Charge Rifles Can Now Break Doors in Apex Legends But Even That Won’t Convince Players to Use It
Apex Legends Season 23, From the Rift, has arrived with loads of exciting changes, offering something for just about every type of player. From the new Launch Royale mode, which takes fans back to the early days of Apex with a twist, to the introduction of new game mechanics and balance changes, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Additionally, Respawn announced that the Charge Rifle can now break doors. On paper, this might sound like a good change as it adds a new utility to the weapon. But despite this new feature, the weapon will still struggle to find its place in the spotlight. After the rework which made its skill ceiling very high, this tweak alone won’t be enough to revive it as a top choice in the meta.
Apex Legends‘ Recent Change To Charge Rifle Won’t Make It Viable Again
In Season 23, Respawn added the ability for the Charge Rifle to break doors, aiming to give the weapon more utility and relevance in the current meta. While breaking down doors can certainly be useful, adding this layer of tactical value allows players to create openings in tough positions without needing shotguns or grenades. On paper, this sounds like a good change.
However, the reality is that this additional utility alone won’t convince many players to pick up the Charge Rifle more often. The weapon still struggles with the same core issues it has faced since its major rework in Season 18.
Oops! We missed a Patch Note.
— Respawn (@Respawn) November 14, 2024
-With the launch of From the Rift in @PlayApex, Charge Rifles now have the power to break down doors.
Happy hunting, legends 🎯
Still not gonna use them after you messed with them…
— AzrielNoWorries (@MinionakaAzriel) November 14, 2024
Revert it to the original & while you're at it, revert Rev to his original as well.
— VixTrilogy✟ (@BipolarVix) November 14, 2024
Now revert charge rifles back to how they were thanks
— m999 (@m999_ae) November 14, 2024
The comments are clear: many players long for the Charge Rifle’s glory days before its major rework. While the rework was necessary to balance the weapon, the changes went too far, leaving the Charge Rifle in a state where it’s no longer viable.
The changes included in the Season 18 rework were: it was no longer a hitscan weapon, and the pre-shot laser was removed. While the damage output was buffed for distant targets, the addition of bullet drop made the weapon less reliable than a traditional sniper rifle. Previously, the lack of bullet drop and the pre-shot laser were what gave the weapon an edge over other snipers, making it a more consistent choice for long-range combat.
These changes made the weapon from an easy-to-use weapon into one that requires more skill and precision. This made the players gravitate towards other weapons which were more reliable and had forgiving mechanics. Weapons like the Longbow and Kraber have stepped in as easier, more consistent long-range alternatives.
The Charge Rifle Will Remain a Niche Weapon
The Charge Rifle’s new ability to break doors in Season 23 adds some utility, but it’s not enough to elevate the weapon back into the meta. While the changes in Season 23: From the Rift provide a slight boost, the Charge Rifle’s inherent design flaws still make it flawed, meaning it still won’t be a go-to choice for most players.
If players want to see how good the weapon was before its rework, they must try the Launch Royale Mode which will take players back to the original versions of the maps, along with the legend abilities and weapons that defined Apex Legends at launch. It will be a nostalgic throwback for veteran players, while also serving as a fresh challenge for newer ones.
However, in the regular mode, while the tweaks and new utility are a nice addition, the Charge Rifle will likely remain a niche weapon. It’s suited only for those who enjoy its high-skill, long-range playstyle. For most players, though, it’s still easier to reach for a weapon that’s simpler to use and more reliable in a variety of combat situations.
In the end, if Respawn really wants to make the Charge Rifle viable again, it’ll need to do more than just add utility. Until then, the Charge Rifle will remain a weapon with a great past, no matter how many doors it can break.
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