Now, if you’re wondering why the Longbow DMR is classified as a sniper, while the G7 Scout isn’t, even though they work in a similar way, then we’re in the same boat. Apex Legends is very weird when it comes to its naming conventions for the different weapons. The C.A.R. SMG is more akin to a carbine than an SMG, yet it still falls under the SMG category. And I don’t even know what the deal is with the Mozambique. While a pistol shotgun isn’t unheard of, it’s definitely unpractical, especially if you value the health of your wrist joints.
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How Does the Longbow DMR Perform Compare to its Brethren?
When I say its brethren I mean the other snipers as well as the marksman weapons, as this thing really has a bit of both in the way it operates. It has the high rate of fire that we’ve come to expect from the Marksman Weapons, but also the high damage per shot that the sniper rifles have. So, where does the Longbow DMR fall in then? With the Sniper rifles or with the Marksman rifles?
The answer to that question is, “depends on the season.” In one season the Longbow performs more as a marksman weapon, with a high rate of fire but lower damage, while in another season it has high damage, but a lower rate of fire and higher dispersion to compensate.
The Stats of the Longbow DMR
Let’s see what the Longbow DMR is capable of.
| Target | Mods | DMG | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (2.15x) | – | 118 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 106 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 87 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 77 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Body | – | 55 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Body | Fort | 47 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Legs (0.9x) | – | 50 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Legs | Fort | 42 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Impressive, most impressive. I guess this is the reason why even though it operates as a marksman weapon, it is anything but that. This damage is further increased if you have a Skullpiercer Hop-Up installed – the more the merrier, right?
Attachments for the Longbow DMR
Unlike some of its counterparts, the Longbow DMR can fit 5 different attachments, these are:
- Barrel Stabilizer
- Extended Sniper Mag
- Sniper Stock
- Skullpiercer Rifling
- 1x Holo
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 6x Sniper
- 3x HCOG “Ranger”
- 2x-4x Variable AOG
- 4x-8x Variable Sniper
- 4x-10x Digital Sniper Threat
The longbow probably has the longest list of available attachments of any gun in the game, and it definitely needs them as it’s one of those guns that shines later into the match when it’s fully kitted out. Speaking of kitting out the Longbow, we discuss the ideal setup below
Ideal Longbow DMR Set-Up
Start by finding an Epic Barrel Stabilizer first. Follow that up with either a 3x HCOG “Ranger” or a 4x-8x Variable Sniper. After that, grab a Legendary Extended Sniper Mag, and then an Epic Sniper Stock. If it’s available, always install a Skullpiercer Rifling Hop-Up, there’s just no reason not to.
The Longbow suffers from poor dispersion, which is why a barrel stabilizer is an utmost priority. Its iron sights and unupgraded magazine size are alright at the start, which is why you don’t need to rush them. And finally, the reason you want to go with either the 3x scope or the variable 4x-8x scope is because you should use this thing to harass before closing in. You really don’t want to have sniper duels with this thing, as its dispersion, even with an epic barrel stabilizer, is still quite poor.
Longbow DMR vs G7 Scout?
Functionally at least, these 2 are the closest counterparts. So, in an outright matchup, which gun would win? For the sake of this fictional pit-up, let’s say that both guns are fully kitted out with their respective attachments. Which one would come out on top then?
At range, it’s no competition, the Longbow DMR wins outright. Its damage per shot is superior to the Scout, even if it has a Double Tap Trigger installed. But, as the distance to the opponents closes, the less of a chance the Longbow has. Because, unlike the Longbow, the Scout doesn’t suffer from the same dispersion issues, so you can quite comfortably walk up to someone and blast them in the face with a Scout; you can’t do the same with a Longbow.
Potential Balance Changes for the Longbow DMR in the Future
Nothing lasts forever, and neither will the current capabilities of the Longbow. Stats get shuffled around and rebalanced with every patch, one change I’d desperately want to see for the Longbow DMR is a reduction to its shot dispersion. It’s almost comical how one stat can totally change the performance of a gun, and this is the one drawback that the Longbow suffers from the most. Its damage and rate of fire are acceptable, it just needs a little fine-tuning when it comes to its major drawback, then I’m confident the Longbow DMR will be a contender for the best Sniper Rifle in the game.
