Apex Legends, like all battle royale style games, has a plethora of weapons to choose from, but within this pool of choices, some weapons have multiple built-in fire modes. Some of these options are still available, while others require an additional item. The B button will always be what toggles the fire mode, and there are a few basic rules.
- Any weapon with a burst fire mode will also have another mode
- Each assault rifle has multiple fire modes
- No pistol or light machine gun has multiple fire modes
Here's how all the modes of operation break down.
Assault rifles
HAVOC rifle
Image via RespawnItem Required: Selectfire receiver
Base Firemode: Car
Alternative firing mode: Single
The single fire mode for the HAVOC is a charged single shot that has a larger radius and can deal more than double the amount of damage of a normal HAVOC shot. This shooting mode is difficult to use, almost comparable to a shotgun.
You must press "b" to select this mode after acquiring the hop-up.
Carabine R-301 and VK-47 Flatline
Image via Respawn
Image via RespawnItem Required: No
Base Firemode: Car
Alternative firing mode: Single
The R-301 and the Flatline are almost identical in terms of fire modes. Auto-fire is much more efficient, but there's only one fire mode if you're extremely low on ammo or don't want to stage too much of a scene when dealing with a shot.
G7 Scout
Image via RespawnItem Required: Doubletap Trigger
Base Firemode: Single
Alternative firing mode: To burst
The G7 Scout is the only AR that defaults to a single fire mode, presumably because it was used as a sniper rifle. However, the burst fire mode fires two quick shots back to back and can be the extra firepower one needs in the heat of battle.
This mode is automatically selected after acquisition of the hop-up.
Hemlok Burst AR
Image via RespawnItem Required: No
Base Firemode: To burst
Alternative firing mode: Single
The Hemlok is the only AR that defaults to an exploded Firemode mode. Rapid fire bursts 3 rounds, which can cause serious damage, but if it's too unruly for you, try the only built-in fire mode. It will make you hit the fire button as fast as possible, but it can leave you more accurate shots at your target.
Other weapons
EVA-8 Auto
Item Required: Doubletap Trigger
Base Firemode: Car
Alternative firing mode: To burst
Like the G7 Scout, the EVA-8 shotgun requires the double-tap trigger to become an exploded weapon. But due to the nature of the EVA-8, if you hold down the fire key, the bursts will also be automated. It is the only exploded weapon in the game to allow automated shooting.
This mode is automatically selected after acquisition of the hop-up.
Prowler-SMG
Item Required: Selectfire receiver
Base Firemode: To burst
Alternative firing mode: Car
The Prowler is the only gun in the game to have an alternate fire mode which is noticeably more effective than its base mode. The automatic fire mode on the ranger is quick but easier to manipulate than the R-99, and is extremely lethal in close combat. If you are looking for a hidden gem, this is it.
You must press "b" to select this mode after acquiring the hop-up.
Sentinelle
Item Required: 2 shield cells
Base Firemode: Single
Alternative firing mode: Accused
It is the only sniper rifle that has two ways of firing and is not a seesaw like the other options. Instead, if you press "b" then you have at least two shield cells in your inventory. You'll use up to 2 cells and temporarily reload the weapon, allowing one shot to inflict up to 125 damage to an enemy's body shield.
Many players may think they know their favorite guns, but have you explored all the possibilities that each weapon has to offer? Perhaps a weapon you passed on in the past could be your rough diamond.
