summary
Bulkhead has removed IR rangefinders from WARDOGS vendors until Season 2, changing the game's spotting and movement meta. CIWS has also been adjusted against Havoc helicopters, while gold prices remain volatile, making it important for players to manage their resources carefully if they plan to buy WARDOGS Cash. Season 2 will introduce four new weapons, expanded ammunition options, parachute changes, and a visual restriction for Level 4 helmets, potentially creating major changes to combat and loadout strategies.
WARDOGS IR Rangefinder Removed
The biggest change is the temporary removal of the IR rangefinder.
Bulkhead has disabled IR rangefinders in vendors until Season 2, which begins on October 15.
Players can still:
· See the IR rangefinder in the shooting range.
· Progress toward unlocking it through the Recon tree.
· Spend currency to unlock the relevant progression.
However, the device cannot currently be purchased for regular matches.
Why Did Bulkhead Remove IR Rangefinders?
According to Bulkhead, both player feedback and gameplay data showed that IR rangefinders had become too powerful.
The equipment could:
· Reveal enemies from extremely long distances.
· Maintain constant spotting with line of sight.
· Make flanking considerably harder.
· Generate large amounts of money without firing a weapon.
· Encourage players to remain outside the main combat area.
This created repetitive gameplay where some players focused almost entirely on spotting rather than fighting.
How IR Rangefinder Removal Changes Gameplay
The removal has already had a noticeable effect on WARDOGS gameplay.
Players are now more willing to move around the map because they are less likely to be permanently exposed.
The changes benefit several playstyles:
· Flanking: Players can approach enemies from unexpected directions.
· Stealth: Moving through forests and around ridgelines is safer.
· Aggressive pushes: Squads can leave FOBs without immediately being detected.
· Vehicle gameplay: Helicopter pilots have fewer constant targets.
· Artillery avoidance: Mortars and artillery have less reliable information.
Previously, players could feel as though they were being watched constantly. Without widespread thermal spotting, matches are becoming more mobile and unpredictable.
IR Rangefinder Will Return in Season 2
The IR rangefinder is not being removed permanently.
Bulkhead plans to bring it back with Season 2, but there will be an important change.
Battery Requirement
When IR rangefinders return, they will require batteries to operate.
This should increase their running cost and discourage unlimited use.
However, whether batteries will actually solve the balance problem remains uncertain.
The original rangefinder was extremely profitable because spotting could generate significant income without requiring ammunition or direct combat.
WARDOGS CIWS vs Havoc Changes
Another important balance adjustment involves the CIWS and Havoc.
The CIWS initially destroyed Havoc helicopters extremely quickly because of a bug.
After that bug was fixed, the opposite problem appeared.
A CIWS could require around 12 seconds of continuous fire to destroy a Havoc.
Bulkhead has now reduced this to approximately six seconds.
This gives base defenses a stronger answer to Havocs while still leaving helicopter pilots time to react.
Multiple CIWS systems can increase the pressure even further, while RPGs and other anti-vehicle weapons can help finish damaged helicopters.
Gold Economy and Market Prices
The WARDOGS gold economy has also experienced major price fluctuations.
Gold prices recently dropped sharply before recovering.
One possible explanation is the amount of currency circulating throughout the game.
A potential cycle could look like this:
1. Players accumulate large amounts of currency.
2. More money enters the economy.
3. Gold prices decrease.
4. Players spend their currency on gold.
5. Currency leaves the economy.
6. Gold prices increase again.
This remains speculation rather than a confirmed explanation from Bulkhead.
However, the relationship between player spending and gold prices could become particularly important as the current season approaches its end.
WARDOGS Season 2 Weapons
Season 2 is expected to introduce four new weapons, with one weapon planned for each class.
The confirmed Recon weapon is the M40, which represents the M14 platform.
This adds another .308 option to the Recon arsenal and could create new weapon-building possibilities.
More ammunition choices are also being considered.
Players could eventually see:
· Additional ammunition calibers.
· More ammunition types within existing calibers.
· New specialized rounds.
· More opportunities to customize weapon builds.
Expanding ammunition options should give players more freedom when creating loadouts for different situations.
Season 2 Parachute Changes
Parachute mechanics are also receiving attention.
The minimum parachute deployment height was reportedly intended to be 25 meters, but an incorrect 2.5-meter value was implemented.
Raising the minimum deployment height should encourage pilots to land more often instead of simply dropping players over objectives.
This could make:
· Landing zones more important.
· Pilot positioning more meaningful.
· The sports parachute more useful.
· Helicopter transportation more tactical.
Pilots will need to pay closer attention to their altitude when dropping teammates.
Level 4 Helmet Balance Change
The powerful Level 4 helmet will also receive a visual restriction.
Bulkhead has described the change as a letterbox-style effect that limits the player's field of view.
The helmet will retain its strong protection, but players will have to accept reduced visibility in exchange.
This gives one of the strongest defensive items a meaningful disadvantage without completely removing its value.
What to Expect From WARDOGS Season 2
The current changes are only part of Bulkhead's broader balancing strategy.
Important Season 2 changes include:
· IR rangefinders returning with battery requirements.
· Four new class-specific weapons.
· More ammunition options.
· Higher parachute deployment requirements.
· Level 4 helmet visual restrictions.
· Continued weapon and equipment balancing.
· Further adjustments based on player data and behavior.
The removal of IR rangefinders has already changed the pace of WARDOGS matches. Players have more freedom to move, flank, and reposition, while spotting-based strategies are less dominant.
With Season 2 approaching, these changes could significantly reshape the WARDOGS meta, economy, and loadout choices. Players looking to manage their resources efficiently may also consider cheap WARDOGS Cash when preparing for the upcoming changes. Keep an eye on the official patch notes for the complete Season 2 balance details.
