The Volt SMG in Apex Legends is the epitome of a well-rounded gun. Not too good, not too bad, useful in every situation. It eats Energy Ammo and it spits hot death. So, what’s the big deal with this particular weapon?
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The Volt SMG: A Jack of all Trades
The thing that’s unique about the Volt is that it’s a bit of a “jack of all trades”. Yet, the 2nd part of that saying is also true of the Volt…” a master of none.”. But here’s the thing that many people forget. That saying has a 3rd part as well: ” is better than a master of one.”
And herein lies the problem with the Volt SMG: It’s good for many occasions, but it doesn’t excel in any particular situation. Among the SMGs, the Alternator has it beat in damage and ranged capabilities. While the R-99 has it beat when it comes to rate of fire and close-quarters combat capabilities. So, what can the Volt do?
The Stats of the Volt SMG
To get a better understanding of the Volt, we have to take a look at its stats first.
| Target | Mods | DMG | 100 | 150 | 175 | 200 | 225 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head (1.5x) | – | 23 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Head | Lvl. 1 | 21 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Head | Lvl. 2 | 19 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Head | Lvl. 3/4 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 |
| Body | – | 15 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 |
| Body | Fort | 13 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 |
| Legs (0.8x) | – | 12 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 19 |
| Legs | Fort | 10 | 10 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 23 |
As you can see, the damage is quite respectable. The Alternator edges it out just the slightest bit. And although it doesn’t fire as fast as the R-99 that we mentioned previously, it definitely fires faster than the Alternator. So in the end, it actually does more damage than the Alternator.
It even beats the Prowler when it comes to DPS, but falls short of the C.A.R. But then again, the C.A.R. is a pocket assault rifle, so none of the SMGs really beat it. Thankfully, because of attachments, we can further specialize the Volt. So let’s take a look at what you can put on it.
Attachments for the Volt SMG
As per usual, the Volt only has 4 slots. These are:
- Laser Sights
- Extended Energy Mag
- Standard Stock
- 1x HCOG “Classic”
- 1x Holo
- 1x-2x Variable Holo
- 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
- 1x Digital Threat
Now that we know what we can attach to it, let’s see how you should ideally set it up.
Ideal Volt SMG Set-Up
Considering you’re lucky with your drop, you should start out with an Epic Laser Sight, followed by a Legendary Extended Energy Mag. After you’ve secured these two, you’re practically set. If possible, find either a 2x HCOG “Bruiser” or a 1x Digital Threat. Finally, finish off the build by locating an Epic Standard Stock.
The Volt doesn’t really have any great options for optics, so whichever option you go with is good, I just prefer the 2x HCOG “Bruiser” because I like the look of it. The 1x Digital Threat is just too good to pass up in any given situation.
The Position of the Volt SMG Among Other Energy Weapons
Up until recently, the position of the Volt SMG among the other energy weapons was quite dominant. That was until the introduction of the Nemesis in Season 16. The Volt reigned supreme, as there weren’t really any viable energy weapons to compete with it. The Havoc underperformed in comparison to it, and the LMGs were definitely not up to par. So, if given the option, most players opted to pick up the Volt. The other energy weapons only served as temporary weapons until you were able to locate a Volt.
Potential Balance Changes for the Volt SMG in the Future
It’s no secret that energy weapons aren’t the strongest category in Apex Legends. Yet, the Volt is unique among them. And it’s unlikely to be changed in the foreseeable future. But if any changes are to come, then it’ll most likely be bumped up closer to the C.A.R.’s capabilities. Then it’ll truly be a pocket assault rifle.
