Apex Legends Season 18: Charge Rifle Overhaul, Legendary Return of Disruptor Rounds

Highlights

Apex Legends season 18 brings a major rework for Revenant, as well as the weapon meta.

The weapon meta has undergone several changes, including a major overhaul of the Charge Rifle, a decrease in power for SMGs, the transition of the Prowler to Care Package Drops, and the reintroduction of Disruptor Rounds. These rounds inflict additional damage to shields and can now be equipped on both the Alternator and Peacekeeper.

Apex Legends season 18, Resurrection, is just around the corner, bringing a multitude of changes to the game. One of the major updates is the revamping of Revenant, the Simulacrum Assassin. He now possesses the ability to detect enemies with low health, in addition to his existing wall climbing and crouch speed capabilities. His tactical also allows him to leap similar distances as an Octane Jump Pad, and his Ultimate summons a defensive wall of Shadows to attack enemies. As Apex Legends is known for its ambitious nature, these changes are substantial. Alongside this, there are significant alterations to the weapon meta.

Our team at Game Rant recently attended a Respawn Entertainment panel for Apex Legends season 18, where lead weapons designer Eric Canavese highlighted these modifications. More details will likely be revealed in the launch patch notes, but for now, fans can anticipate a noteworthy rework of the Charge Rifle, a general reduction in effectiveness for SMGs this season, and the reintroduction of disruptor rounds. Additionally, the Prowler with Selectfire attachment will now be found in Care Package Drops, while the Hemlock Rifle returns to ground loot with improved stats compared to its previous version.

The Charge Rifle Rework takes into account certain factors in the meta, but rest assured, fans needn't be concerned. While there have been changes to its functionality, it still reigns supreme as the utmost proficient long-range sniper rifle in Apex Legends. It simply requires a heightened level of skill for effective utilization. Furthermore, its damage output amplifies as the target's distance increases, although it necessitates charging before use. Additionally, it no longer possesses hit scan capabilities, instead transforming into a projectile-based armament.

Apex Legends S18 Weapon Changes

Complete Charge Rifle ReworkRemoves hit scan and pre-beam laser

Becomes a projectile-based weapon with bullet drop

Adjusts all Handling Timings

Players must hold the trigger to charge the rifle. If released early, the charge will fall off.

Can equip weapon mags again.

Base ammo count: 1

Prowler goes into the Care Package with Selectfire

Hemlock becomes a ground weapon (DMG and Recoil Buff from last on-ground stats)

R-99 NerfedMore recoil

The ammo count is being nerfed.

All SMGs get a Strafe Speed and Headshot multiplier nerf

Mastiff Blast Pattern tightened

Disruptor Rounds are back. Can be equipped to the Alternator and Peacekeeper

And MORE!

Apex Legends' early adopters may recall the terror of the immensely powerful Disruptor Rounds during Season 2. These rounds were reintroduced and subsequently removed, as is common in live-service games. It will be intriguing to witness their impact on the meta this time around. Naturally, those equipped with Disruptor Rounds will aim to exploit their bonus damage on Shields to weaken enemies, after which they can switch to a higher-impact weapon for body damage. However, a notable change lies in the availability of these rounds. This season, besides the Alternator, the Peacekeeper will also be compatible with Disruptor Rounds for the first time, undoubtedly elevating its status in the meta.

It is yet to be determined how these changes will impact season 18 of Apex Legends, but it appears that Respawn Entertainment is incorporating some of the ideas discussed here. Apex Legends is currently accessible for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.