plenty of other players have taken to social media to slam the changes.
“BRO WHERE TF IS MY AIM ASSIST IN THIS GAME,” wrote a player on X, while another posted: ” Treyarch are yall f***ing serious with this terrible aim assist on BO7? Way to completely switch it up from the beta. F***ing ridiculous.”
Others even argued that reducing aim assist could be damaging to Black Ops 7 in the long run, as it could turn lower-skill players away.
“Good job f***ing over casual players by basically getting rid of aim assist for controller players,” said one post, before another added: “If you don’t enhance aim assist, most casual players will simply leave BO7.”
However, there were also plenty of players who think that nerfing aim assist is a positive step, as it reduces some of the advantage that controller users have over M&K, as well as making it easier to spot cheaters.
“I like the changes because it adds a skill gap. Going to be extremely obvious now who the Cronus users are too,” said one fan on Reddit, with another agreeing: “[Aim assist is] far weaker, I like it though because it’s still possible to be as accurate you just actually have to out in more effort to hit shots instead of wiggling the left stick once you’ve centered.”
We’ll have to wait and see if Treyarch decides to buff the aim assist in Black Ops 7 in a future update, or if they stick to their guns. Either way, don’t be surprised to see this debate popping up time and time again over the course of the year.
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