Season 26: Showdown isn't just about flashy new modes and the game-breaking RE-45 Burst — Respawn has quietly dropped some serious changes to the weapon meta, and they hit hard. From the once-dominant Devotion LMG losing its close-range crown to the Mozambique emerging from meme status into actual viability, this update flips the script on what you should carry into battle.
Let’s break down the biggest winners, losers, and what this means for your loadout choices in Season 26.
๐ป Devotion LMG Nerfed Hard: Goodbye Spray King
The Devotion LMG has finally been reeled in, and not gently. For seasons, it’s been the go-to weapon for players who love to hipfire their way to victory — especially when paired with Rampart’s Sheila or a Turbocharger. That era? It's over.
๐ง Nerf Breakdown:
-
Magazine Size: 54 → 48 (Purple Mag)
-
Hipfire Spread: Increased by 20% (less accurate)
-
Spin-Up Time: Slightly slower (likely stealth-tweaked)
-
ADS Handling: Slightly less stable under sustained fire
๐ง Why the Nerf Makes Sense
The Devotion had it all: high DPS, low recoil, and god-tier hipfire. It basically outperformed SMGs in close-range fights once spun up, making it oppressive in tight quarters.
Now, that’s no longer the case. Close-range combat? You’re better off with a CAR or R-99. Devotion is still viable — but mostly at mid-range with ADS and good tracking.
๐ก Pro Tip: Pair the Devotion with a 2x-4x scope and hold angles instead of charging headfirst into fights. Think suppression, not spray and pray.
๐บ Mozambique Buff: From Meme to Monster
Say it with us: "Mozambique here... and it's actually kinda cracked now?" Respawn has given the Mozam its biggest glow-up in years, and it's gone from punchline to powerhouse — especially early-game.
๐ง Buff Breakdown:
-
Fire Rate: +12% (faster follow-up shots)
-
Pellet Spread: Tightened (more reliable damage)
-
Hammerpoint Rounds: Still in the loot pool (and now even scarier)
๐ซ Why It’s Suddenly Good
With the tighter spread and faster fire rate, the Mozambique can legitimately 2-tap squishy targets early on — especially with Hammerpoints equipped. It even competes with the EVA-8 in DPS and consistency.
๐ฅ Best Legends to Run It With:
-
Mad Maggie – Her passive boosts shotgun movement speed
-
Revenant – Silent pushes + burst finish potential
-
Octane – Mozam + mobility = chaotic pressure plays
๐ฃ️ Reddit user u/ShotgunEnjoyer:
“Mozambique here… and it’s actually good now?”
Yes, it really is. Don't sleep on it.
๐ Peacekeeper Back in Floor Loot (With Tweaks)
The Peacekeeper is back on the floor after a short vacation — but it's not quite the same as you remember.
⚙️ Adjustments:
-
Mag Size: 5 → 6 rounds
-
Rechamber Speed: 10% slower (balances the extra shell)
-
Hop-Up: No Precision Choke by default (must find one)
The extra round makes a big difference in 1v1s, especially during early hot drops, but the slower rechamber punishes missed shots. It's a classic high-risk, high-reward shotgun again.
๐ฅ PK vs. Mastiff: What Should You Pick?
| Stat | Peacekeeper | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Mag Size | 6 | 6 |
| Fire Rate | Slower | Faster |
| Range | Better | Shorter |
| Skill Ceiling | Higher | Lower |
| Forgiveness | Low | High |
The Peacekeeper rewards precision, while the Mastiff is better for aggressive, less accurate playstyles. Choose based on your playstyle — or your ping.
๐ฅ Meta Impact: Winners & Losers
✅ Winners:
-
SMGs (R-99, CAR): Less competition from Devotion in close quarters.
-
Mozambique Enjoyers: It’s not just a meme anymore — it’s a threat.
-
Controller Players: PK’s precision is easier to hit on MnK or with aim assist.
❌ Losers:
-
Devotion Spammers: No more hipfire domination.
-
Mastiff Loyalists: PK’s return splits the shotgun pool.
-
LMG Abusers: Respawn is clearly moving away from high-damage spray weapons.
๐ฎ Looking Ahead: What This Signals for the Meta
These changes show a clear direction: fewer lasers, more aim skill. Expect the meta to shift toward high-skill weapons like the PK, and more variety in secondary loadouts (especially now that the Mozambique is viable).
Short-Term:
-
Devotion becomes a niche pick (Rampart mains rejoice)
-
Mozam sees a sharp rise in early-game loadouts
-
Peacekeeper becomes the hot-drop favorite again
Long-Term:
-
EVA-8 could be next for a buff (to round out the shotgun meta)
-
More LMG nerfs possible (Spitfire rework?)
-
Elite Weapons like the RE-45 Burst might shake up meta further
๐ง Final Verdict: A Healthier, More Varied Meta?
Respawn’s balancing in Season 26 seems laser-focused on diversity: punishing one-dimensional playstyles and giving underused weapons a chance to shine.
-
Devotion nerf? Fair and overdue.
-
Mozambique buff? Wild, but welcomed.
-
Peacekeeper return? Risky but refreshing.
If you’re tired of being beamed by the same guns every match, this update is good news. The sandbox just got a lot more interesting.
๐ณ️ Community Links & Support
Tap into what the Apex community is saying or ask your own questions:
Comments
Post a Comment