THESPIKE.GG
THESPIKE
    EN
    Login
    EN
    1. Home
    2. APEX LEGENDS
    3. Apex Weapons
    4. Understanding ordnance in Apex Legends: Throwables and legend abilities

    Understanding ordnance in Apex Legends: Throwables and legend abilities

    These throwables are your bread-and-butter in Apex.

    ON THIS PAGE:

    • What is ordnance in Apex Legends?
    • Universal Ordnance table
    • Legend-specific Ordnance table
    • Techniques of using Ordnance
    • FAQs
    apex legends ordnance
    Written By Eray Eliaçık

    Reviewed by: Naim Rosinski

    (Content Manager & Editor)

    Last UpdatedApril 24, 2025 at 08:52AM
    Share On
    Share On

    Apex Legends ordnance isn’t just about making things go boom—it’s about outsmarting your enemies. From grenades every Legend can throw to powerful, ability-based explosives, knowing how to use them can shift the fight in your favor. In this Apex Legends weapon guide, we’ll break down what ordnance is, how each type works, and how to use them like a pro.

    What is ordnance in Apex Legends?

    In Apex Legends, ordnance refers to throwable explosives and explosive-based abilities used by Legends. These tools include grenades available to all players and special abilities unique to certain characters. Apex Legends Ordnance is used for:

    • Damaging or eliminating enemies
    • Disrupting enemy movements
    • Creating area denial
    • Forcing opponents out of cover
    • Initiating or escaping combat

    Understanding how each type works can give you a major edge in the Apex Games.

    Universal Ordnance: Throwables available to all legends

    These explosive items can be found throughout the map—inside Supply Bins, Loot Ticks, or as ground loot. Every Legend can pick up and use these.

    Ordnance

    Mechanics

    Damage

    Utility

    Frag Grenade

    4-second fuse; explodes on impact with surfaces

    Up to 100 in blast radius; +10 blunt damage on direct hit

    Flushes enemies from cover, breaks doors, disrupts revives or healing

    Arc Star

    Sticks to surfaces/players; explodes after 3 seconds

    70 health damage (if no shields), strips all shields, 15 pierce damage on stick, applies stun

    Disorients and slows enemies, great for initiating fights or punishing grouped opponents

    Thermite Grenade

    Creates a horizontal wall of fire on impact

    25 damage over 3 seconds (stacks); lethal to unshielded targets in under 5 seconds

    Blocks doorways, denies zones, forces movement during fights or endgame circles

    Credit: r/apexlegends
    Credit: r/apexlegends

    All universal throwables can be destroyed by Wattson’s Interception Pylon. Time your throws or take it out first!

    Legend-specific Ordnance: Unique explosive abilities

    Some Legends wield their own signature explosives that can’t be picked up or shared. These abilities are powerful tools in any combat scenario.

    Legend

    Ability name

    Type

    Effect

    Tactical use

    Bangalore

    Smoke Grenade

    Tactical

    Fires smoke canisters; obscures vision and deals 10 blunt damage on direct hit

    Breaks line of sight, escapes fights, conceals revives or healing

     

    Creeping Barrage

    Ultimate

    Forward-moving artillery strike, damaging and slowing enemies

    Area denial, retreat cover, or pushing enemies out of strong positions

    Gibraltar

    Defensive Bombardment

    Ultimate

    Mortar strike signaled by smoke; deals heavy AoE damage

    Breaks sieges, punishes revives, zones out enemy squads

    Caustic

    Nox Gas Grenade

    Ultimate

    Releases toxic gas; slows, damages, and blinds enemies, while Caustic remains unaffected

    Fortifies buildings, traps enemies, breaks pushes, sets up ambushes

     

    Nox Gas Trap

    Tactical

    Deploys gas-emitting traps that trigger when enemies are near

    Area control, zone denial, interior defense, scouting through vision advantage

    Fuse

    Knuckle Cluster

    Tactical

    Launches cluster bomb with multiple airburst explosions

    Disrupts healing, destroys traps, drives enemies from cover

     

    The Motherlode

    Ultimate

    Encircles area in a ring of fire and highlights trapped enemies in red

    Forces movement, reveals enemy positions, denies escape or safe repositioning

    Credit: r/apexlegends
    Credit: r/apexlegends

    4 advanced Apex Legends ordnance strategies you should know

    Mastering Apex Legends ordnance goes beyond just throwing grenades at enemies. Here are a few advanced tactics to keep in mind:

    • Combo with abilities: Use Arc Stars or Thermites just before your teammate deploys an ability like Horizon’s Black Hole to maximize damage.
    • Zone control: Thermites and ultimates like The Motherlode can control choke points and force enemies into predictable paths.
    • Revive disruption: Toss a frag grenade or Knuckle Cluster into a reviving squad to interrupt the process and secure the kill.
    • Endgame zoning: In final circles, explosives are invaluable for flushing out squads hiding in cover or buildings.

    Mastering ordnance for Apex dominance

    From standard grenades to ultimate-level explosives, ordnance in Apex Legends is a key part of surviving and thriving in the Outlands. Whether you're cracking shields with an Arc Star or forcing a retreat with Bangalore’s barrage, knowing when and how to use ordnance can elevate your game to the next level.

    So next time you're looting up, don’t overlook that grenade—you might just be holding the key to your next clutch win.

    Credit: r/apexlegends
    Credit: r/apexlegends

    FAQs

    Are grenades considered ordnance?

    In Apex Legends, grenades fall under the broader category of ordnance. Ordnance includes all throwable explosives—so that means:

    • Frag Grenades
    • Arc Stars
    • Thermite Grenades

    So in short: All grenades are ordnance, but not all ordnance are grenades. 

    What does POI stand for in Apex?

    Points of Interest, or POIs, are named locations on the map in Apex Legends. These areas typically have a high concentration of loot and Supply Bins, making them popular landing spots at the start of a match. Dropping into a POI can give you a strong early-game advantage—just be ready for a fight!

    That’s all! Want to explore more Apex Legends guides? Check out these:

    • How many Apex packs have I opened?
    • Is Apex Legends Crossplay or Cross-Progression ?
    • All Apex Legends connection symbols and their meanings
    • How to tap strafe in Apex Legends
    • Apex Legends pick rates: Most used characters

    Guide Categories

    • Weapons
    • Legends
    • Beginner's Guide
    • Prestige Levels and Cap
    • Skins
    • Game Modes
    • Maps
    • Aim Assist
    Eray Eliaçık

    Meet Eray, a tech enthusiast passionate about AI, crypto, gaming, and more. Eray is always looking into new developments, exploring unique topics, and keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry, and gaming is the sweetest spot.

    Eray has been rocking it as a news manager and content creator at spots like, TechBriefly, Gamelevate, Softonic, and various tech realms. Crafting over 2k tech articles, Eray captivated millions of readers for over three years.

    Now, over at THESPIKE, Eray is a content writer, blending the love for spinning stories and helpful guides for all-things gaming.

    View More
    THESPIKE
    AboutCareersPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseAbout THESPIKEDisclaimer
    Contact UsCommercialsSend an emailPost Feedback
    ResourcesBetting SitesOnline CasinosSweepstakes Casinos
    © 2025 THESPIKE.GG | All Rights Reserved | Not affiliated with Riot Games
    18+ Bet Responsibly | BeGambleAware.org
    Light Mode
    Login