The latest update for Apex Legends has introduced a sweeping set of balance changes to the weapon pool. Respawn Entertainment is clearly moving toward a higher lethality meta by buffing the most iconic assault rifles and submachine guns in the game. These changes focus on rewarding precision while making several underused weapons more viable in both ranked and casual play.
Iconic assault rifles receive damage buffs
For several seasons the assault rifle class has felt overshadowed by powerful marksman weapons. In Season 27 the two most popular rifles in the game are receiving a direct increase to their base damage to reclaim their spot at the top of the food chain.
- Flatline: Damage has been increased to 20 per shot, up from 19. This change significantly improves its “one clip” potential against high tier armor.
- R-301 Carbine: Damage has been increased to 15 per shot, up from 14. This brings the laser accurate rifle back into the top tier for mid range engagements.
These adjustments mean that players who can control the recoil of the Flatline or the R-301 will find it much easier to secure eliminations before an enemy can reach cover, and also that we’ll be updating our Apex Legends weapon tier list for season 27 soon! The extra point of damage may seem small but it changes the “bullets to kill” threshold across almost every armor tier.
Flatline vs R-301: Time to kill analysis
Understanding the time to kill (TTK) is essential for choosing the right primary weapon in Season 27. While both rifles are extremely viable, the data shows a clear trade off between raw power and ease of use.
- Flatline: With its increased damage of 20, the Flatline now kills slightly faster against higher tier armor. However, its slower fire rate and horizontal recoil require more practice to master.
- R-301 Carbine: At 15 damage per shot, the R-301 remains the more forgiving option. Its faster rate of fire and vertical recoil pattern make it much easier to “one clip” enemies at mid range even if a few shots miss.
As seen in the chart, the Flatline generally has a faster theoretical TTK against Red Armor, but the R-301’s consistency often makes it the more reliable choice for most players.
Prowler selectfire and burst improvements
The Prowler PDW has seen a massive upgrade in Season 27 aimed at making it more reliable in close quarters combat. Fans of the full auto version of this weapon will be pleased to see the return of its lethality when equipped with specific upgrades.
- Burst delay: The delay between bursts has been decreased, allowing for much faster sustained fire in the standard fire mode.
- Selectfire buff: When using the Selectfire mode the damage has been increased to 17 per shot, up from 16.
By reducing the burst delay the weapon feels much more fluid in high pressure situations. The damage buff to the Selectfire mode specifically makes the Prowler a terrifying alternative to the R-99 or the Volt for those who prefer more fire control and a larger magazine.
LMG and projectile size adjustments
To help several weapons feel more consistent at various ranges Respawn has adjusted projectile sizes and energize durations. These changes are designed to help players land shots more reliably without needing perfect aim.
- L-STAR: Projectile size has been increased both initially and over distance, making it much easier to hit moving targets from the hip or at mid range.
- RE-45 and Mozambique: Both sidearms have received increased projectile sizes at close range to help with target acquisition during frantic early game scrambles.
- Rampage LMG: The energized state now lasts for 120 seconds instead of 90. Additionally the total number of shots available while “revved up” has been slightly increased.
The RE-45 has also received improved recoil control to make it a more viable secondary weapon when compared to the P2020 or the Wingman. These changes ensure that the “floor loot” feels powerful enough to win initial drop fights.
FAQ: New weapon buffs in season 27 Apex Legends
What is the new damage for the R-301 in Season 27?
The R-301 Carbine has received a buff increasing its damage from 14 to 15 per shot, making it more lethal at mid range.
Did the Flatline get buffed in the latest update?
Yes, the Flatline damage has been increased to 20 per bullet, which improves its efficiency against red and purple armor.
How does the Prowler Selectfire change work?
In Season 27, the Prowler deals 17 damage per shot when using Selectfire. Additionally, the standard burst delay has been reduced for faster firing.
What happened to the Rampage energize duration?
The Rampage LMG now stays energized for 120 seconds, and the total number of revved up shots has been increased for better sustained fire.
