Call of Duty: Mobile Season 4 Infinity Realm has been live for a bit, and it’s one special edition as it arrives just in time for the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025, the official African qualifier for the CODM World Championship 2025.
 

This guide breaks down the Season 4 meta (weapons, loadouts, and strategies) with a focus on competitive play, helping Africa Cup participants (and ambitious ranked players) prepare for the road to the World Championship. We’ll cover what’s new in Season 4, how balance changes affect the tournament meta, and which loadouts can give your team an edge in the team-vs-team battles culminating in the LAN finals in Lagos.
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What’s New in Season 4 Infinity Realm and Its Competitive Impact

Season 4 brings a futuristic Infinity Realm theme with content that can spice up both casual and competitive play. Here’s a quick rundown of the key additions Africa Cup competitors should take note of:
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• Black Ops 4 Specialists Mode: Infinity Realm introduces a new Black Ops 4 Reloaded multiplayer playlist where players deploy as iconic Black Ops 4 characters (Ruin, Seraph, Battery, Prophet, etc.), each with a unique loadout and Operator Skill.
   
  
  • Competitive impact: This mode is more for fun and nostalgia; it won’t be used in official tournament matches, but highlights the Operator Skills that are part of competitive play. One popular Specialist weapon, the Annihilator pistol, got a buff this season (duration increased from 20s to 30s), which could make it an even more impactful pick in tournament rounds (e.g. clutch plays in Search & Destroy). Players should practice with various operator skills (Annihilator, Purifier, Gravity Spikes, etc.) and be ready to counter them, since these can turn the tide in team fights.
    
    
• New Chase Mode Map: A fresh map for the racing-style Chase mode arrived, featuring a winter theme and jetpack-enhanced movement.
  
  
  • Competitive impact: The Chase mode is a casual competitive mode (kinda like obstacle-course racing) and not part of standard MP tournaments, so Africa Cup teams shouldn’t face it in matches. However, it’s a fun diversion, perhaps a team-building exercise, and the jetpack mechanics are a reminder of CODM’s high mobility. Competitive players should continue focusing on tournament map staples (strafing, slide-canceling, jump-shots) to out-maneuver opponents, since conventional gunfights, not racing, will decide the Africa Cup.
    
    
• New Weapon (Vargo-S Assault Rifle): Season 4’s Battle Pass introduced the Vargo-S AR, a fast-firing assault rifle with good mid-range damage.
  
  
  • Competitive impact: New guns can shake up the meta. The Vargo-S offers a balance of high fire rate, solid damage, and controllable recoil. Early impressions put it as a top-tier AR in Season 4 for its reliability across ranges. Players who unlock the Vargo-S (free at BP tier 21) should test it in scrims, it could compete with or even replace some older ARs. In the Africa Cup, where every advantage counts, don’t hesitate to use a well-practiced Vargo-S loadout if it fits your team’s strategy. Just ensure you’ve maxed its attachments and recoil control in practice, as some players note its kick after a few shots.
    
    
• Battle Royale Updates (Arena 2.0, Tactical Bouncer): Infinity Realm also revamped BR with an Arena 2.0 mode (1v1v1v1x6 solo format) and a new Tactical Bouncer class that deploys jump pads.
   
  
  • Competitive impact: The Africa Cup is centered on Multiplayer team vs team (5v5) play, so these BR changes won’t directly affect tournament matches. However, if you’re also playing the BR side, the improved Arena is a great way to sharpen your individual gunfight skills and movement creativity (thanks to jump pads). Just remember, qualifying for the World Championship will rely on your Multiplayer prowess (Hardpoint rotations, S&D tactics, etc.), so allocate practice time accordingly.
    
    

In short, Season 4’s new content adds flavor and some quality-of-life improvements for CODM players. Next, let’s look at how Infinity Realm’s balance changes have shifted the weapon meta, crucial knowledge for picking your loadouts in the Africa Cup.
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Call of Duty Mobile Season 4 Meta Changes: Buffs, Nerfs & Strategy Shifts

Infinity Realm’s patch brought a slew of balance changes that have reshuffled the meta. Knowing these buffs/nerfs is crucial for choosing the best weapons in competitive play. Here are the highlights and how they affect tournament strategy:
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• Big Nerfs to Former Meta Guns: Several Season 3 powerhouse guns got toned down in Season 4. Notably, the MG42 LMG saw its chest damage multiplier reduced (1.1×→1×) and ADS speed penalties increased, reining in the laser-like suppressive fire it offered. The CX-9 SMG; a close-range favorite, received a flinch and mobility nerf (its CX-FR stock strafe boost dropped from +20% to +12%).
   

