The Charge Rifle is an underrated Sniper in Apex Legends. If you usually skip it for something a little easier to use, you might be interested in our guide – as it is arguably the most powerful Sniper in the game aside from the Kraber.
You heard us right. The Charge Rifle is unbelievably good, but it takes a little practice. It doesn’t fire like most Snipers, given its large payload, but if you can land your shots, you can pack a punch.
It has many features that most other weapons do not have. Here’s everything you need to know about the Charge Rifle so you can use it effectively next time on the Outlands.
Apex Legends Charge Rifle damage stats
The Charge Rifle is one of the hardest to hit weapons in the game. After all, it is a Sniper. However, it has some advantages over its rivals. The Charge Rifle deals 100% leg damage, and hits like a truck when it does.
These are the numbers you need to know:
| Body part | Damage |
| Head | 56 (1.25x) |
| Body | 45 |
| Legs | 45 |
With a rate of fire of 30 RPM (0.5 shots per second), this gives the Charge Rifle a DPS of 28 for headshots and 22.5 for body shots, which is when you hit the last beam.
This may seem low, but since it hits hard, you only need two or three shots to take down an enemy from all over.
The Charge Rifle is unlike any other Sniper in Apex Legends. In the right hands is to be feared.
Best Charge Rifle Attachments
The Charge Rifle has only two sets of attachments: Optics and Stocks. However, you can equip almost any scope in the game on the Sniper. Here’s a list of the eligible optics:
- 1x hall
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 1x-2x variable holo
- 6x sniper
- 3x HCOG “Ranger”
- 2x-4x variable AOG
- 4x-8x variable sniper
- 4x-10x digital sniper threat
We recommend using the largest scope possible, so the 4x-8x Variable and the 4x-10x Digital Threat are perfect.
As for Sniper Stocks, just look for a purple one. And remember, if it’s not on the floor, check to see if it’s in the craft rotation!
Use the hit scan of the Charge Rifle
The Charge Rifle is the only weapon in Apex Legends that is ‘hit scan’. That means that if you click, you do immediate damage. While it takes a while for the full damage to come through, the first taps – three damage each with a maximum of 45 – can still be a game changer.
If you’re shooting from a long distance, you should use this hit scan. It will be a test of your tracking, but it is a lot easier than assessing bullet drop. It is also completely accurate during hip firing, although you will need to shake a bit before firing.
The Charge Rifle is great at dealing damage to charge Evo Shields early.
Use the Charge Rifle to farm Evo Shields early
While you can take the Charge Rifle with you throughout the game, it is most effective in the early game. Why? With its massive damage, if you can boost a handhold in the zone early in the game, you can deal damage to your Evo Shields using the Charge Rifle.
By giving it to a mobile legend like Octane, Wraith, or Loba, they can start sniffing enemies, grabbing Red Armor, delivering it to the rest of your teammates, and going on another expedition. This allows you to prepare for late game combat without taking too much risk.
You’ll likely want to drop off the Charge Rifle for another late game weapon – a drop care package, or maybe loot from an enemy death box. Once you use your red shields, you are ready to take on any team and become the champion.
However, if you are confident enough with the sniper and your tracking, you can use it until late in the game. Make sure to switch the visor to something closer, such as a 2x or 3x HCOG.
Hopefully with these tips you will master the Charge Rifle in no time. Check out more Apex Legends tutorials and news @RTLnews on Twitter.