Black Ops Gulf War could break trend with three weapons per loadout

For as long as Call of Duty has existed, the foundational gunplay has seen players carry two weapons in their arsenal: a primary, such as an assault rifle, SMG, or sniper, and a secondary, like a pistol, launcher or riot shield.

Only through perks like Overkill, Mule Kick (Zombies), or attachments like Tac Knife have players been able to change this quota, having it engrained as the norm of the franchise.

However, this could be about to change in Black Ops Gulf War, as a leaker claims that the game files include references to a third weapon slot.

Black Ops Gulf War leaks hint at three-weapon loadouts

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With Black Ops Gulf War already preparing to break trends in the Campaign, with a new open-world approach, the developers are seemingly planning to overhaul the Gunsmith in multiplayer too with a third weapon choice.

According to "ForwardLeaks", a "tertiary" weapon slot has been mentioned in the game files, which will add to the Assualt Rifle and Pistol choices that have been unearthed too.

The leaks suggest that this slot will be exclusive to melee weapons, like a knife, meaning all players will be able to store their bullet-firing weapons away and charge around with a blade of sorts, which will actually be a welcome change for those who enjoy the additional movement speed boost you get from emptying your hands.

Will three-weapon loadouts come to Warzone too?

This change works already in a battle royale setting, with Apex Legends players being familiar with the process of stowing away guns to get their fists or heirlooms out.

It's not unfeasible to think that if Black Ops Gulf War adds this feature to multiplayer, it will come to Warzone too in Season 1 (when the Treyarch influence will take over the battle royale).

Although this change might seem quite overwhelming at first, eliminating the choice between a secondary gun and a knife in favour of having both might actually be a stroke of genius for the franchise, especially with the movement buffs that have come into play this year.

Of course, much can change between now and October, when Black Ops Gulf War is set to arrive, but it does seem that the Gunsmith is set for yet another shift in dynamic.