Close-range fights in Modern Warfare 4 should feel different after the November 11 update, especially if you spend your time clearing rooms or pushing tight lanes. Players trying out MW4 Bot Lobbies may notice that shots connect more immediately at distances where bullets previously had a short travel time. The update extends the average true hitscan distance to roughly 35 meters, though the exact limit depends on the weapon. That makes a big difference for SMGs and shotguns, while assault rifles pick up a benefit in the middle distances where so many fights happen.

What Changes When You Fire

Within a weapon's hitscan range, the game checks the shot immediately instead of sending a simulated bullet across the map. You'll still need to aim well and manage recoil, but you won't need to lead a moving target to account for bullet travel inside that range. Beyond it, bullet velocity and drop still matter. The update also reduces long-range bullet connection time by 34 milliseconds, which should make distant engagements feel more responsive. On small maps such as Shipment and Shoot House, many fights will fall inside hitscan range. Longer lanes are another story, so don't assume every rifle shot will connect instantly.

Give Your Loadouts Another Look

If your usual SMG felt inconsistent at launch, take it for another spin. Its listed damage and firing rate haven't changed, but the delay before a shot reaches a nearby opponent may be shorter. Assault rifle users have a choice to make, too. A velocity attachment offers less value during fights inside hitscan range, so a recoil or handling attachment might suit a close-range build better. Keep velocity in mind if you regularly take longer shots, especially in Warzone. For a useful comparison, try this in a private match.

Choose one SMG and one assault rifle you know well, then use the same setup for each round of testing.
Fire at stationary targets at 10, 25, and 40 meters, noting that the hitscan limit varies by weapon.
Repeat against moving targets and compare how much you need to lead your shots at each distance.
Swap a velocity attachment for a handling or recoil option, then see which setup suits your usual fights.

Long Sightlines Still Demand Patience

Sniper and marksman rifle players will still have to judge movement and bullet drop at longer distances. The shorter connection time helps, but it doesn't turn every distant shot into hitscan. Warzone players are more likely to notice the update during building fights and close rotations than while watching a faraway rooftop. The update also raises the chance of a Special Delivery Drone appearing in Rally Point. Later in Season 1, Specialist is set to return with extra perks earned through kills in a single life, giving players another reason to tune their close-range setups.

Practice Before Your Next Match

Don't rush to change every setting after one game. Try a few matches, pay attention to where your fights happen, and adjust your sensitivity if you're still aiming ahead of nearby targets. Players who choose to buy MW4 Bot Lobbies can use that time to practice tracking and compare familiar weapons at different distances. Remember that hitscan doesn't increase damage: if a weapon needed four hits before, it still needs four now. The difference is in how those shots travel and when they reach the target.