With the first content update of Apex Legends, a new weapon has made its way into the game: the Havoc. We will show you how the Havoc plays and provide some useful tips and tricks for the new assault rifle.
This is how the Havoc works: The Havoc is the first new weapon to come to Apex Legends. It is an assault rifle with energy ammunition and the ability to be equipped with different attachments. These attachments can change its behavior and even transform it into a sort of sniper rifle:
- The fire mode receiver (Selectfire Receiver) allows you to switch between automatic and semi-automatic (charged beam).
- The turbocharger (Turbocharger) removes the time it takes for the Havoc to reach its full fire rate in automatic mode.
The Havoc is a rifle with a relatively high fire rate, which, however, builds up slowly, similar to the Devotion. A magazine holds 25 shots and is consumed in about 4 seconds (without turbocharger).
In beam mode, it consumes 5 units of ammunition per shot but hits immediately. The projectiles have no travel time, but each shot also has a recharge time.
How much damage does the Havoc deal? The damage numbers of the Havoc vary between its different fire modes. There are also reports that at least in beam mode, distance plays a role.
In automatic mode:
- Body damage: 18
- Head damage: 36
In beam mode:
- Body damage: about 50
- Head damage: about 75
The numbers for the beam mode are inaccurate because there are reports from players that there is a “damage drop-off”. Damage decreases the further the target is away.
This is how the Havoc plays comparably: As an energy weapon, the Havoc can be best categorized between its counterparts, the Triple Take and the Devotion. It even takes a position fairly accurately between the sniper rifle and the light LMG.
Compared to the Devotion, the Havoc can deal high damage without quickly depleting ammunition reserves. With a turbocharger, it is even more accurate and effective but has one attachment less. (Barrel attachment)
In comparison to the Triple Take, the Havoc is not as useful at long distances. A Triple Take reliably deals damage even without a precision choke and is also stronger at shorter ranges than the Havoc with a fire mode receiver attachment. How to take down an entire squad “no scope” with a Triple Take was already shown by a gaming grandpa.
The Havoc tested – This is what our author Benedict thinks
This is how the Havoc is most effective: After several rounds with the Havoc, I find the turbocharger as an attachment to be significantly more useful than the fire mode receiver, even though I hit quite well with sniper rifles. As an assault rifle with LMG characteristics, it simply feels stronger.
The best range for the Havoc to work seems to be mid-range, with slight variations to mid-close and mid-long distances. Here, there is enough time to shower opponents with bullets and kill them before enemies can change the distance to their advantage.
Generally, you can use the Havoc in any situation where a Devotion (or Spitfire) would also be good. The Havoc has the advantage of not pulling as much and is still useful at somewhat longer distances than the LMGs.
Tips and Tricks for using the Havoc: While playing, I noticed a few things that can make playing with the Havoc easier:
- Energy ammunition is scarce, and few players carry it. So you might run out “empty” quickly during the game. Therefore, use the Havoc especially at the beginning as a strong weapon and switch it during the round.
- When the Havoc is charging, it is very loud. You will alert opposing players.
- The Havoc can only use one attachment. Save your inventory space and choose the attachment that suits you best. Don’t take both.
- The ideal scope for all modes is, in my experience, a x2-x4 optic.
- The “legendary” version of the rifle has a non-exchangeable attachment. You are better off equipping the Havoc yourself.
My opinion about the Havoc: The Havoc is a solid assault rifle and the first of its kind that I really like. I generally prefer playing with SMGs and burst rifles, depending on the situation, also with sniper rifles.
Nevertheless, the Havoc convinces me with precise handling and a strong damage output that can also take down multiple opponents in a row with well-aimed bursts.
In the earlier and mid-stages of the game, I will certainly use it more frequently until I find other weapons or run out of my energy ammunition.
What do you think of the Havoc?
The best player in the world, Dizzy, also has some suggestions for the best weapons:
