Season 26’s launch brought a massive curveball with the reimagined RE-45. No longer just a reliable light pistol, the RE-45 is now an energy weapon and part of the new Elite Weapon system, taken from Ballistic’s private arsenal.
If you’re struggling with the recoil or wondering how to use this new RE-45 properly, this is your ultimate guide. We’ll break down the attachments, recoil pattern, tips for mastering its aim, and whether feathering or full-spraying is better for performance.
Let’s break it all down.
What Is the New RE-45?
- Elite Weapon – Part of Season 26’s new limited-time weapon lineup
- Energy weapon – It now uses energy ammo and behaves differently from the classic version
- Charged burst-fire – Requires a short charge-up before unleashing powerful bursts
- Massive DPS – Can dish out between 450 to 560 damage depending on headshots and accuracy
- Available with pre-attached locked hop-up – Can’t be removed
This weapon is temporary for now and may rotate out in future seasons, but while it’s in, it’s one of the most powerful burst weapons in the game.
RE-45 Attachment Loadout
Here’s what attachments the new RE-45 supports:
- Barrel Stabilizer OR Laser Sight (not both)
- Optics – Up to 2x HCOG Bruiser, no 3x allowed
- Magazines – Energy mags increase ammo capacity dramatically
Magazine Sizes:
- Base – 18 rounds
- Blue – 21 rounds
- Purple – 24 rounds
- Gold – 27 rounds
This is important because the damage stacks up fast. The more ammo, the more insane the burst.
Understanding RE-45 Damage Potential
- Charged shots hit like a truck
- Without a mag, it can already melt targets
- Charged burst damage is extremely efficient when shots land
- There’s no real drop-off due to it being an energy weapon
If you’re hitting your shots,you’ll be shocked how fast this gun deletes enemies — especially up close.
RE-45 Recoil Pattern Explained
This is where things get tricky — and where most Players will struggle.
Recoil Pattern:
- Starts by pulling left
- Then zigzags: left → right → left → right
- Looks like a snake climbing up a wall
- Not like the original RE-45, which only pulled left
How to Control It:
- Pull down and to the right at the start
- Then alternate: down-right → down-left → down-right
- It’s the same pattern almost every time, but it can throw you off at long range
- The weapon kicks hard the further you shoot from
Pro tip: imagine a zigzag pattern, and reverse it with your aim. Once you feel the rhythm, it becomes second nature.
Should You Feather or Hold Fire?
There’s some debate here, but here’s the breakdown:
Feathering (Tapping Shots):
- Can give slightly more control at long range
- Harder to track your rhythm
- Not ideal in close-quarter fights
Holding Fire:
- Easier to manage consistent bursts
- Works better with the gun’s audio rhythm
- You can time your counter-pull with the “click-click” cadence
- Best for medium-range and close-range engagements
Recommendation: For most fights, just hold the trigger and commit. The time-to-kill is quick enough to make it worth the recoil.
Three Early Tips to Improve Aim With the RE-45
- Learn the Zigzag Early
Get used to the pattern in the firing range. Think of it like playing ping-pong with your mouse movement. - Use Audio Cues
Every burst has a distinct sound. You’ll hear a rhythm — listen to it, and let it guide your counter-strafe and pull. - Forget the Old RE-45
This isn’t the old laser beam. It’s wild, it kicks hard, and it needs precision. Embrace the burst and practice tracking the whole volley, not just the first few shots.
My Experience: 30 Minutes With the New RE-45
After some intense testing:
- I hovered around 40% to 51% accuracy at longer distances
- Found the key was reacting early to that first kick to the left
- Audio cues helped time my pulls
- Felt nearly impossible to feather it and still land consistent bursts
- Full spraying helped me readjust and track the movement better
- With more time, I expect to hit 60–70% accuracy consistently
Final Thoughts
The RE-45’s energy rework makes it one of the most unique weapons in Apex Legends right now. It’s not easy to use, but when mastered, it absolutely shreds enemies at an alarming pace.
The learning curve is real — but so is the payoff. Get used to the snake-like recoil, trust the rhythm, and don’t be afraid to full send. This might be one of the most fun — and frustrating — guns we’ve had in a while.
Want more Apex Legends weapon breakdowns, tips, and news?
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Source: Dazs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RE-45 still a light weapon?
No, it has been completely reworked into an energy weapon for Season 26 as part of the Elite Weapon system.
Can you use a 3x on the RE-45?
No, the RE-45 only allows up to a 2x Bruiser optic.
How much does the RE-45 kick?
It has a significant kick with a zigzag pattern, requiring constant adjustment to aim. It’s best controlled with full-spray tracking rather than tapping.
Is the RE-45 good at long range?
It can hit at range due to no damage Drop-Off, but recoil Control makes it difficult. Best used at close to mid range.
Should I feather or hold fire with the RE-45?
Holding fire is generally better. The recoil is easier to track, and the rhythmic audio cues help you keep control during bursts.
Will the RE-45 stay in the game permanently?
Not guaranteed. As an Elite Weapon, it may rotate out in future seasons. Enjoy it while it lasts.
