Do Armor Piercing Rounds Work in DMZ MW2? A Deep Dive

The short answer is: it depends on when you’re asking! The efficacy of armor-piercing (AP) rounds in DMZ (and Warzone 2) has been a rollercoaster, swinging from a must-have to a near-useless attachment depending on the specific game update. Currently, as of the most recent updates, AP rounds in MW2 and DMZ offer increased damage against armored targets, vehicles, equipment, and targets behind penetrable cover. They DO NOT offer the complete armor piercing effect that was once available in the game. The key thing to remember is that Activision has a history of tweaking these values, so what’s true today might not be true tomorrow.

To truly understand this, we need to delve into the history and mechanics of AP rounds in the game and consider their fluctuating role. Prior to certain updates, AP rounds were a dominant force, essentially negating armor and making firefights significantly shorter. The shift in the damage multiplier, however, made them a more niche pick rather than a universal one.

What is an Armor Piercing Round?

Before we delve into the mechanics in DMZ, let’s clarify what armor-piercing bullets are designed to do. In real life, they are constructed to penetrate ballistic armor and protective shields. Typically, this involves a harder core material and a design focused on concentrating force on a small point of impact.

How Armor Piercing Rounds Worked Previously in DMZ

Initially, the advantage of armor-piercing rounds was crystal clear:

• Enhanced Damage Against Armored Targets: This included both player operators equipped with armor plates and the heavily armored AI enemies that populate DMZ.
• Improved Vehicle Damage: AP rounds significantly boosted damage dealt to vehicles, making them an effective counter against armored transports and helicopters.
• Penetration Through Cover: They could pierce through certain types of cover, allowing you to hit enemies who thought they were safe.

This made AP rounds a highly sought-after attachment, especially given the high prevalence of armored enemies. Players would often prioritize weapons and loadouts that incorporated AP rounds.

The Nerf: When Armor Piercing Lost its Piercing

Activision’s decision to nerf AP rounds significantly altered the meta in Warzone 2 and DMZ. The most critical change was removing the direct damage multiplier against armored opponents. Essentially, AP rounds no longer bypassed or significantly reduced the effectiveness of armor plates. This led to longer firefights, as players had to chew through armor plates before inflicting significant damage.

Current Functionality of Armor Piercing Rounds

So, where do things stand now? As previously stated, as of the most recent updates, AP rounds in MW2 and DMZ offer increased damage against armored targets, vehicles, equipment, and targets behind penetrable cover. They DO NOT offer the complete armor piercing effect that was once available in the game.

In essence, they’re more effective against vehicles, equipment, killstreaks, and cover, and provide a slight boost against armored targets rather than negating their armor entirely.

Best Use Cases for Armor Piercing Rounds Today

While not the game-changer they once were, AP rounds still have their uses:

• Anti-Vehicle Warfare: They remain a solid choice for taking down vehicles quickly.
• Dealing with Juggernauts: If you’re facing a Juggernaut, AP rounds can help you whittle down their health more effectively.
• Clearing Out Objectives: When assaulting fortified positions, AP rounds can help you damage equipment and flush out enemies behind cover.
• Softening up enemies: A small increase in damage will benefit you when fighting an enemy, potentially decreasing the amount of bullets it will take to eliminate them.

However, consider other ammo types depending on your playstyle and the specific mission you’re undertaking. For instance, if you’re primarily focused on eliminating unarmored AI, High Velocity rounds might be a better choice.

Why the Change? Balancing and Meta Evolution

The decision to nerf AP rounds likely stemmed from a desire to balance the game. The initial dominance of AP rounds limited weapon build diversity and made certain strategies overly powerful. By reducing their effectiveness, Activision aimed to encourage players to experiment with different loadouts and tactics. It’s a constant push and pull as developers try to maintain a balanced and engaging experience. You can learn more about the effect games have on people, and how they are developed at Games Learning Society. They often have interesting things to say about balancing gameplay, and what that can mean for game development. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of AP rounds in DMZ and MW2:

1. Do AP rounds completely ignore armor in DMZ now? No, AP rounds no longer completely ignore armor. They provide a slight damage boost, but don’t negate armor plates.

2. Are High Velocity rounds better than AP rounds in DMZ? It depends on your target. High Velocity rounds improve bullet velocity, making them great for hitting moving targets, especially unarmored ones. If you are targeting armored enemies, then AP rounds are better.

3. What’s the best ammo type for fighting AI in DMZ? High Velocity can be effective against unarmored AI. But AP rounds are a more versatile choice. It comes down to your playstyle.

4. Do AP rounds increase damage against vehicles in DMZ? Yes, AP rounds are still very effective against vehicles, making them a solid choice for anti-vehicle combat.

5. Can AP rounds penetrate all types of cover? No, AP rounds can only penetrate certain types of cover, such as thin wood or sheet metal. Solid structures like concrete walls are generally impenetrable.

6. How often does Activision change the stats of ammo types? Activision regularly updates and rebalances the game, so ammo stats can change with each major patch. It’s always a good idea to check the patch notes.

7. Are AP rounds useful against the Juggernaut in DMZ? Yes, AP rounds can help you deal more damage to the Juggernaut. But remember, focus fire and coordinated teamwork are still crucial.

8. Does the .45 Auto Armor Piercing attachment work the same as other AP rounds? Generally, yes. However, specific weapon attachments might have slightly different stats or effects, so it’s worth experimenting.

9. Do FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds offer similar benefits to AP rounds? No, FMJ rounds primarily focus on improving penetration through materials like walls and targets. AP rounds are designed to deal more damage to killstreaks and Juggernauts.

10. Are there any weapons that benefit more from AP rounds than others? Weapons with high rates of fire or larger magazine sizes can benefit more from AP rounds, as the increased damage can add up quickly. The TAQ-56, RPK and KV Broadside.

11. Does using AP rounds reduce recoil or affect weapon handling? AP rounds do not affect recoil or weapon handling, but can come with a weight penalty. The weight penalty will affect your movement and aiming speeds.

12. Can I tell if an enemy is using AP rounds against me? Not directly. However, if you’re losing armor plates very quickly, it’s a possibility they’re using AP rounds or a high-damage weapon.

13. What other attachments should I pair with AP rounds for optimal performance? Consider attachments that improve accuracy, range, and recoil control to maximize the effectiveness of your weapon with AP rounds.

14. Do AI kills in DMZ level up my weapons faster than killing player operators? Killing player operators generally grants more Weapon XP than killing AI enemies.

15. Is it worth carrying extra magazines of AP rounds in my backpack? This is dependent on what is in your bag. If your goal is to eliminate as many armored targets as possible. Then it would benefit you to carry some more AP rounds with you.

Conclusion: Adaptability is Key

The status of armor-piercing rounds in DMZ and MW2 has been ever-changing, and staying informed is key to maximizing your effectiveness. While they might not be the armor-negating powerhouses they once were, they still have a place in certain loadouts and strategies. By understanding their current function and limitations, you can make informed decisions about your weapon attachments and adapt to the evolving meta of the game. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your playstyle!