Submachine Gun · Apex Legends

Alternator SMG

Twin-barrel light submachine gun with a relaxed 600 RPM fire rate, delivering maximum accuracy and minimal recoil for beginner-to-intermediate entry fraggers.

Alternator SMG
Ammo Type
Light Rounds
Base DPS
160
Damage (Body/Head/Leg)
16 / 24 / 13
Fire Rate (RPM)
600 RPM
Mag Size (Base/W/B/P)
19 / 22 / 25 / 27
TTK vs 150HP (White)
0.90s (10 shots)
TTK vs 175HP (Blue)
1.00s (11 shots)
TTK vs 200HP (Purple)
1.20s (13 shots)
TTK vs 225HP (Red)
1.30s (15 shots)
Tactical Reload
1.90s
Empty Reload
2.23s
Recoil Tendency
Extremely tame vertical recoil with zero erratic drift
Best Legend Pairings
Lifeline, Gibraltar, Newcastle

Weapon Overview & Ballistic Profile

Twin-barrel light submachine gun with a relaxed 600 RPM fire rate, delivering maximum accuracy and minimal recoil for beginner-to-intermediate entry fraggers.

Shield Tier TTK & Damage Breakdown

Below is the empirical Time-to-Kill (TTK) performance matrix for the Alternator SMG across all four standard shield tiers in competitive Apex Legends:

Target Armor Tier Total Effective HP Time to Kill (TTK) Body Hits Required
White Shield (Tier 1) 150 HP 0.90s (10 shots) 10 shots
Blue Shield (Tier 2) 175 HP 1.00s (11 shots) 11 shots
Purple Shield (Tier 3) 200 HP 1.20s (13 shots) 13 shots
Red Evo Shield (Tier 4) 225 HP 1.30s (15 shots) 15 shots

Ballistic Handling & Recoil Smoothing Mechanics

Recoil Tendency: Extremely tame vertical recoil with zero erratic drift.

In the Source engine underlying Apex Legends, engaging targets at an angular crosshair speed of 3.7 degrees per second or greater triggers Recoil Smoothing. When tracking strafing enemies between 20 and 45 meters with the Alternator SMG, counter-strafe to eliminate horizontal recoil kick and maintain pinpoint accuracy.

Optimal Attachments & Loadout Synergy

  • Supported Attachments: Laser Sight, Extended Light Mag, Standard Stock, 1x-2x Optics.
  • Recommended Secondary Pairing: Pair with R-301 or G7 Scout to cover close-quarters corner peeks.
  • Best Legend Synergy: Lifeline, Gibraltar, Newcastle.