Pro gamers explain why the Charge Rifle’s zero-risk gameplay needs urgent balancing changes in Apex Legends
The Professional Perspective: Hal and Xera’s Unified Stance
Professional Apex Legends competitors Phillip ‘ImperialHal’ Dosen and Nelson ‘Xera’ Medina from FURIA have reached a consensus regarding one of the game’s most contentious firearms.
Both elite players independently concluded that the Charge Rifle’s current ground loot status creates problematic gameplay dynamics that warrant care package relocation.
The weapon has sparked continuous debate since its 2019 introduction, but recent competitive experiences have intensified professional criticism. Xera’s April 11 social media post highlighted how Realm gameplay reinforced his perspective: “The gun is so ridiculously unfun and way too rewarding for how low skill it is.”
ImperialHal’s immediate endorsement and sarcastic reply—”You don’t like getting shot from 200 meters away while also having to calculate a 3v3? Just don’t get shot lol”—demonstrates shared frustration among top-tier competitors.
Understanding the Charge Rifle Problem
The core issue stems from the Charge Rifle’s unique mechanical advantage: complete absence of projectile drop despite its sniper classification. This creates theoretically infinite effective range without requiring leading targets or elevation adjustments that other snipers demand.
This leads to oppressive scenarios where teams become pinned by distant opponents with minimal counterplay options. Once visual contact establishes, the continuous laser beam inflicts consistent damage while exposing the target to additional threats.
ImperialHal’s additional commentary reveals strategic adaptations professionals must employ: “He also noted that he’ll rush into fights, even at a disadvantage, if there is a Charge Rifle in the area targeting him and his squad.” This demonstrates how the weapon forces suboptimal engagement decisions.
The risk-reward calculus becomes severely imbalanced—minimal positioning requirements for the user create maximum disruption for opponents, fundamentally altering how teams approach rotational gameplay and zone control.
Practical Strategies for Dealing with Charge Rifle Users
When facing Charge Rifle pressure, prioritize breaking line of sight immediately. Utilize natural cover, building structures, or terrain dips to neutralize the weapon’s primary advantage. Remember that the charging sound provides audio cues—use this to identify sniper positions and plan rotations accordingly.
Coordinate smoke abilities from Bangalore or defensive legends like Gibraltar to create visual barriers. The Charge Rifle’s beam becomes visible through smoke, revealing user positions while protecting your team from accurate fire.
Advanced counter-strategy: If pinned by multiple Charge Rifles, consider the “Hal approach”—committing to an aggressive push despite numerical disadvantage. The weapon becomes significantly less effective in close-quarters combat, and many users lack proficiency with secondary weapons.
Common mistake: Remaining stationary while trading shots at extreme distances. The Charge Rifle user maintains all advantages in these exchanges. Instead, reposition constantly and force them to readjust their aim between charges.
Community Division and Future Outlook
The player base remains sharply divided regarding the Charge Rifle’s place in Apex Legends. Some consider it a balanced weapon with clear drawbacks, while others view it as a low-skill crutch that undermines competitive integrity.
This isn’t the weapon’s first controversy—earlier this year, a battle pass skin received widespread mockery for its unusual design. However, the current debate focuses on fundamental gameplay impact rather than cosmetic appearances.
As Xera noted in his follow-up comment: “oh trust me when playing no zone beacon im practically taking a 3v4 or even 3v5 because of charge lol”—highlighting how the weapon effectively creates numerical disadvantages through area denial.
The growing professional consensus suggests Respawn Entertainment may need to address these concerns in future updates. Care package placement would maintain the weapon’s unique identity while reducing its frequency in standard gameplay, potentially satisfying both competitive and casual perspectives.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » ImperialHal & other Apex Legend pros want the “unfun” Charge Rifle changed Pro gamers explain why the Charge Rifle's zero-risk gameplay needs urgent balancing changes in Apex Legends