update · August 14, 2025
THE FINALS Update 7.9 Patch Notes: Head 2 Head Mode and Weapon Balancing
THE FINALS Update 7.9 introduces the Head 2 Head limited-time mode, XP boosts, Open Qualifier sign-ups for the Grand Major 2025, and weapon balance adjustments.
Embark Studios has launched Update 7.9 for THE FINALS, adding a new 3v3 limited-time mode called Head 2 Head, global esports open qualifiers, end-of-season XP overrides, and targeted adjustments to gadgets, weapons, and map collisions.
New Head 2 Head Mode and Seasonal Events
Head 2 Head pits Sponsor against Sponsor in a 3v3 round with fast, unlimited respawns and the Nedstrike gameshow event. Completing event contracts grants free rewards, including VAIIYA and CNS-themed skins. A seasonal XP override grants 200% XP for daily contracts and up to 150% XP and Fans for standard gameplay until the end of the season. Players can also register teams starting today for the Open Qualifiers leading to DreamHack Stockholm.
Weapon and Gadget Balance Changes
The Goo Grenade cooldown increases from 20 to 30 seconds to curb field disruption. The 93R rate of fire drops from 220 to 210. The Cerberus 12GA decreases its pellet spread radius by roughly 10% and increases its environmental heat application from 2.5 to 7.5, allowing it to ignite toxic gas clouds in a single shot. The Model 1887 maximum ammo capacity rises from 6 to 7. The Sledgehammer secondary attack damage increases from 154 to 175, and the Sword gains an expanded vertical lunge rotation clamp from 40 to 90 degrees.
Mode and Quality of Life Updates
World Tour Cashout matches revert a previous change: un-delivered vaults and cash boxes will no longer despawn when overtime begins. Ranked mode retains the despawn rule. A long-requested 'Stay as a Party' option now appears on the end-of-round screen. Additionally, larger trees now feature sturdier trunks requiring more bullets to destroy for cover.
Rendering and Technical Improvements
The update adds support for AMD FSR 3 Frame Generation, pauses DLSS Frame Generation in fullscreen menus to prevent UI rendering artifacts, and updates AMD FSR version 3.1.3 to 3.1.4. The development team is also running a technical test of Denuvo Anti-Cheat on Xbox for Windows as part of ongoing security evaluations.
Why this patch matters
Update 7.9 delivers meaningful adjustments to underused weapons like the Cerberus 12GA and Model 1887 while setting the stage for competitive esports integration.