How to master the Alternator in Apex Legends: Tips, damage stats & DPS

Andrew Amos
Alternator

The Alternator has left the care package and returned to ground floor loot in Season 12. While it may not be the most popular SMG in Apex, it can still melt enemies on sight. Here’s how you can master it.

The Alternator in Season 12 may not be able to go toe-to-toe with weapons like the R99 and Volt since its removal from the care package, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be quite effective in the right hands.

We’ve got everything you need to know about getting a handle of Apex’s Alternator, including all the stats and the best tips and tricks. 

Apex Legends Alternator damage stats

Respawn Entertainment

Just like every gun in Apex Legends, it’s always important to know what kind of damage your gun is capable of dishing out.

While the Alternator may not share the high DPS of the R-99 and Volt, it can still give you the edge needed to sway firefights in your favor. 

The main reason for this being its easy to control nature. The Alternator’s hipfire and low recoil pattern give this pint-sized SMG a few options when it comes to taking down your foe. 

The full damage breakdown for the Alternator can be found below.

Body Part Damage
Head 24 (1.5x)
Body 16
Legs 13
Body DPS 160

Alternator Mag attachments

Alternator

Even though the Alternator has a relatively small mag size without attachments, its low fire rate makes this somewhat unrecognizable. Unlike the R99, missing a few shots with this weapon won’t be as detrimental. 

Below you can see the number of rounds each that Extended Light Mag on the Alternator will give you. 

  • Stock: 19
  • White Mag: 22
  • Blue Mag: 25 
  • Purple/Gold Mag: 27

Alternator optic attachments

Alternator optics

Fortunately, the Alternator has some of the best stock iron sights in Apex Legends which lessens the need to attach and optic attachment. Nevertheless, here are the optics that be equipped on the Alternator:

  • 1x Holo
  • 1x HCOG “Classic”
  • 2x HCOG “Bruiser”
  • 1x-2x Variable Holo
  • 1x Digital Threat

Hipfire as much as possible

Alternator hipfire accuracy

This point can be applied to every SMG in Apex Legends, but this particularly true for the Alternator.

The Alternator has incredibly accurate hipfire and its reticle is very clean, which makes hitting targets incredibly easy. The gun does also thrive in close-quarter fights, so ADSing isn’t as necessary.

However, if you’re caught in a bit of a longer range fight, you can scope in to make sure you’re dishing out that damage.

Spitfire

If you follow these Alternator tips & tricks, you’ll be able to secure big dubs with the shield-shredding pocket rocket.

Make sure you follow @AlphaIntel for all the latest Apex Legends news and updates.

About The Author

Hailing from Perth, Andrew was formerly Dexerto's Australian Managing Editor. They love telling stories across all games and esports, but they have a soft spot for League of Legends and Rainbow Six. Oh, and they're also fascinated by the rise of VTubers.