The M1A3 Hemlok Burst-fire Rifle (BF-R), also known as the Hemlok Burst Assault Rifle (AR) or simply the Hemlok, is a Pilot anti-personnel burst-fire assault rifle that appears in Titanfall, Titanfall 2 and Apex Legends.
History[]
Design and performance[]
The Hemlok BF-R is a heavy burst-fire assault rifle employed by both IMC and Militia forces fighting on The Frontier. Although not as commonly seen as the more standard R-101C Carbine and R-201 Assault Rifle, the Hemlok is still a relatively common sight amongst the hands of Pilots, Grunts and Spectres alike. Its integrated CPU can fire controlled bursts from two, three, five or to a full magazine dump in one trigger pull. Its bulk has been weighted specifically for recoil compensation, as escaping gases port from the multiple vents located near the muzzle. With ideal stopping power and a high caliber round, the Hemlok is a worthy choice of elite Pilots of the Frontier.[1]
Field notes[]
- Though arguably the least used assault rifle due to its low initial ammo count and relatively low damage output, the Hemlok BF-R is still an effective weapon in the hands of Pilots.
- Though it is recommended to use this weapon in medium to long range encounters, the Hemlok can also be effective at close range when using the iron sights or the H-COG sight.
- When equipping Starburst, it is highly recommended to equip the H-COG Sight as the gun will become less effective at long range and can only be fired five times.
- The Hemlock can fire eight three-round burst while no mods are equipped, ten while Extended Magazine is equipped, and only five while Starburst is equipped.
- The Hemlok BF-R is unique as the only burst-fire weapon available. The weapon's three-round burst offers impressive damage output, taking down most threats with a single burst. This makes it a very effective weapon when engaging targets at long and intermediate ranges. However, the Hemlok is easily outclassed at close range by all of the automatic weapons. Tap fire as fast as possible to maintain a high rate of fire during close-quarter encounters.
- When engaging Pilots with the Hemlok, keep your distance and do your best to avoid detection, preferably by equipping the Suppressor mod. Due to their quick movements, Pilots are difficult to track and hit. Fortunately the weapon can fire several bursts in quick succession, making it easier to score hits on fast-moving targets. If enemy Pilots close on you to short range, consider switching to your sidearm.
- This is the ultimate minion-killing weapon, dropping most threats with a single burst. Hold back and engage minions at mid-range, where they pose minimal risk. This allows you to down entire squads of Grunts and Spectres without reloading. But while hunting minions, watch out for enemy Pilots trying to sneak up on you.
- When carrying the Hemlok, stealth is key. Therefore consider opting for the Suppressor to keep you off the mini-map. If you're less concerned with stealth, the Starburst mod upgrades the weapon, allowing it to fire a five-round burst with each pull of the trigger. Five-round bursts deal much more damage, but also consume ammo at a quicker rate. Still, hitting a Pilot (or any target) with a five-round burst pretty much guarantees a kill. But you may need to engage targets at closer ranges to ensure all five rounds hit your target; recoil leads to a wider spread.
- The Starburst mod for the Hemlok is best used for close quarters combat, as the rifle will become less accurate and will only have five burst in one mag. One burst from a starburst will instantly kill an enemy pilot at close range, so if you prefer to be more up close to your enemies, it is highly recommend that you use the star burst.
Strengths[]
- Rapidly fires multiple rounds with impressive accuracy
- Solid mid-range weapon
Weaknesses[]
- Poor close-quarter performance
- Diminished accuracy due to recoil
Titanfall[]
| “ | The factory issue Hemlok fires a three-round burst. While this can be a liability at short range, this tradeoff allowed the engineers at TW Ordnance to deliver a weapon with a good balance of long-range accuracy, damage, and fire rate.
— In-game description.
|
” |
The Hemlok BF-R is an effective mid-long range weapon, as its tight firing pattern and impressive damage make it capable of downing a Pilot in 4 shots or less if one is a headshot within its effective range. However, against highly mobile opponents, it is extremely difficult to land all the necessary hits against Pilots. Aggressive use of this weapon is ill advised, as it will be completely outclassed by most pilot weapons at close range due to its burst fire nature. Adopting a defensive play style, shooting from advantageous positions at both mid and long ranges, is key to your success with this weapon.
Weapon attachments[]
| Image | Name | Description | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
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Iron Sights | Factory issue gunsights are cheap and reliable, but visibility through them can be somewhat limited. | Default Weapon Sight |
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HCOG | The Holographic Combat Optical Gunsight has an open sight picture, making it easier to acquire and track targets, particularly in the vertical. The gunsight is fixed at 1.85X magnification, and includes integrated ammunition readouts. | If It Moves... (III) Challenge: Kill 50 enemies |
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Holosight | The Holosight’s optics are fixed at a 2.1X zoom factor. The sight picture is designed to induce a tighter visual perception, making it effective both at range and in close quarters. The Holosight is equipped with an integrated ammunition readout. | The Expendables (III) Challenge: Kill 50 Grunts |
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AOG | The AOG, or Advanced Optical Gunsight, is fixed at 2.4X magnification, and includes an integrated “current magazine capacity” readout with a backup numerical display. The AOG is ideal for combat at extended range. | The Expendables (II) Challenge: Kill 25 Grunts |
Weapon mods[]
| Image | Name | Description | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
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Extended Magazine | Magazine holds more rounds | Machine War (II) Challenge: Kill 25 Spectres |
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Suppressor | This mod reduces the firing noise and muzzle flash of the weapon, making it ideal for taking your enemies by surprise. | If It Moves... (II) Challenge: Kill 25 Enemies |
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Starburst | This mode converts the Hemlok's burst fire rate to five rounds per shot. | Top Gun (II) Challenge: Kill 15 Pilots |
Challenges[]
Reaching any tier of any challenge will grant one Amped Hemlok Burn Card.
