The Bocek is one of the more interesting weapons in Apex Legends, probably the most interesting one actually. It’s a bow; something that seems quite obsolete when compared to the different gunpowder and energy weapons that Apex Legends has.
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The Bocek, a Weapon From a More Civilized Age
Here’s a fun historical fact about bows that you might have not known. Historically, the church tried to ban the use of bows, as they were seen as an undignified way of dying because of how effective they were at killing. But is the same true for the Bocek in Apex? Well… kind of; here’s the issue with the Bocek. Across the different seasons, the Bocek has either been a weapon that spawns on the ground which players mostly avoided or a care package drop that’s really powerful but isn’t guaranteed. So, the weapon has been in sort of a perpetual state of limbo, if you will.
The Stats of the Bocek Compound Bow
The Bocek has a similar mechanic to the 30-30. Whereas with the 30-30 you have to charge your shots, with the Bocek you have to draw your shots fully if you want to get the most out of them.
Here’s the damage table for a minimum draw:
| Target | Mods | DMG | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.25x) | – | 31 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 30 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 28 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 27 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Body | – | 25 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Body | Fort | 21 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Legs (0.8x) | – | 20 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Legs | Fort | 17 | 6 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
And here’s the damage table for a fully drawn shot:
| Target | Mods | DMG | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.75x) | – | 123 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 112 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 96 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 88 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Body | – | 70 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Body | Fort | 60 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Legs (0.9x) | – | 63 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Legs | Fort | 54 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
There’s no competition. You should always be fully drawing your shots, if you don’t, you’re just wasting ammo.
Attachments for the Bocek Compound Bow
Not a lot of options here.
- Shatter Caps
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 1x Holo
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 3x HCOG “Ranger”
It’s a bit redundant to list all the other optics other than the 3x HCOG “Ranger”, as that’s the optic it comes with when you loot it off a care package. But still, even though it isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s important to cover it.
Ideal Bocek Compound Bow Set-Up
Seeing as the Bocek is a care package drop, there isn’t really much you can do, as it already comes fully kitted out with the ideal attachments. But, in case the Bocek loses its mythic status in the future, here’s how you should kit it out.
Firstly, find a 3x HCOG “Ranger” or a 2x HCOG “Bruiser”. If it’s available, install a Shatter Caps Hop-Up for added utility. The reasons you want to grab the Ranger and the Bruiser in my opinion is because of their superior sight picture and profile, while the Shatter Caps is a no-brainer. Having the ability to turn your weapon into a shotgun is the cherry on top for the Bocek.
Can the Bocek Compete With the Other Marksman Weapons?
Definitely! Not only does it compete, but it can also dominate them. The only thing that may be able to match it is a fully kitted-out G7 Scout, and that’s a big “maybe.” But, it has a major drawback (I swear this is not a pun I’m trying to make.).
The Bocek has a horrendous fall-off on its rounds, which is expected of a bow. But, being a marksman weapon, you primarily want to use this weapon at medium range. And with a major fall-off and relatively slow rate of fire, that just isn’t a great combination. However! If you manage to get into the optimal range with the Bocek, then its true potential is unleashed! With a high damage per shot and exceptional accuracy, this thing is a force to be reckoned with for sure.
Potential Balance Changes for the Bocek in the Future
The most realistic scenario we could potentially see with the Bocek is it getting its Mythic weapon privileges revoked. Then, it is back to being an unremarkable weapon for the Bocek. Such is the fate with the marksman weapons, one season they’re impeccable, while another season they’re in the dumps. The Bocek is peculiar among the marksman weapons as it is usually the one that gets shafted the most.
