Discover why ImperialHal considers the CAR SMG an underrated gem in Apex Legends with expert tips and strategies
The Overlooked Powerhouse: CAR SMG’s Hidden Potential
Professional Apex Legends competitor Philip ‘ImperialHal’ Dosen has identified the CAR SMG as a severely undervalued weapon that delivers exceptional performance when mastered properly.
Despite being frequently ignored by the broader player base, ImperialHal maintains that the CAR SMG possesses ‘insane’ combat capabilities that rival more popular alternatives.
Originally introduced during Season 11’s Evolution update, the CAR remained largely neglected as most competitors gravitated toward established SMG favorites. This perception shifted dramatically when Respawn Entertainment removed the Volt from standard loot pools and designated it as a care package exclusive during the Defiance season. The community gradually recognized the CAR’s legitimate competitive value, with ImperialHal reinforcing this perspective during recent streaming sessions. He emphasized that while professional players and influencers rarely showcase the weapon, this doesn’t reflect its actual combat effectiveness.
Respawn EntertainmentSeason 11 marked the CAR SMG’s debut in Apex Legends arsenal.
Understanding the CAR’s Place in Current Meta
During his February 21 broadcast, ImperialHal dedicated significant attention to analyzing the CAR SMG’s strategic positioning within the current weapon hierarchy. While acknowledging it doesn’t dominate the absolute top tier, he attributed its limited adoption primarily to visibility issues rather than performance deficiencies.
The CAR occupies a unique middle ground between the lightning-fast R99 and the burst-heavy Prowler. Its 0.27-second reload time with an empty magazine outperforms both competitors, while its 13.5 damage per shot sits comfortably between the R99’s 11 and Prowler’s 15. What truly sets the CAR apart is its unparalleled ammunition flexibility – capable of utilizing both Light and Heavy rounds, making it exceptionally versatile during extended engagements where ammo conservation becomes critical.
ImperialHal’s analysis reveals a crucial psychological component driving weapon popularity. Players frequently dismiss the CAR because they rarely witness their preferred streamers dominating ranked matches with it. Additionally, since its initial release, the weapon has never been officially branded as meta-defining, causing it to perpetually remain a secondary choice behind more established options. However, with the Volt’s removal from standard rotation, the CAR finally receives its deserved recognition as a viable close-range alternative.
Mastering the CAR: Advanced Techniques and Strategies
Transitioning from the R99 or Prowler to the CAR requires understanding its distinct handling characteristics. The weapon’s 930 rounds-per-minute fire rate demands precise control, but rewards players with devastating close-quarters potential.
Recoil Mastery Techniques: The CAR features a predictable vertical recoil pattern that can be mastered with consistent practice. Unlike the R99’s horizontal bounce, the CAR primarily moves upward with minimal side-to-side deviation. Practice controlling bursts of 10-15 rounds in the firing range, focusing on pulling straight downward. The pattern becomes significantly more manageable with a purple stock, reducing sway by approximately 30%.
Optimal Engagement Ranges: Maximize the CAR’s effectiveness by engaging within 15-30 meters. Beyond this distance, damage falloff substantially reduces its lethality. The weapon excels in building clearing, close-quarters rotations, and finishing weakened opponents. Its high DPS (damage per second) of 162 makes it lethal against unshielded targets, while its manageable recoil allows for consistent headshot placement.
Attachment Priority: Focus on securing a Level 3 or 4 Extended Magazine first, as the CAR benefits tremendously from additional ammunition capacity. The horizontal recoil reduction from higher-tier stocks dramatically improves tracking accuracy. For optics, the 1x Holographic or 1x-2x Variable provides optimal target acquisition without obstructing peripheral vision.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many players struggle with the CAR due to several preventable errors that undermine its effectiveness. Understanding these pitfalls dramatically improves performance with this underappreciated weapon.
Over-spraying: The CAR’s rapid fire rate encourages wasting ammunition. Instead of holding the trigger indefinitely, practice controlled 15-round bursts that allow for recoil reset and conserve ammo. Time your reloads during natural combat pauses rather than waiting for complete depletion.
Range Mismanagement: Engaging beyond 40 meters significantly reduces the CAR’s effectiveness. If opponents maintain distance, transition to your secondary weapon rather than attempting inefficient long-range sprays. The CAR works best as a primary close-range tool complemented by a mid-range secondary like the Flatline or R-301.
Attachment Neglect: Underestimating the importance of stock attachments represents a common error. The CAR’s stability improvements from higher-tier stocks substantially impact beam consistency. Prioritize finding at least a blue stock before committing to extended engagements.
Rather than automatically selecting the R99 or Prowler, consider giving the CAR SMG a genuine opportunity. While its aggressive fire rate presents initial challenges, mastering its recoil pattern unlocks tremendous damage output at close ranges. Though it may not dominate tier lists, the CAR unquestionably holds strategic value in the current meta, especially with the Volt’s care package designation creating new close-range opportunities.
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