Best Barbed Ammo Brawlers in Brawl Stars

The Barbed Ammo modifier is now active in Brawl Stars Ranked Mode, so which Brawlers should you be using to dominate your opponents?

The Barbed Ammo modifier isn’t just another gameplay tweak—it’s a game-changer that’s as controversial as it is influential. Here’s a look at how Barbed Ammo works in Brawl Stars and which Brawlers excel when it is activated.

What is Barbed Ammo modifier?

Barbed Ammo adds a painful sting to each shot: every hit on an enemy triggers an additional 4% damage over time, much like the poison effects delivered by characters like Crow or Byron. This persistent damage prevents foes from regenerating health quickly, keeping them weaker for longer and changing the gameplay completely.

While its impact on game balance has sparked debates, with some players questioning its fun factor, this modifier is set to appear in 20% of Ranked Mode games in Season 25. Mastering it could be the key to your competitive edge.

Best Barbed Ammo Brawlers

R-T

R-T thrives when Barbed Ammo is active and has emerged as a must-pick or ban. His attacks involve shooting a siren that not only marks enemies to increase incoming damage but also synergizes perfectly with the Barbed Ammo’s poison-like effects.

Each marked enemy that takes damage from R-T or his allies gets hit with extra poison damage, making R-T a relentless foe in this mode. His capability to consistently trigger bonus damage with each hit turns every skirmish in his favor, mirroring the unlimited utility of his Hacks gadget.

Gene

Gene, the master of poke damage, seems to one of the main beneficiaries of the new Modifiers added to Ranked Mode. Known for his split-shot ability, Gene can engage enemies from a safe distance, continuously applying the poison effect and disrupting health regeneration.

His widespread attack, when it misses the initial target and disperses into six smaller projectiles, allows him to cover more area and keep multiple opponents from healing effectively. Like Crow, Gene can control the pace of the battle, making him an invaluable asset when this modifier is in play.

Max

Max has rapid-fire capabilities that allow her to consistently blanket enemies with poison, stalling their healing and overwhelming them with sustained pressure. While Max’s individual strength might not be imposing, her ability to enhance team dynamics with speed boosts and consistent damage output makes her a dark horse in the Barbed Ammo meta. Effective use of Max demands precise teamwork and timing, but the rewards justify the coordination required.

Whether you’re looking to dominate solo queue or strategize with your team, understanding and leveraging the nuances of Barbed Ammo can secure you that much-desired competitive edge.