Apex Legends Overclocked Midseason: Legend Reworks, Nerfs, and New Shotgun Hop-Up

Apex Legends' Overclocked Split 2 introduces significant meta changes in update 29.1, focusing on Legend reworks, nerfs, and a weapon meta shake-up. The developers aim for transparency, providing rationale for each adjustment based on player feedback and internal match data.

Why Wait to Tweak Axle?

Developers intentionally launch new Legends in a strong state to drive meta evolution. While Axle's launch was disruptive, waiting allowed for comprehensive data collection post-temporary unlock and initial mid-split tactical nerfs. This approach ensures well-informed decisions rather than hasty adjustments.

Legends

Axle Nerf

Axle receives nerfs to address her high pick rate and disruptive mobility. The Level 2 upgrade Super Slider is replaced with a new upgrade that reduces Tactical cooldown and increases active Nitro Gates to three. Her Kickstart Ultimate now launches victims in an arc that inherits some of their velocity, giving players more agency over their movement rather than a predictable freefall.

Ballistic Refresh

Ballistic receives a refresh to increase his pick rate and provide new counterplay. His Sling weapon now respawns with him in all modes. The Overheat mechanic for his Tactical now only applies to the active weapon, allowing players to swap to a second weapon freely. Overheat damage returns to 50, and the duration is increased to 15 seconds. His Ultimate now grants a sprint boost instead of an overall speed boost, enabling pushes without making targets too difficult to hit during combat.

New upgrades include:

• Extra Bullet: Grants one additional Tactical charge.
• Trap Mode: Modified Lasting Bullet, dealing 35 damage in its trap state.
• Quiet Time: Applies silence on hit with a short slow, no longer applying overheat.
• Killing Time: Remains the same, moved to Level 3.

Pathfinder Buff

Pathfinder receives buffs to improve his utility and safety. He now lifts his legs on horizontal ziplines to reduce his hitbox. His Tactical gains two charges with a flat 20-second cooldown. His Ultimate's zipline delivery speed is increased, and its cooldown is reduced.

Upgrades are also reworked:

• Field Research: Grants all Recon class perks, including threat vision while ADS.
• Ringmaster: Grants all Controller class perks, including overshield in the ring, Evac Tower on console use, and Hardlight reinforcement.
• Landing Gear (replaces Grapple God): Provides better air control and the Soft Landings Passive for quick recoveries.

Seer Buff

Seer receives quality-of-life improvements and increased utility. His Passive's heartbeat sensor activates faster, has more frequent heartbeats, and consistent unarmed ADS speed. His Tactical has a reduced delay between launch and hit, and its slow effect is strengthened to impede high-speed abilities. His Ultimate now includes a short initial scan upon deployment and reveals new enemies entering the zone. Cloaked enemies within the zone also leave tracked footsteps.

Mad Maggie Nerf

Mad Maggie's high performance and battlefield control are being reined in. Her Tactical cooldown is increased to encourage more deliberate usage. Her Ultimate's speed boost from pucks is replaced with a sprint boost, similar to Ballistic's change, to allow for pushes without making her too elusive in combat.

Valkyrie Nerf

Valkyrie, a top-picked Legend, receives a minor adjustment. Her improved landing recovery from Skydive is removed to establish consistency across all Legends, preventing quick drops on teams after aerial scans.

Conduit Nerf

Conduit's dominance, particularly in aggressive team compositions, is being addressed with calculated adjustments. Following a hotfix that slowed her Tactical regeneration, her Tactical cooldown is now increased. Additionally, the Enduring Barrier upgrade no longer regenerates through ring damage, restricting its use cases.

Weapons

A New Shotgun Hop-Up, and A Hop Up Shuffle

Shotguns, particularly the Mastiff and Peacekeeper, are receiving a new hop-up to improve survivability. The Executioner hop-up, available on Peacekeeper and Mastiff (replacing Disruptor Rounds and Dual Shell), initiates shield regeneration over a few seconds upon securing a knock. This aims to provide more utility in close-range encounters. The Mozambique and EVA-8 also receive minor base handling buffs. The Graffiti Mod is now available for the Volt and Flatline.

Regional Differences in Play

Weapon meta remains generally healthy, but regional playstyle differences impact balance decisions. For example, the Alternator's rising popularity, especially driven by players in Japan, highlights how regional data influences which weapons receive adjustments. This data helps the weapon meta team make informed decisions.

These changes aim to refine the competitive experience in Apex Legends. The full Patch Notes for Overclocked Split 2 will be released on June 22nd, 2026.