Apex Legends’ players slam ‘ridiculous’ muzzle flash issues

An Apex Legends update has removed the ability for players to turn off muzzle flash in the game’s settings, upsetting players who feel they are being punished by an unnecessary handicap. 

Apex Legends originally gave players the option to turn off muzzle flash in the game settings, making it easier for players to see the opponents they were firing at when aiming down their sights. 

However, June’s 1.2 update saw this option taken out of the game, and since then players have been complaining that the muzzle flash makes it almost impossible to see what you’re aiming at, especially at lower FPS.

The Muzzle Flash makes it almost impossible to see opponents.

Apex players are firing blind

There have been a number of posts on Reddit complaining about the constant weapon effects, and it seems most players are pretty sick of it.

“There are better ways to balance a game other than muzzle flash,” Reddit user Xayzac wrote. “But this is borderline disgusting”

Another user, Cassiopeia93, even provided a video that shows how difficult the flash can make what should be a simple fight, calling it “ridiculous.”.

In the clip, Cassiopeia93 has the high ground, and is firing down a ridge towards an opponent running underneath them. 

While the enemy is easily visible when they’re not firing, the moment Cassiopeia93 begins to unload bullets on his foe, it becomes impossible to see him, with the player essentially guessing as to the location of the opponent. 

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This actually allowed the weakened enemy to escape momentarily, as Cassiopeia93 was forced to stop firing so they can figure out where the other player has gone. 

It’s not just players expressing their frustrations with the issue, with popular streamer Dr Disrespect raging about the game’s gun effects, labelling them as a “disaster” following a death. 

Former Overwatch pro player Brandon ‘Seagull’ Larned had a similar reaction, yelling that he couldn’t see his opponent when he lost what looked to be a simple 1v1 gunfight. 

Muzzle Flash makes it extremely difficult to see opponents.

Will Respawn Entertainment address the issue?

While Respawn’s decision to remove the Muzzle Flash toggle makes it clear that they intend to force players to play with it, fans of the game are crying out for the developers to at least tone it down. 

Others have suggested that the Stabilizer attachment could be used to reduce muzzle flash, but this would mean it remains in the game, something not everybody would be enthusiastic about. 

Respawn have yet to address the complaints made by players, but it’s possible they may listen to criticism of muzzle flash if players, streamers, and fans continue to complain.