With Apex Legends Season 31 (Cipher), which starts November 3, 2026, several weapons work differently. The Wingman no longer uses Sniper Ammo, the Hemlok returns as a burst assault rifle, and some Hop-Ups move to other weapons. If your weapon no longer reloads with your usual ammo or doesn't fire the way it used to, it isn't a bug: these changes are described in EA's patch notes. This guide helps you identify what changed and adapt your loadout.
Problem
- The Wingman no longer reloads with Sniper Ammo or accepts a Sniper Magazine.
- You pick up a second Wingman and the weapon switches to Akimbo mode.
- The Hemlok no longer fires in automatic and no longer has a Breach Charge or integrated silencer.
- The Selectfire Hop-Up no longer fits the Prowler Burst PDW, or the Double Tap Trigger no longer fits the EVA-8 Auto.
- You're looking for the L-STAR in Care Packages.
Step 1: make sure the game is up to date
When to use it: you're reading this guide before or right after the season launch and your weapons behave as before.
Suggested solution
- Fully close Apex Legends, then let your platform (Steam, EA app, console…) download the Season 31 update.
- Restart the game and check that the home screen shows the Cipher season.
Expected result: the changes described below apply to your matches.
Step 2: equip the Wingman with Heavy Ammo
When to use it: the Wingman refuses your Sniper Ammo or your Sniper Magazine.
Suggested solution
- According to EA, the Wingman now uses Heavy Ammo instead of Sniper Ammo.
- It takes Heavy Magazines instead of Sniper Magazines.
- It now spawns on Heavy Ammo Arsenals instead of Sniper Ammo Arsenals.
- Its base damage drops from 50 to 45.
- Review your loadout: if your second weapon also uses Heavy Ammo, you can share the same stock. Otherwise, keep inventory space for two ammo types.
Expected result: the Wingman reloads normally with Heavy Ammo and accepts a Heavy Magazine.
Step 3: understand the Wingman's Akimbo mode
When to use it: your Wingman switches to dual wielding after you pick up a second Wingman.
Suggested solution
- Looting a second Wingman automatically switches you to Akimbo mode.
- According to EA, Akimbo mode changes the weapon as follows:
- headshot multiplier reduced to 1.25x (56 damage per headshot);
- slightly increased rate of fire;
- increased reload time and recoil;
- magazine size doubled.
- Each trigger pull makes both guns fire one after the other, in a quick burst. Holding down the trigger releases subsequent bursts.
- EA presents the Akimbo Wingman as a close and mid-range weapon. If you prefer precise long-range shots, keep a single Wingman.
Expected result: you know whether you're playing a single Wingman or Akimbo mode, and what each choice changes.
Good to know: EA's notes don't say how to go back to a single Wingman. If you can't find how to do it in the game, report it in this topic.
Step 4: adapt your firing to the Hemlok and other burst weapons
When to use it: the Hemlok or another burst weapon doesn't fire as before.
Suggested solution
- The Hemlok Breach AR is removed: according to the patch notes, it has launched its final Breach Charge "for now". The Hemlok's elite variant is removed from all game modes.
- The Hemlok Burst AR returns with its Burst and Single firing modes. Automatic fire, the Breach Charge and the integrated silencer are removed. Damage: 21 body, 29 headshot.
- For the Prowler PDW, the Hemlok and Nemesis Burst ARs and the Akimbo Wingman, EA adds tap fire queuing in auto fire bursts. If you tap fire, pressing during a burst queues the next one. If you prefer, you can also hold down the trigger.
- The Prowler Burst PDW has increased recoil: EA says it wants it to remain deadly at close range but less reliable at distance. The Nemesis Burst AR also has increased vertical recoil.
Expected result: you get a steady firing rhythm back with these weapons.
Step 5: check Hop-Ups and Care Package contents
When to use it: a Hop-Up no longer fits, or a weapon has moved in the loot pool.
Suggested solution
- EVA-8 Auto: the Double Tap Trigger is removed. Disruptor Rounds are added (the notes say "375 points to unlock", in the section on locked Hop-Ups).
- Prowler Burst PDW: the Selectfire Hop-Up is removed.
- L-STAR EMG: it returns to floor loot, with base damage reduced from 21 to 19 and without the Redline Hop-Up.
- Akimbo Mozambique: it enters the Care Package, with the Executioner Hop-Up. According to EA, it heals 15 shields per second.
- Rapid Sniper Stock (Corrupted): its rate of fire multiplier drops from 1.2x to 1.1x on the G7 Scout, Longbow DMR and Triple Take.
Expected result: you no longer look for an incompatible Hop-Up and you know where to find each weapon.
Special cases
| Situation | What to know |
|---|---|
| You can't find a Wingman | According to EA, it's found in ground loot and on Heavy Ammo Arsenals, no longer on Sniper Ammo Arsenals. |
| You play the Peacekeeper | Its rate of fire increases, and shotgun bolts now improve both its rechamber rate and rate of fire. |
| You play Ranked | Ranked also changes in Season 31. See our guide to Season 31 Ranked. |
Final check
- ☐ The Season 31 update is installed.
- ☐ The Wingman is reloaded with Heavy Ammo and equipped with a Heavy Magazine.
- ☐ You know whether you're playing a single Wingman or Akimbo mode.
- ☐ The Hemlok is used in Burst or Single fire.
- ☐ The installed Hop-Ups match the compatible weapons in Season 31.
Sources
- EA: Apex Legends: Cipher Patch Notes (November 2, 2026)
- EA: Cipher Designer's Notes (October 30, 2026)
Still having the problem?
Reply in this topic with your platform, the weapon concerned, the ammo and attachments equipped, and the message or behavior you see. Never post your EA ID, email address or password.