The new Free Fire OB49 weapon changes in the OB49 update are here, and they’re set to shake up the meta completely. We’ve all felt it: that one gun that seems to dominate every match, or that old favorite that just can’t compete anymore. Garena’s balance patches are designed to shift this dynamic, breathing new life into underused weapons and toning down the ones that have become too powerful.
For competitive players, understanding these changes isn’t just interesting—it’s essential. Knowing which guns got buffed (made stronger) and which got nerfed (made weaker) is the key to choosing the right loadout, winning more gunfights, and climbing the ranks.
This guide will break down every significant weapon change in the OB49 update. We’ll tell you who the new winners are, who got knocked down a peg, and what the new meta will look like.
What is the “Meta” and Why Do These Changes Matter?
The “meta” is simply the most effective strategy or set of tools to use to win. In Free Fire, the weapon meta refers to the guns that are considered the strongest and are most frequently used by top players. When Garena introduces weapon changes, they are directly influencing the meta, forcing players to adapt and discover new powerful combinations.
(Image Alt Text: A graphic showing the “Buff” and “Nerf” arrows over different guns, explaining the Free Fire weapon changes.)
The Buffs: Guns That Got Stronger
These are the weapons that received a welcome power boost. It might be time to pick them up again!
Parafal: The New Mid-Range King?
The Parafal has always been a solid rifle, but it was often overshadowed by other ARs. The OB49 update aims to change that.
- The Changes:
- +10% Rate of Fire: It now shoots significantly faster.
- -5% Recoil: It’s more stable and easier to control during sustained fire.
- What This Means: The Parafal is now a much more forgiving and lethal mid-range weapon. The faster fire rate means you can deal damage more quickly, and the reduced recoil makes landing consecutive shots easier. It’s now a serious contender against guns like the Groza or Woodpecker for that mid-range slot.
Thompson: A More Reliable Sprayer
The Thompson, a favorite in Clash Squad, gets a buff that makes it even deadlier up close.
- The Changes:
- +8% Armor Penetration: It now shreds through enemy vests and helmets more effectively.
- +5% Accuracy: The initial shots are now more likely to hit their mark.
- What This Means: The added armor penetration is huge. It means the Thompson will remain effective even in the later stages of a match when enemies have Level 3 or 4 armor. This makes it a more reliable SMG throughout the entire game.
The Nerfs: Guns That Got Weaker
These are the guns that were a little too dominant. Garena has toned them down to give other weapons a chance to shine.
M1887: The Range King Dethroned
The M1887 (double-barreled shotgun) has been a meta-defining weapon for years due to its insane burst damage and surprisingly long range. This update specifically targets its range.
- The Changes:
- -15% Effective Range: The distance at which the gun deals maximum damage has been significantly reduced.
- +10% Reload Speed: A slight compensation, making the reload a little faster.
- What This Means: The M1887 is no longer a mid-range threat. You can’t two-tap enemies from 15-20 meters away anymore. It is now purely a close-quarters combat weapon, as it should be. You have to get right in the enemy’s face for it to be effective.
UMP: The Recoil Readjustment
The UMP’s combination of high damage, armor penetration, and laser-like stability made it the best SMG by a wide margin. This nerf targets its long-range spray capability.
- The Changes:
- +10% Recoil: The gun will now kick up more, especially during prolonged sprays.
- -5% Movement Speed While Firing: You are now slightly slower while shooting.
- What This Means: The UMP is still a beast up close, but you can no longer easily spray down enemies from 50 meters away. This change rewards controlled bursts over holding down the fire button, bringing it more in line with other SMGs.
The Sleeper Hit: A Minor Change with a Big Impact
Sometimes a small tweak can have big consequences. The Charge Buster received one such change.
- The Change: Holding the charge no longer slows your movement speed as much.
- What This Means: You can now move more freely while charging up a powerful shot, making it much easier to peek corners or strafe to avoid enemy fire. This makes the Charge Buster a much more dynamic and viable “one-shot” weapon.
So, What’s the new meta after these weapon changes?
Based on these Free Fire weapon changes, here are some predictions for the new meta:
- AR + SMG Combo: The Parafal + Thompson combo looks incredibly strong. The Parafal dominates the mid-range, and the newly buffed Thompson shreds in close-quarters.
- Rise of the Marksman Rifles: With the M1887’s range nerf, marksman rifles like the Woodpecker and SVD will become even more important for mid-to-long-range engagements.
- Shotgun Diversity: With the M1887 being less dominant, other shotguns like the M1014 and the more mobile Charge Buster will see a lot more use.
For more loadout ideas, check out our guide on the /best-free-fire-weapon-combos-2025.
Conclusion: Adapt and Conquer
The OB49 update has successfully shaken things up. The era of the UMP and M1887 dominating every fight is likely over, making way for a more diverse and strategic weapon meta.
The best players are the ones who can adapt. Don’t be afraid to drop your old favorite loadout and experiment with the newly buffed weapons. Jump into the Training Ground, get a feel for the new recoil and damage, and discover the combination that will lead you to your next Booyah!
For all official patch notes, you can always refer to the official Garena Free Fire social media channels
