The Coalition has just rolled out another update for Gears of War: Reloaded, specifically targeting the Gnasher shotgun. Despite earlier adjustments based on beta feedback, players still felt the weapon needed further refinement. A common complaint was the perceived unfairness of being eliminated by the Gnasher from outside what felt like its intended close-quarters range.
A persistent problem with the Gnasher has been its inconsistent damage output. While factors such as server performance and hip-fire bullet spread, which aren`t related to player skill, have been previously addressed, this new patch fine-tunes the weapon further. Notably, its damage at medium range has been cut by 15%. Additionally, the bullet spread when aiming down sights has been modified; it`s now less concentrated than at the game`s initial release but remains tighter than during the beta phase.
Beyond Gnasher adjustments, The Coalition also included broader improvements in this patch. It resolves several bugs that caused game crashes and improved overall stability. New visual features were introduced, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for Xbox Series X|S in the campaign. However, a lingering concern, reflected in `mixed` Steam reviews, is the absence of local split-screen co-op for PC players, with no word on whether this feature will be added later.
Key Updates from the Patch Notes:
Gnasher Weapon Adjustments:
- Following player feedback, the Gnasher has been re-calibrated.
- Its effectiveness at medium distances has been reduced.
- Specifically, medium-range damage is down by 15%, with no impact on close-range encounters.
Aim Down Sights (ADS) Bullet Spread:
- The shotgun`s pellet spread when aiming down sights is now wider than in the launch version but still narrower than during the beta.
Stability and Crash Fixes:
- Numerous infrequent crashes and other bugs have been resolved across all platforms, promising a more seamless gameplay experience.
Performance and Visual Enhancements:
- Ultrawide 21:9 monitor support has been added for benchmark mode.
- Campaign mode on Xbox Series X|S now supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).