- If It Moves... - Completing Tier II of this challenge will award the Suppressor mod. Tier III unlocks the HCOG attachment.
- Top Gun - Tier II of this challenge awards the Starburst mod.
- Machine War - Tier II of this challenge grants the Extended Magazine mod.
- Off the Dome - This challenge only offers XP and Burn Cards.
- The Expendables - Tier II of this challenge awards the AOG scope. Tier III awards the Holosight.
- This Is My Weapon - This challenge only offers XP and Burn Cards.
Titanfall 2[]
The Hemlok returns in Titanfall 2 with an updated look. Several distinct changes to the weapon can be noticed, including a redesign of the barrel shroud and magwell. It can be unlocked at level 13 or bought for 100 Credits. It can be found in the hands of enemy Grunts in both Campaign and Multiplayer. It performs similarly to its Titanfall version, being a burst-fire assault rifle with high accuracy and a fast time-to-kill out of close quarters. As in the previous game, it is advised to bring a good close-quarters oriented sidearm like the RE-45 Autopistol.
Weapon attachments[]
| Image | Name | Description | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
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Stock sights. | ||
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Open holographic combat optical gunsight. | ||
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Enhanced zoom scope. | ||
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Makes enemies easy to spot by applying an AR overlay to them. Warning: Disables extra mod slot. | ||
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Attachment that displays lifetime weapon XP count for the weapon. |
Weapon mods[]
| Image | Name | Description | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
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Increased ammo capacity. | ||
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Shoot while sprinting. | ||
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Faster reload. | ||
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Fast transition into aiming down the sights. | ||
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Faster transition when switching to this weapon. | ||
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Pilot kills increase Tactical availability (Faster cooldown). |
Weapon camos[]
- Main article: Hemlok/Customization
Titanfall Online[]
Apex Legends[]
The Hemlok makes its return in Apex Legends, as a Burst-Fire Assault Rifle that consumes Heavy Rounds. Its role in Apex Legends remains mostly unchanged from its predecessors, as an assault rifle that lacks an automatic mode and viability at close range, but compensates for this with its very fast burst and lack of recoil at range that allows for it to be accurate whilst dealing out higher damage. Another edge that the Hemlok has over other ARs is that it hits the hardest. A player with good aim and a kept distance will be able to eliminate targets within three-four bursts.
Weapon attachments[]
| Image | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
decreases recoil | |
 |
Increases amounts of rounds held per mag | |
      |
allows better focus on target while ADS, allows weapon to aim further down sights | |
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shortens weapon switch transition length and reduces aim sway | |
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When nearly (but not totally) empty, the player can reload the hemlock for a faster reload and extra bullets. |
Arenas[]
| Purchasing | Base | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | ||||
| Total |
| Attachments | Base | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weapon skins[]
- Main article: Hemlok/Customization
Apex Legends Mobile[]
Weapon attachments[]
| Image | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
decreases recoil | |
|
Increases amounts of rounds held per mag | |
|
allows better focus on target while ADS, allows weapon to aim further down sights | |
|
shortens weapon switch transition length and reduces aim sway | |
|
When nearly (but not totally) empty, the player can reload the hemlock for a faster reload and extra bullets. |
Arenas[]
| Purchasing | Base | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade | ||||
| Total |
| Attachments | Base | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Weapon skins[]
- Main article: Hemlok/Customization
Update history[]
Behind the scenes[]
the hemlock was rendered by Ryan Lastimosa.
Appearances[]
Gallery[]
Images[]
Trivia[]
- The Hemlok BF-R most likely fires the same heavy 7.62-mm Round as the Spitfire LMG. Additionally, the Spitfire is named in game files as the "LMG_Hemlok".
- According to artist Robb Shoberg, the model that would become the X-55 Devotion was originally submitted as a redesigned Hemlok.[2] This, along with several visual similarities and the "HEMLOK MK.II" label on the Devotion suggest that the Devotion is a part of the same weapons family as the Hemlok, along with the Volt SMG.
- The version from Titanfall may also bear inspiration from the M41a1 pulse rifle and LMG from James Cameron's movies Aliens and Avatar, respectively, going by the shape of its barrel shroud and magwell. These elements were removed in Titanfall 2.
- According to Titanfall 2 concept art, its burst mode is computer controlled, allowing it to fire in 2-round bursts, more conventional 3 or 5 round bursts, or even dump the entire mag with one trigger pull.
- The description for Titanfall's Hemlok states the manufacturer as a company called TW Ordnance. However, the one appearing in Titanfall 2, designated the M1A3, bears a Wonyeon Defense. It is possible that, given the massive differences between the two visually, the weapons appearing in Titanfall 1 and 2 are different weapons entirely and share only a name and function.