HDR Sniper Rifle Remains a Powerhouse in Warzone Despite Season 3 Reloaded Nerf

The HDR Sniper Rifle has reasserted its dominance in Warzone following its return — and although it received a nerf in the Season 3 Reloaded update, it's still just as lethal as ever.

The reintroduction of Verdansk has breathed new life into Warzone, sparking a noticeable increase in player numbers for the first time in months. While much of this resurgence is due to excitement over the classic map, it’s also driven by the return of familiar features and weapons that tap into player nostalgia.

Among those weapons is the HDR, which quickly became a top pick for many. Although it was slightly nerfed in the latest update, there's little reason for concern.

HDR Still a Top-Tier Choice Despite Changes

Fears of a significant downgrade were quickly put to rest — the HDR only received a minor nerf to its Aim Down Sight (ADS) speed, which was reduced from 510ms to 600ms. This change makes it slightly less agile in close encounters, particularly when players are under pressure and need to react fast.

Quickscopers may feel the impact more, as those relying on the HDR for all-range combat — without pairing it with an SMG or AR — will find it harder to compete up close.

Still, the rifle's core strength remains untouched. The HDR is just as devastating at long range, with no changes to its damage or range values. It retains the ability to one-shot enemies with a headshot from any distance, making it ideal for skilled marksmen who can consistently land precise shots.

ADS Speed Drop is Manageable

The main drawback from the slower ADS is its effect on follow-up shots and target switching. However, this can be mitigated by staying scoped in between shots, allowing for faster second engagements if your first bullet doesn't finish the job.

With these factors considered, the HDR is poised to remain a meta-defining weapon in Season 3 Reloaded. Just keep in mind that it can't one-shot in Ranked Play, so tailor your loadout accordingly.