If the numbers are too much to take in these changes mean players might shy away from MG42 now (slower to handle in fast team fights) and be a bit less aggressive with the CX-9. The bigger translation for teams is that if your strategy relied on an MG42 anchor holding lanes, you should consider switching to a faster AR. If you loved the CX-9, note it’s still strong but no longer clearly ahead of all SMGs.

• SMGs and ARs Buffed: Season 4 handed out buffs to several weapons, breathing new life into alternatives. For example, the classic AK117 got a mobility buff (ADS move speed 3.09→3.28 m/s), and the Striker 45 SMG’s ADS time was cut down (240ms→210ms), making it snappier.
   

Meanwhile, the QQ9 SMG (MP5) received improved accuracy and a huge buff to its 10mm ammo damage. In practical terms, aggressive players now have more viable SMG options beyond the usual suspects. We might see teams experiment with a buffed QQ9 or Striker 45 for close-quarters dominance (good news for those who favor mobility, as these guns can contest the previously untouchable CX-9/Fennec combo). On the flip side, assault rifles like XM4 benefited indirectly, with the competing Type 19 (XM4’s alternate version) getting nerfs, the XM4 rises as a powerful, well-rounded rifle this season.
 

Team tip: Don’t blindly stick to last season’s loadouts. Try out the buffed guns in scrims; an unexpected weapon pick (say an aggressive QQ9 rush class) could catch opponents off-guard in a match.

• Marksman & Sniper Meta: The Type 63 semi-automatic marksman rifle has emerged as a beast. It’s now a top-tier pick for sharpshooters who can land their shots. In skilled hands, a Type 63 can hold long angles or quickly pick off multiple enemies, potentially replacing some sniper roles. Speaking of snipers, the LW3 Tundra remains the dominant sniper rifle despite a minor attachment nerf. Its high damage and range make it a favorite for Search & Destroy plays where a single pick can secure a round. We might also see the trusty DL Q33 as a close second option, but Tundra’s faster bullet velocity and reliability keep it on top.
   

Team tip: Ensure you have a talented marksman or sniper in your lineup. A Type 63 or Tundra in the right hands can anchor a lane or get an opening pick, which is invaluable in competitive rounds. Just beware that in a fast 5v5, pure snipers can be rushed, so have your sniper player coordinate with an SMG teammate for cover.

• Shotguns & the Overkill wildcard: Shotguns have made a comeback in the meta. The HS0405 got a movement speed buff (with its choke attachment) making its one-shot hipfire more viable, and other shotguns like the R9-0 are topping charts as well. With the introduction of the Overkill wildcard perk (allowing two primary weapons in one loadout) in recent seasons, players can now run an AR/SMG + Shotgun combo. This is a game-changer for objective modes: for example, a player can wield a DR-H or HVK for mid-range and instantly swap to an R9-0 to breach a hardpoint room. This could be the meta play in close-quarter maps like Shipment or Summit.
   
  
  • Advice: If Overkill is permitted in the Africa Cup (check rules), consider an Overkill loadout for your entry fragger; it’s brutal to defend against a gunfighter who can clear tight corners with a shotgun, then continue to gun at range.
    
    
• Operator Skill Tweaks: We already noted the Annihilator buff, but also note any other balance changes to tactical equipment or operator skills. Always read the full patch notes; for instance, if there were any nerfs to overused tactics like Flashbang duration or adjustments to Scorestreaks, those indirectly affect competitive strats.
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Team Tactics and Final Tips for Africa Cup Success

Having the best guns is half the battle; winning the Africa Cup will also demand top-notch teamwork, strategy, and mental fortitude. Here are some final tips to help serious players and teams level up their competitive play:
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• Master the Map Pool: Competitive CODM typically features classic maps like Standoff, Raid, Firing Range, Summit, Takeoff etc. Each map has its flow so be sure to learn power positions, common spawn points, and lineups.
   

For example, on Hardpoint Standoff, know the rotations and anchor early for the next hill; on Summit, control the power room and watch those flank routes. Since Infinity Realm didn’t add new standard maps, you can focus on the established map pool. However, balance changes might affect map weapon choices (e.g., with shotguns buffed, Summit’s interior fights could now see more R9-0 usage). Study past VODs of top teams to see how they play each map, and scrim regularly to practice executes and setups.

