Caustic players have long anticipated meaningful changes, and fresh leaks suggest that Respawn is preparing a comprehensive overhaul for the game’s iconic toxic scientist. If these updates arrive as rumored, they could significantly reshape Caustic’s role in Apex Legends, offering him deeper strategic impact and new support-tank capabilities. While an official release date is still pending, these changes are being internally tested and may launch as soon as the next major patch or with Season 26.

Introducing Caustic’s Evo Armor Research System

The centerpiece of this rework is a new research points system that directly affects how Caustic’s Evo armor evolves. Unlike standard Legends, who rely solely on dealing damage to upgrade their armor, Caustic will now passively accumulate research points for various in-game actions. This provides him with a unique armor progression path and further cements his hybrid support-tank identity.

Caustic’s Research Points: How to Earn Them

  • Scanning death boxes: +30 research points
  • Interacting with ring consoles or tactical data nodes: +40 research points
  • Poison-related actions (such as damaging enemies with gas or triggering traps): 50% of the action’s value is converted to research points

Upon reaching 130 research points, Caustic receives an upgrade point to unlock a Level 2 perk. At 260 research points, he unlocks a second perk, including potential Level 3 upgrades. This system gives Caustic players unique progression and new tactical choices as a match unfolds.

New Perk System – Exclusive Caustic Perk Revealed

This update isn’t just about armor. Leaked details suggest Caustic will tap into a robust perk system allowing players to tailor his abilities even further. One leaked Caustic-exclusive perk stands out:

Perk: +2 Extra Gas Barrels
This raises his deployable trap limit from 6 to 8 – potentially game-changing for late-game control and area denial.

Additional perks and customization options are expected as the new system rolls out, bringing deeper personalization to Caustic’s kit.

Tactical and Ultimate Buffs: More Deadly Gas, Expanded Area Control

Both Caustic’s tactical (Nox Gas Trap) and ultimate (Nox Gas Grenade) are set to receive substantial buffs, enhancing their threat and utility on the battlefield.

Tactical Gas Trap Changes

  • Gas cloud radius increased by 17%
  • Trap detection radius expanded by 85%
  • Activation delay raised from 0.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds

These adjustments allow traps to cover larger areas and detect enemies from much farther away – though the increased delay makes trap timing and placement more vital for skilled play.

Ultimate Ability Changes

  • Nox Gas Grenade duration extended from 15 seconds to 20 seconds

This prolongs area denial by an additional five seconds – crucial in late-game fights and defensive scenarios.

Important: All Details Subject to Change

All information comes from internal playtesting leaks and remains subject to change. Respawn may further adjust, delay, or enhance these features before they hit live servers. However, the scope and ambition of these leaks make it clear: Caustic is being reimagined as a strategic, perk-driven zone controller. Expect these updates to alter not only how Caustic players approach the game, but also how enemies plan their pushes and rotations.

Stay tuned for official patch notes as soon as Respawn confirms these changes.

For ongoing Apex Legends leaks, meta breakdowns, and updates, visit ALegends.gg.
Source: Hypermyst on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Caustic getting a new armor mechanic in Apex Legends?

Yes – a new research point system tied to his Evo armor. Actions like scanning death boxes, using consoles, or dealing gas damage generate points and fuel armor upgrades.

How many perks can Caustic unlock with research points?

By amassing 260 research points, Caustic can unlock two upgrade points, which can be used to select perks (including higher-level options).

What’s the new exclusive perk for Caustic?

A leaked perk allows Caustic to deploy two additional gas barrels, increasing his trap capacity from 6 to 8 – a major boost for zone denial.

What buffs are planned for Caustic’s tactical?

His gas traps will feature a 17% larger radius, an 85% wider detection zone, and an activation delay increased to 0.8 seconds, enhancing both area control and tactical depth.

Is Caustic’s ultimate ability changing?

Yes. The Nox Gas Grenade‘s duration will grow from 15 to 20 seconds, creating longer-lasting area denial.

Additional Context:
These changes reflect a shift in Apex Legends’ design philosophy, as Season 26 is already bringing impactful buffs to controller Legends like Caustic, Rampart, and Catalyst, focusing on zone control and strategic play. The overhaul arrives amid a broader effort by Respawn to increase diversity and depth in Legend abilities as the game’s meta evolves in new directions each season.

Source: Caustic Leaked Buffs: New Armor Progression, Perks, and more