The VK-47 Flatline is probably the most beloved assault rifle in the game, even though it technically, isn’t even an assault rifle. Many people usually associate it with the AK-47, because of the similarities in the naming convention. But by its design, it’s much closer to the OTs-14 Groza, a bullpup rifle. The wooden stock, handguard, and grip give it that classic aesthetic that is oh-so-pleasing to the eye.
The VK-47 Flatline: The Gun of the Avaricious World
In a previous guide, we compared the VK-47 to the Havoc rifle. While both share certain similarities, the VK-47 is usually the preferred one of the two. But why is that?
Well, some may argue that it has a better look and better customization options. But as the old saying goes, de gustibus, non est disputandum (there can be no disputes when it comes to taste). But generally, when it comes to performance – it’s an all-around strong choice. You can use it at close range, middle range, and long range. The damage is consistent and the recoil is manageable. Let’s take a deeper look at some stats.
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The Stats of the VK-47 Flatline
Regarding its stats, the Flatline is pretty much the middle of the road.
| Target | Mods | Dmg | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.75x) | – | 32 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 29 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 25 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 23 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Body | – | 18 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| Body | Fort. | 15 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Legs (0.75x) | – | 14 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 17 |
| Legs | Fort. | 11 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 21 |
As you can see above, its damage is comparable to the Havoc. Unlike the Havoc though, it doesn’t have that charge-up time that the Havoc does. As a result, your alpha damage can be achieved faster. On the other end of the alpha damage discussion though, the VK-47 Flatline again comes out on top.
VK-47 Flatline with Anvil Receiver
| Target | Mods | Dmg | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.75x) | – | 75 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 69 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 59 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 54 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Body | – | 43 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Body | Fort. | 37 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Legs (0.75x) | – | 32 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Legs | Fort. | 27 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
With the Anvil Receiver installed, its damage increases tremendously, at the cost of a slower fire rate and more ammunition expenditure. Another thing that this modification does is that it makes the Flatline basically double as a DMR, as the damage becomes comparable to what the 30-30 can achieve. With the proper attachments, you can further specialize it into a DMR.
Attachments for the VK-47 Flatline
The VK-47 Flatline has 4 attachment slots. Nothing irregular there, so, let’s take a look at what’s available to you:
- Extended Heavy Mag
- Standard Stock
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 1x Holo
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 2x-4x Variable AoG
- 3x HCOG “Ranger”
- Anvil Receiver
Ideal VK-47 Flatline Set-Up
If you’re fortunate with your looting, you should kit out your Flatline in the following order. Ideally, find a 2x-4x Variable AOG as soon as possible. Since the Flatline can double as a DMR, having that variable range scope really helps. Then, go for a Legendary Extended Heavy Mag, followed by an Epic Standard Stock. In the end, if you manage to come upon an Anvil Receiver – grab it! The Anvil Receiver is the cherry on top, as it makes your semi-auto shots sting like a hornet!
The VK-47 vs the R-301
This is a debate that has raged on forever. Which is ultimately better, the VK-47 or the R-301?
Will the higher damage output of the VK-47 triumph over the R-301? Or is the higher rate of fire of the R-301 a superior choice for most situations?
In the end, the answer is the same as with the debate over what beer is the best beer – the one that’s available is the best. You won’t care what’s available if you’ve just dropped into an area and there are multiple enemy squads scrambling out to get you. You just want to grab a gun and return fire! But in the end, we all know which gun is going to win – the one that has the cooler skin.
Potential Balance Changes for the VK-47 Flatline in the Future
As a weapons platform, the Flatline has always been a reliable weapon, regardless of the current season. Its performance has constantly been satisfactory, even with the fine tunings and the balance changes from season to season. And with Apex Legends Season 16 right around the corner, who knows what awaits the Flatline?
Maybe it will get an increase in its damage, thus, finally dethroning the Hemlok as the assault rifle with the most damage. That kind of change would cement its place as an S-tier weapon for sure. One thing’s for certain though, the gun of the avaricious world will keep on doing its job!