• Define Roles & Communication: In a 5v5 team, typical roles include Slayer, Objective (OBJ) Player, Support/Anchor, Sniper, etc. Assign roles based on each player’s strengths and your loadouts. For instance, your Aggressive SMG Rusher should be the first in the hill or entry on bomb site, supported by an AR Slayer providing cover fire. If you run a Sniper Overwatch, that player should call out enemy movements and focus on picking off high-value targets (like an enemy doing an early bomb push). Use clear, concise comms; call out enemy positions (most maps have commonly known callouts; agree on terms as a team). In the Africa Cup, where teams from different countries face off, the ones with superior coordination will outplay more fragmented teams even if individual skill is equal.
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• Adapt to Opponents: You might encounter teams of varying playstyles during the regional qualifiers. Some may play ultra-aggressive, constantly rushing; others might hold angles and play picks. Be ready to adapt. Use early rounds in a match to gauge the opponent; are they double-sniper in S&D? Are they five-man rushing hills? Adjust your strategy: e.g., if they stack the hill with Trophy Systems and defense, consider coordinating a 2–2 pinch from different sides with a well-timed frag or Predator missile. If one weapon is giving you trouble (say the enemy’s Type 63 player is locking you down), try to smoke their sightline or have two people challenge from different angles. Mid-match adjustment is a hallmark of championship teams.
  
  
  
• Utility and Scorestreak Usage: Don’t forget the importance of tactical equipment and scorestreaks. A well-timed concussion or flashbang can win a hardpoint break. A smoke grenade can allow a sneaky bomb plant or a rotation without being picked by that nasty sniper. Coordinate who carries what: e.g., two players run concussions, two run frags, one runs smoke. Similarly, decide on scorestreaks wisely. In competitive, lower-tier streaks like UAV, Predator Missile, and Cluster Strike are commonly used because they can be earned every game and directly influence the match. Higher streaks (VTOL, Stealth Chopper) are often irrelevant or banned. Having a Predator Missile ready for a Hardpoint reset can net you a double kill and hill control. A Cluster Strike called onto a hill forces enemies out of it. Make sure at least someone is running UAV (unless nearly everyone uses Cold-Blooded, UAV is still valuable for info).
  
  
  
• Leverage Your Sub (6th Player): With teams allowed a substitute, have that player scrim with you and be ready to plug in if needed. You might even strategize swapping players for specific maps (if allowed by tourney rules) e.g., a dedicated sniper for S&D map, or a shotgun specialist for a small map. A substitute can help record enemy strategies and provide moral support even if you don't swap. It’s all about maximizing your squad’s resources.
  
  

Finally, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience. This is a monumental event for African esports; the competition will be fierce, but it’s also about building the community and showcasing talent. Respect your opponents, play with sportsmanship, and whether you win or lose, learn from every match. Now, with strategy and loadouts covered, ensure you’re also technically prepared; from registering in time to having the necessary in-game resources like CP for any last-minute loadout needs. Speaking of which…
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Prepare to Compete: Registration & CP Top-up (CTA)

Time to put all this into action. Is your squad ready for the Carry1st Africa Cup 2025? If you haven’t yet, assemble your team and register for the qualifiers on the official site. Slots are limited per region, and you don’t want to miss the deadline.

Equally important is having the right in-game resources. Season 4’s meta loadouts might require new weapons or attachments. For instance, unlocking the Vargo-S assault rifle through the Battle Pass, or acquiring a specific legendary blueprint that gives you a recoil advantage. To get these, you’ll likely need CP (COD Points). This is where Carry1st has your back as well:
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• Top-up your CODM CP easily via the Carry1st Shop. The Carry1st Shop supports local African payment methods (like M-Pesa, bank transfers, and more) for a smooth transaction. No more hassle of international credit cards; you can pay in Rands, Naira, Cedis, etc., and instantly receive CP in-game.
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• Look out for discounts and bonuses. Carry1st often runs promotions and other CODM CP discounts to help stretch your budget. Take advantage of these to grab the Season 4 Battle Pass (if you haven’t already) or to snag that mythic weapon draw you’ve been eyeing. A few extra CP could mean a crucial upgrade, like a large-caliber mag attachment or an Operator you unlock, giving you the competitive edge.
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With the stakes so high, make sure to gear up. The Carry1st Shop offers safe, instant COD Point top-ups, ensuring you can unlock the Season 4 Battle Pass and meta-defining weapons without a hitch.
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Good luck, have fun, and see you in the Infinity Realm. The pride of Africa is on the line, and every match is a step towards making esports history. Now, squad up and go make Africa proud!

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