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Since its initial introduction into the CoD universe, no piece of equipment has arguably been as divisive or controversial as the always-notorious MW3 Riot Shield. In fact, its infamous re-appearance in the latest series entry has brought with it the same complaints players have often lodged throughout the years. Luckily, the mistakes of the past will seemingly not be repeated as Sledgehammer Games has introduced a proper nerf to the disreputable protector alongside the first season’s update.
As part of the MW3 Season 1 patch notes, the change Sledgehammer Games has made now takes the ‘turtling’ label to another level. According to the specific change, the Riot Shield will now “slow movement when it is equipped as the player’s Secondary is on their back,” so it should give the ill-reputed and ever-present ‘turtle boys‘ a significant disadvantage in matches. The noticeable movement hindrance also discourages people from placing this into their loadouts, so you should start seeing less and less of the Riot Shield as the season progresses.
Predictably enough, player reaction towards the MW3 Riot Shield change has been largely positive, with one person noting that this “is the first time in history that the Riot Shield actually slows movement.” However, some still aren’t pleased with its continued presence in the game, as one X (formerly Twitter) user said: “That’s not enough. [It] should be taken out honestly.”
Unfortunately, the long-awaited nerf isn’t the only thing that’s arrived as part of the update. Sledgehammer Games had to offset the movement speed decrease with increased melee damage while equipped. But it is worth noting that this balance change was only made to make it into a 2-hit-kill like in past installments, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if you’ve been a longtime CoD player.
That said, it’s currently unclear whether more changes are on the horizon for the MW3 Riot Shield based on player suggestions. So, while you wait for future updates, check out our pages on MW3 Mastercraft weapons, the MW3 Season 1 BlackCell, and how to get Point Blank Kills fast in MW3.
