The 2023 ALGS Championship showcased thrilling highlights and intense action, but one weapon was noticeably absent: the Nemesis AR, once hailed as the best weapon in Apex Legends.
When the Nemesis was introduced in season 16, its easy-to-control burst and high rate of fire made it excel at all ranges, surpassing other assault rifles. It required no attachments and could eliminate enemies with just one clip. Players, streamers, and pros unanimously agreed that it was overpowered.
In response to player outcry, Respawn slightly nerfed the Nemesis in season 17 by adjusting its projectile speed and bullet drop. However, these changes did little to diminish its popularity. The Nemesis continued to dominate ranked matches and pro play in the ALGS Pro League and Split Two Playoffs.
Surprisingly, Respawn did not further nerf the Nemesis in season 18. Instead, they attempted to reduce its impact on the meta by adding it to the crafting rotation, making it exclusively available through Replicators. And based on the statistics from the ALGS Championship, this strategy seemed to work.
Despite still being a formidable weapon with high damage output and versatility, the Nemesis fell behind the Hemlok, Flatline, and R-301 in both kills and damage during the event. It only outperformed its energy ammo counterpart, the HAVOC, among assault rifles.
This decline in usage was not due to a decrease in stats, a hidden nerf, or significant buffs to other weapons. Teams simply chose not to craft the Nemesis, even when given the opportunity through Replicators. Instead, they prioritized crafting items such as batteries, high evo shields, and the crucial Digital Threat weapon sight, which allows players to see through Bangalore’s smoke.
The final lobby of the ALGS Championship further highlighted the Nemesis’ lack of impact, as it only secured three kills and 2,265 damage compared to the Hemlok’s impressive 46 kills and over 20,000 damage. In fact, there were only two more Nemesis kills in the grand finals than there were melee kills.
When the Nemesis eventually returns to floor loot, its true strength will need to be reassessed. But for now, Respawn’s decision to place it in the crafting rotation has successfully shifted the meta away from the Nemesis dominance.
Author: [Author’s Name]
Source: DOTESPORTS
