Call of Duty: Vanguard fans have been quick to point out the issues they have with Sledgehammer’s latest game, and fire has quickly risen to the top of the list. Fortunately, Sledgehammer Games has responded, giving Call of Duty: Vanguard fans some good news.
Call of Duty: Vanguard fans have taken issue with several flame-related items, with the Incendiary Grenade quickly becoming the most despised piece of equipment in the game. This Lethal equipment piece was added as part of Call of Duty: Vanguard Season 1, and it can be unlocked by reaching tier 39 in the Battle Pass. A hybrid grenade, Incendiaries manage to function like a cross between Smoke Grenades and Molotovs, dealing damage while obscuring an area at the same time.
With Incendiary Grenades simply doing too much, and outclassing the similar Thermite Grenade, it is not surprising that Call of Duty: Vanguard players have asked for them to be nerfed or even removed from the game entirely. Thankfully, Sledgehammer has heard the complaints and is making some adjustments. While Incendiaries will remain in the game, they will be noticeably weaker when it comes to their damage output. According to Sledgehammer, players can now walk through the flames without instantly dying, recovering if they are able to get to safety in time.
Another change being made to Incendiary Grenades will see their smoke and flame effects reduced drastically. For many, this has been the more frustrating aspect of the Lethal equipment, as it makes it impossible to see on the smaller Call of Duty: Vanguard maps like Das Haus. It is worth noting that this update will be coming “at a later time,” however. As such, while players will be taking less damage from the Incendiary grenades soon, it could be a bit before the smoke effects are lessened. Fortunately, players will have a way to reduce fire effects in the meantime.
Sledgehammer Games spotlighted “two new ways” to fight back against the flames that have been plaguing multiplayer matches in recent weeks. These come in the form of two major perk adjustments. The first will see Fortified, the game’s Flak Jacket equivalent, “significantly” reducing all fire damage - including direct hits from Molotovs. Dauntless could prove just as useful, as it allows players to take no damage when moving through fire. While it does not protect from the initial impact like Fortified does, it should be useful for players that are tired of running into enemy Incendiary Grenades.
While Call of Duty: Vanguard’s issues have been talked about extensively, Sledgehammer is doing a good job of listening to the community and making adjustments based on player feedback. Thankfully, that feedback is leading to some much-needed nerfs for fire.
Call of Duty: Vanguard is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.