How exactly do Helmets work in Apex Legend?
They essentially reduce bonus headshot damage, with higher tiers having more of a reduction.
White: 30% Reduction
Blue: 40% Reduction
Purple/Gold: 50% Reduction
They also do no break like shields from armour does.
Source: Chad Armstrong, Designer at Respawn
There is a new answer recently. Reddit user “TheChessur” worked out that actually the damage reduction applies to total damage; and the reductions themselves are much smaller than expected, at 10%/20%/25%.
- A headshot with a Wingman would deal 45 body shot damage, plus 45 bonus headshot damage, for a total of 90.
- If you headshot an enemy with a White Helmet, the game’s description would have you believe you deal 45 + (0.7*45) = 77 damage.
- But in fact, the headshot deals (0.9*90) = 81 damage.
Source:
https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/18/apex-legends-armor-and-gear-guide-helmet-backpack-knockdown-shield-body-shield/
https://www.reddit.com/r/apexlegends/comments/aqzism/skullpiercer_rifling_helmets_explained/