According to Garena’s Free Fire OB45 patch notes, developers have implemented five critical weapon adjustments to rebalance gameplay, directly altering the meta for firearms including the SCAR, M1014, and M1887. These changes force players to rethink loadout strategies and adapt to shifting tactical advantages across casual and competitive matches.
SCAR and M1887 Buffs Drive Aggressive Mid-to-Close Range Combat
The Garena Free Fire OB45 update delivers targeted enhancements to assault rifles and shotguns, giving aggressive players new tactical options. According to official patch details, the SCAR assault rifle receives a 5% damage increase alongside a 3% boost to its rate of fire. This adjustment positions the SCAR as a fiercely competitive mid-range weapon, letting players apply intense pressure with faster bullet output.
Meanwhile, the M1887 shotgun gains a 4% damage increase coupled with enhanced movement speed. Garena designed this tweak to favor rapid, aggressive maneuvers in tight spaces. Paired together, the buffed SCAR and M1887 create a potent combination for combatants who prefer bridging medium gaps before finishing fights up close.
Pro Tip: Try pairing the newly buffed SCAR with the M1887 to cover both medium and close-range engagements effectively. Use training mode first to get comfortable with the updated recoil and movement speeds.
M1014 and UMP Nerfs Force Careful Positioning
While some firearms received boosts, Garena applied strict nerfs to historically dominant choices like the M1014 shotgun and the UMP submachine gun. The M1014 suffers a 7% reduction in damage per pellet and a shortened effective range. Players relying on this shotgun now must close the distance significantly more than before to secure eliminations.
Similarly, the UMP experiences a 6% damage reduction and reduced accuracy while moving, according to the patch notes. These adjustments curb the weapon’s past efficiency in fast-paced skirmishes. Users must now exercise greater caution and rely on movement attachments to compensate for the lost stability.
M249 Power Shift Enhances Squad Suppressing Fire
Heavy weaponry also sees a major shift in the OB45 update. The M249 light machine gun receives an 8% damage increase alongside an expanded magazine capacity totaling 100 rounds, per Garena’s official release. This turns the LMG into a dedicated area-denial tool.
Squad players can utilize the upgraded M249 to pin down opposing teams from a distance, buying time for teammates wielding assault rifles or shotguns to flank. Effective squad communication becomes essential to maximize this sustained fire capability during matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Free Fire Update Patch OB45 released?
Specific release dates and maintenance schedules for Free Fire Update Patch OB45 are announced directly through Garena’s official channels prior to server downtime.
Did all weapons receive changes in the OB45 patch?
No. According to Garena, only select weapons requiring balance adjustments—such as the SCAR, M1014, M1887, UMP, and M249—were modified in this update.
Where can I find the complete patch notes?
Players can review the full list of weapon adjustments inside the official Garena Free Fire application or on their official web portal following the patch rollout.
Join the Discussion
How are you adapting your loadout to the OB45 weapon changes? Drop a comment below with your favorite weapon combinations, and subscribe to our newsletter for more Free Fire tactical guides!