I promise to keep the puns about the C.A.R. SMG’s name to a minimum. So, what is the C.A.R.? The C.A.R. SMG or Combat Advanced Round SMG is the only weapon in the game that can utilize both Heavy and Light ammo. This feature has made it one of the most popular and sought-after weapons in the game – even more so if we take its stats into consideration as well.
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The C.A.R. SMG: A Pocket Assault Rifle
In many regards, the C.A.R. SMG is a pocket assault rifle. High damage, combined with high accuracy at range has made the C.A.R. a preferred choice, even when compared to other assault rifles *cough* the Havoc *cough*. But this quality of the C.A.R. SMG has also brought it scrutiny from many players within the Apex Legends community. A debate that has been raging on for ages is, “should the C.A.R. be reclassified as an assault rifle?” But with the introduction of the Nemesis, any hopes of a reclassification some players might have had have been thoroughly crushed.
The Stats of the C.A.R. SMG
Let’s see what all the fuss is about.
| Target | Mods | DMG | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.5x) | – | 20 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 16 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 |
| Head | Lvl. 2/3 | 15 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Body | – | 13 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
| Body | Fort | 11 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
| Legs (0.8x) | – | 10 | 10 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 |
| Legs | Fort | 9 | 12 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 25 |
As can be seen from the table, the damage per bullet of the C.A.R. is fairly respectable for an SMG. Not as high as the Alternator or the Volt even, but definitely higher than the R-99. Its rate of fire is likewise impressive. The damage per second that the C.A.R. can output becomes all the more attractive, which is the exact reason many players prefer this gun to others.
A gun is only as good as its attachments though (at least in Apex Legends). So let’s take a look at what you can attach to the C.A.R.
Attachments for the C.A.R. SMG
When it comes to attachments, the C.A.R. SMG is unique as well. But not in a good sense. Usually, most weapons have 4 attachment slots, while the C.A.R. only has 3. These are:
- Extended Heavy Mag
- Extended Light Mag
- Standard Stock
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 1x Holo
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 1x Digital Threat
The lack of a barrel attachment really hampers the C.A.R., but seeing as its stats are already pretty impressive, this decision might have been necessary. Let’s take a look now at how you should ideally run it.
Ideal C.A.R. Set-Up
If RNJesus is pleased with you that day, you should ideally kit out your C.A.R. in the following order. For starters, locate a Legendary Heavy or Light Mag as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter which one you find as long as it’s shiny and golden. Then, locate either a 2x HCOG “Bruiser” or a 1x Digital Threat. And finally, you should grab an Epic Standard Stock.
You’re going to be expending a lot of ammo with this thing, so, in an ironic sense, it’s good that it can take two types of ammo. This is all the more reason to find a legendary mag as soon as possible. It will make your life easier tremendously.
The C.A.R. Compared to the Volt, Which is Better?
Usually, these 2 SMGs are often described as “pocket assault rifles”, a reputation which has led to them often being pitted against each other. So, which one is better in the end?
And the answer is *drumroll*…Whichever you prefer.
Hold your horses now, let me explain. The reason that this question comes down to personal preference is that performance-wise at least, the guns are very similar. On paper, the C.A.R. has more DPS than the Volt, that’s true. But that’s considering all shots hit their mark, which is highly unlikely. In almost any engagement in Apex, there’s constant running around, bobbing and weaving, dodging and sliding… the list goes on. As such, you’re not guaranteed to hit every shot. The C.A.R. is better if you want more utility out of a gun, while the Volt is better if you want to have the ability to run and gun, as that laser sight attachment on it really helps.
Potential Balance Changes for the C.A.R. in the Future
As it currently stands, the C.A.R. is unlikely to get rebalanced in the near future. But if it did, I would like to see the inclusion of a barrel attachment or a laser sight attachment slot. Although, that seems highly unlikely as well. Seeing as the C.A.R. is constantly contending for the #1 SMG slot, if it received an extra attachment slot, then it would definitely be the undisputed king of the SMGs.
