Apex Legends is heating up for the summer with the Hot Shot Collection Event, major balance changes, and a universal heirloom that’s making waves. Launching July 15 and running until August 5, this mid-season update brings limited-time cosmetics, a redesigned 1v1 Arena mode, buffs for legends like Caustic and Bangalore, and long-requested tweaks to LMGs and Rampart’s defenses.
Let’s unpack everything coming in the Hot Shot patch.
Hot Shot Collection Event Starts July 15
From July 15 to August 5, players can dive into Apex Legends’ new Hot Shot Collection Event, themed around luxury, chaos, and summer fireworks. This milestone event includes 36 limited-time cosmetics available via Hot Shot Packs. Each pack guarantees one new event item (no duplicates) and two standard loot items.
The main reward for collecting all 36 cosmetics? The Sky Piercer, a universal melee heirloom usable by any legend. It detonates fireworks during matches and features customizable variants through the exotic shop. But as always, it’s a hefty grind—or a heavy wallet drop.
Bonus rewards also return, letting players earn exotic shards and other items as they open more packs. While still expensive, the added milestones and incentives make this less predatory than past collection events.
DS Arena Returns With Abilities
One of the biggest gameplay additions is the return of Deadeye Showdown (DS)—a 1v1 arena format that now includes legend abilities. Octane can Stim, Revenant can stalk, and Mirage can bamboozle again. This change turns what used to be a raw aim duel into a full-on tactical mind game.
Kills now determine wins—no more timeouts. Running equals stalling, and if you lose, well, maybe you picked Rampart. This new format adds strategic flair to Apex’s side modes and opens the door to ability-based outplays.
Buffs and Nerfs: Caustic, Rampart, Bangalore & More
Big balance changes are also in the works, many of which were leaked ahead of the event:
Caustic Overhaul
Caustic gets a full-on skill tree via research points earned mid-match:
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+30 for scanning death boxes
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+40 for ring console interactions
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50% of gas-related damage contributes to RP
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130 RP = 1 upgrade point (max 2)
Unlockable perks include placing two extra gas barrels. Additionally:
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Gas cloud radius: +17%
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Detection radius: +85%
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Trap activation delay: 0.2s → 0.8s
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Ultimate duration: 15s → 20s
This gives Caustic an almost RPG-style evolution system and makes him deadlier than ever—both visually and functionally.
Rampart Buff
Rampart can now repair damaged Amped Walls, making her more viable for sustained defensive play. This small tweak gives her kit much-needed longevity in static positions.
Bangalore Buff
Her HP regen inside smoke is increased:
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3.5 HP → 5 HP per tick
This increases Bangalore’s survivability significantly in chaotic, close-quarter fights.
Mad Maggie Ultimate
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Increased travel distance
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Drops two extra mines
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Mines now ping enemies on contact
Her ultimate is now a mobile recon grenade—and it hurts.
Octane and LMG Changes
While no direct changes to Octane are listed, players are noting the irony of him hurting himself with Stim while Bangalore heals inside smoke. Meanwhile, LMG users now get incoming damage reduction:
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Non-fortified: -15%
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Fortified: -5%
Rampart will likely skyrocket in pick rate because of this.
Compass Perk
A new directional enemy awareness perk (range: 150–300m) is in testing. It may act like a passive Bloodhound scan, letting players track enemy movement with minimal effort.
Newcastle Bug
His revive shield occasionally fails post-drop. Respawn is working on a fix, but some form of buff may follow.
Event Currency, Trackers, and Technical Fixes
Hot Shot will also include:
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Daily challenges that grant “Status” (event currency)
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Rotating shop and four badge tiers
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Mid-event refresh (around July 25) for added cosmetics and store items
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Bug fixes for dual mode, respawn beacon exploits, and anti-cheat improvements
Dual mode also receives rules updates: kills now end rounds, and timeouts are no longer viable. All in all, a clean-up pass is being rolled out alongside the fun.
