Battlefield 4 developers DICE have detailed a number of upcoming tweaks the studio will be making to a number of the game’s weapons.

As noted a few days ago, DICE stated that they would be looking into tweaking the designated marksman rifle class in order to increase its effectiveness.

Today, in a recent Battlefield Blog post, the studio finally revealed exactly what changes they will be implementing within the class of weapon that will be a part of an upcoming update. Check out the notes below:

DMR Tweaks

• Increased the damage of all DMRs across all ranges. Specifically, damage has been increased at long ranges to allow three-hit kills against unarmored opponents.
• Reduced the penalty to accuracy for sustained DMR fire, allowing more rapid follow up shots in combat.
• The amount of the damage increase varies from weapon to weapon, according to its intended range, rate of fire, and damage.

Furthermore, “Braun” a DICE employee, wrote in the blog,”We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of DMRs in combat, and determine if additional action is needed to make DMRs a viable mid to long range weapon.”

Pistols will also see a bit of a balance update, as noted in another blog entry. Check out the details here:

Pistol Tweaks

• Increased the aimed accuracy of the M1911 to make it a viable choice once the COMPACT 45 has been unlocked. This gives the M1911 a clear accuracy advantage for range, while the COMPACT 45 has a clear ammunition per magazine advantage.
• Increased the close range damage of the M1911, QSZ-92, FN57, CZ-75 and COMPACT 45. This will allow all pistols to bypass Body Armor at close range. Additionally, the FN57 and the QSZ-92 have had their long range damage increased to allow them to properly bypass Body Armor at all distances. Finally, the CZ-75 has also had its long range damage raised to give it a diverse role among the handguns.
• Reduced the delay between pressing the trigger and the bullet firing for the M412 REX and .44 MAGNUM. This delay represents the way these weapons work in real life, while also improving their responsiveness in game.
• Increased the magazine capacity of the QSZ-92 to 20 rounds, the proper amount for this weapon in real life. Additionally reduced the recoil of the QSZ-92 to give it a clear difference from the FN57.
• Corrected a small error with the COMPACT 45 accuracy when crouched or prone. The weapon was accidentally less accurate than intended.

In addition, DICE also intends to approximately double the accuracy of all pump-action shotguns (870 MCS, HAWK 12g, SPAS-12, and UTS 15)  while on the move and aiming, thus making the slug attachment much more viable in medium range combat.

For carbine users, you can expect a slight nerf to the MTAR carbine which requires the China Rising expansion in order to unlock. It will be brought in line with the rest of the carbines as its long range damage will correctly match the other guns in the same class.

Lastly, DICE highlighted some general weapon changes that are expected to go live once the aforementioned balance update launches:

General Changes

• Adjusted the way inaccuracy is handled when transitioning from Hip fire to Aimed fire. Previously, if a player began firing before aiming, he would keep his hip inaccuracy while aimed, until he stopped firing. This was especially obvious with LMGs on the move. Players will now only be subject to the maximum aimed inaccuracy after the transition. While still terribly inaccurate, this allows for substantially more accurate fire than the old method and should allow players with LMGs to panic fire in close quarters, provided they are aiming.
• The Heavy Barrel’s Accuracy bonus now also applies on the move, at a reduced bonus. This should give the Heavy Barrel a wider role for players who desire accuracy while aimed in all situations.
• Synchronized the timing of the aim down the sights animation of sniper rifles with their ability to fire with full accuracy. Players no longer need to wait for additional time after the aiming animation plays to get accurate shots. There is still a delay to achieve full accuracy, so Quick Scoping is still not possible.

Recently, DICE also announced a month-long player appreciation event this February, which awards Battlefield 4 players all month long with Battlepacks and other goodies, including shortcut kits for the DMRs and Shotgun classes for Battlefield 4 Premium members.

Once these changes are live, will you be giving the DMR class another chance? Let us know in the comment section below!