Alongside the launch of today’s Chaos Theory event, Respawn have also rolled out a major new Apex Legends update, which includes a range of nerfs and buffs for the game’s roster of playable Legends. Most particularly, these include changes for Caustic, Pathfinder, and Rampart.
Apex Legends Chaos Theory Update: Legend Changes
The new Apex Legends Chaos Theory event is themed largely around Caustic, with the addition of a new Caustic Town Takeover on Kings Canyon, and so on. As such, it’s no surprise that he also get some changes in today’s update. Unfortunately for Caustic players, the changes are all nerfs. “Caustic is brutally effective at slowing down engagements,” explains Respawn; “It’s proven to be too oppressive in too many scenarios […]”. The cooldown for Caustic’s Nox Gas Grenade has gone up from 2.5 minutes to 3.5, while his Nox Gas damage has gone down. Instead of dealing 6hp and ramping up to 12, it will now deal a flat rate of 5hp per tick.
Following on from Caustic’s nerf, several other Legends have also been hit with nerfs in today’s update. Pathfinder, for example, has had his Low Profile removed. “Low Profile has been used as a balancing tool for both mobile and/or small legends,” explains Respawn; “Although Path is still mobile, his hitbox is large. While his overall win rate and encounter win rate is by no means low, it’s hard to justify keeping Low Profile on a hitbox of his size”. Finally, Gibraltar has lost the 15% faster heal item usage effect within his Dome of Protection, while Horizon’s Black Hole cooldown has gone up 150% to 3 minutes.
Despite these nerfs, there are nonetheless a few buffs in today’s update too. Wattson, for example, has gained passive shield regen of 0.5 hp per second. Revenant’s Silence ability has gained no utility, since it will now disable both Mirage’s cloaked respawn and revive and Octane’s Swift Mend ability. Finally, Rampart has received some changes. Specifically, explosives will now damage her Amped Cover and Sheila normally, rather than inflicting a set amount of damage.