The popular Reclaimer 18 shotgun in Call of Duty: Warzone has been unexpectedly disabled by developers, with no immediate explanation given. The news, shared via official Call of Duty channels, has ignited debate among players regarding the reasons behind its removal.
Warzone boasts an extensive arsenal, a constantly evolving collection of weapons from various Call of Duty titles, including the recent Black Ops 6. This vast selection presents ongoing challenges for developers in maintaining balance and stability across the diverse weapon pool. Integrating weapons originally designed for different games (like Modern Warfare 3) often leads to unforeseen power imbalances or technical glitches.
The Reclaimer 18, a semi-automatic shotgun inspired by the SPAS-12, is the latest weapon to encounter these issues. The official announcement simply stated its temporary deactivation "until further notice," leaving players to speculate.
Speculation and Community Response
The sudden removal of the Reclaimer 18 has sparked various theories, with some pointing to a potentially "glitched" blueprint version as the culprit. Videos and images circulating online appear to show the weapon exhibiting unusual, potentially overpowered, performance.
Player reaction is divided. While some applaud the developers' proactive approach to addressing potential imbalances, others express frustration, particularly concerning the timing. The controversial "Inside Voices" blueprint, implicated in the issue, is part of a paid Tracer Pack, leading to accusations of unintentional "pay-to-win" mechanics. These players argue for more rigorous testing before releasing such paid content. Concerns have also been raised regarding the JAK Devastators aftermarket parts, which enable dual-wielding of the Reclaimer 18, significantly enhancing its power. While some players fondly remember similar "akimbo shotgun" builds from past games, others found them frustrating to face in-game. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing nostalgia with fair gameplay.